Device, method and medium for communication

Abstract

Example embodiments of the present disclosure relate to devices, methods, and computer storage media for communication. In the solution, an A-IoT device may send a report to a communication device, the report including power related information of the A-IoT device. In some example embodiments, the power related information of the A-IoT device indicates a power stability indication associated with an energy harvesting capability of the A-IoT device. Accordingly, the communication device may know the power-related information of the A-IoT device, and thus a communication procedure may be optimized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The exemplary embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to the field of communication technology, and more specifically to devices, methods and computer-readable media for communication. Background Technology

[0002] Recently, new work projects on Ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT) are underway in New Radio (NR) Release 18 (Rel-18). The new 3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project) IoT technology, which relies on A-IoT devices, urgently needs research. A-IoT devices can be ultra-low-complexity devices with ultra-low power consumption for very low-end IoT applications. However, some new features should be introduced to support A-IoT devices in NR systems. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Overall, the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure provide devices, methods, and computer storage media for communication.

[0004] In a first aspect, an A-IoT device is provided. The A-IoT device includes at least one processor configured to cause the A-IoT device to at least: determine power-related information of the A-IoT device, wherein the A-IoT device has an energy harvesting capability, and the power-related information of the A-IoT device indicates a power stability indication associated with the energy harvesting capability; and send a report to a communication device, the report including the power-related information of the A-IoT device.

[0005] In a second aspect, an A-IoT device is provided. The A-IoT device includes at least one processor configured to cause the A-IoT device to at least: determine auxiliary information related to the power of the A-IoT device, wherein the auxiliary information includes a preference for a transmission mode associated with a preferred operating mode of the A-IoT device, the preference indicating whether backscatter communication is used, wherein the A-IoT device has energy harvesting capabilities; and transmit the auxiliary information to a communication device.

[0006] In a third aspect, a communication device is provided. The communication device includes at least one processor configured to cause the communication device to at least: receive a report from an A-IoT device, the report including power-related information of the A-IoT device, wherein the A-IoT device has an energy harvesting capability, and the power-related information of the A-IoT device indicates a power stability indication associated with the energy harvesting capability; and perform management of the A-IoT device based on the report.

[0007] In a fourth aspect, a communication device is provided. The communication device includes at least one processor configured to cause the communication device to at least: receive auxiliary information related to the power of an A-IoT device from an A-IoT device, wherein the auxiliary information includes a preference for a transmission mode associated with a preferred operating mode of the A-IoT device, the preference indicating whether backscatter communication is used, wherein the A-IoT device has energy harvesting capabilities; and determine whether to accept the auxiliary information or generate configuration information based on the auxiliary information.

[0008] In a fifth aspect, a communication method is provided. The method includes: an A-IoT device determining power-related information of the A-IoT device, wherein the A-IoT device has energy harvesting capability, and the power-related information of the A-IoT device indicates a power stability indication associated with the energy harvesting capability; and sending a report to a communication device, the report including the power-related information of the A-IoT device.

[0009] In a sixth aspect, a communication method is provided. The method includes: an A-IoT device determining auxiliary information related to the power of the A-IoT device, wherein the auxiliary information includes a preference for a transmission mode associated with a preferred operating mode of the A-IoT device, the preference indicating whether backscatter communication is used, wherein the A-IoT device has energy harvesting capabilities; and transmitting the auxiliary information to a communication device.

[0010] In a seventh aspect, a communication method is provided. The method includes: a communication device receiving a report from an A-IoT device, the report including power-related information of the A-IoT device, wherein the A-IoT device has energy harvesting capability, and the power-related information of the A-IoT device indicates a power stability indication associated with the energy harvesting capability; and performing management of the A-IoT device based on the report.

[0011] In an eighth aspect, a communication method is provided. The method includes: a communication device receiving, from an A-IoT device, auxiliary information related to the power of the A-IoT device, wherein the auxiliary information includes a preference for a transmission mode associated with a preferred operating mode of the A-IoT device, the preference indicating whether backscatter communication is used, wherein the A-IoT device has energy harvesting capabilities; and determining whether to accept the auxiliary information or generate configuration information based on the auxiliary information.

[0012] In a ninth aspect, a computer-readable medium is provided that stores instructions which, when executed on at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform the method according to any one of the fifth to eighth aspects described above.

[0013] It should be understood that the summary portion is not intended to identify key or essential features of the embodiments of this disclosure, nor is it intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Other features of this disclosure will become readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0014] The above and other objects, features and advantages of this disclosure will become more apparent from a more detailed description of some exemplary embodiments thereof in the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 A schematic diagram illustrating tag communication is provided. Figures 2A to 2E Examples of communication environments in which some implementation schemes of this disclosure can be carried out are illustrated; Figure 3 Example communication environments are illustrated, which may implement some of the embodiments of this disclosure; Figure 4 Signaling diagrams illustrating communication processes according to some embodiments of this disclosure are shown; Figures 5A to 5D Examples of reporting procedures according to some embodiments of this disclosure are illustrated; Figure 6A Example schematic diagrams of A-IoT devices with power amplifiers according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated; Figure 6B Example processes for reporting capability information according to some embodiments of this disclosure are illustrated; Figures 7A to 7C Examples of procedures for reporting auxiliary information according to some embodiments of this disclosure are illustrated; Figure 8 Flowcharts illustrating example methods implemented at an A-IoT device according to some embodiments of this disclosure are shown; Figure 9Flowcharts illustrating example methods implemented at a communication device according to some embodiments of this disclosure are shown; Figure 10 Flowcharts illustrating example methods implemented at an A-IoT device according to some embodiments of this disclosure are shown; Figure 11 Flowcharts illustrating example methods implemented at a communication device according to some embodiments of this disclosure are shown; and Figure 12 A simplified block diagram of an apparatus suitable for implementing embodiments of this disclosure is illustrated.

[0015] Throughout the accompanying drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements. Detailed Implementation

[0016] The principles of this disclosure will now be described with reference to some exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are described for illustrative purposes only and to help those skilled in the art to understand and implement this disclosure, and do not imply any limitation on the scope of this disclosure. The embodiments described herein can be implemented in various ways other than those described below.

[0017] In the following description and claims, unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

[0018] References to “an embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” etc., in this disclosure indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it should be understood that a person skilled in the art would be able to use such feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments (whether explicitly described or not).

[0019] It should be understood that although the terms “first” and “second” may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the example embodiments, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.

[0020] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and / or “containing,” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, elements, and / or components, etc., but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0021] In some examples, values, processes, or devices are referred to as “best,” “lowest,” “highest,” “smallest,” “largest,” etc. It should be understood that such descriptions are intended to indicate that a choice can be made among many alternative functionalities used, and that such a choice is not necessarily better, smaller, higher, or otherwise preferred than other choices.

[0022] As used herein, the term "communication network" refers to a network that follows any suitable communication standard, such as New Radio (NR), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), High-Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), Narrow Band Internet of Things (NB-IoT), etc. Furthermore, communication between terminal devices and network devices in a communication network can be performed according to any suitable generation of communication protocols (including but not limited to first generation (1G), second generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), 4.5G, fifth generation (5G), 5.5G, 5G-Advanced, or sixth generation (6G) communication protocols) and / or any other currently known or future protocols. Embodiments of this disclosure are applicable to a wide variety of communication systems. Given the rapid development of communications, there will naturally be future types of communication technologies and systems that embody the nature of this disclosure. This should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure to the aforementioned systems.

[0023] As used herein, the term "terminal device" refers to any device with wireless or wired communication capabilities. Examples of terminal devices include, but are not limited to: User Equipment (UE); Personal Computers; Desktop Computers; Mobile Phones; Cellular Phones; Smartphones; Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs); Portable Computers; Tablets; Wearable Devices; Internet of Things (IoT) Devices; Ultra-reliable and Low-Latency Communication (URLLC) Devices; Internet of Everything (IoE) Devices; Machine-type Communication (MTC) Devices; Devices on vehicles for V2X communication, where X refers to pedestrians, vehicles, or infrastructure / networks; Devices for Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB); Spacecraft or Aircraft Vehicles in Non-terrestrial Networks (NTNs), including satellites and High Altitude Platforms (HAPs) covering Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS); and different types of reality (such as Augmented Reality (AR), Mixed Reality (MR)). Extended Reality (XR) devices, including those for Virtual Reality (VR) and Virtual Reality (VR); unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), often referred to as drones (aircraft without human pilots); devices on high-speed trains (HSTs); or image capture devices such as digital cameras and sensors; gaming devices; music storage and playback equipment; or internet devices enabling wireless or wired internet access and browsing. "Terminal devices" may also have "multicast / broadcast" capabilities to support public safety and mission-critical applications, V2X applications, transparent IPv4 / IPv6 multicast delivery, IPTV, smart TV, radio services, wireless software delivery, group communication, and IoT applications. "Terminal devices" may also incorporate one or more Subscriber Identity Modules (SIMs), a situation known as multi-SIM. The term "terminal device" is used interchangeably with UE, mobile station, subscriber station, mobile terminal, user terminal, or wireless device.

[0024] As used herein, the term "network device" refers to a device capable of providing or hosting communication for terminal devices within a cell or coverage area. Examples of network devices include, but are not limited to, satellites, unmanned aerial vehicle system (UAS) platforms, NodeBs (or NBs), evolved NodeBs (eNodeBs or eNBs), next-generation NodeBs (gNBs), transmission reception points (TRPs), remote radio units (RRUs), radio heads (RHs), remote radio heads (RRHs), IAB nodes, low-power nodes (such as femtonodes and piconodes), reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RISs), etc.

[0025] In one embodiment, the terminal device may be connected to a first network device and a second network device. One of the first and second network devices may be a master node, and the other may be a slave node. The first and second network devices may use different Radio Access Technologies (RATs). In one embodiment, the first network device may be a first RAT device, and the second network device may be a second RAT device. In one embodiment, the first RAT device is an eNB, and the second RAT device is a gNB. Information related to different RATs may be sent to the terminal device from at least one of the first and second network devices. In one embodiment, first information may be sent from the first network device to the terminal device, and second information may be sent from the second network device directly or via the first network device to the terminal device. In one embodiment, configuration-related information configured by the second network device for the terminal device may be sent from the second network device via the first network device. Reconfiguration-related information configured by the second network device for the terminal device may be sent from the second network device directly or via the first network device to the terminal device.

[0026] The communications discussed herein may conform to any suitable standard, including but not limited to New Radio (NR) access, Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE Evolution, LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), cdma2000, and Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM). Furthermore, these communications may be implemented according to any generation of communication protocols currently known or to be developed in the future. Examples of communication protocols include, but are not limited to, first-generation (1G), second-generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.85G, third-generation (3G), fourth-generation (4G), 4.5G, fifth-generation (5G), and sixth-generation (6G) communication protocols. The techniques described herein can be used with the wireless networks and radio technologies mentioned above, as well as other wireless networks and radio technologies. Embodiments of this disclosure may be implemented according to any generation of communication protocols currently known or to be developed in the future. Examples of communication protocols include, but are not limited to, first-generation (1G), second-generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, third-generation (3G), fourth-generation (4G), 4.5G, fifth-generation (5G), 5.5G, 5G-Advanced Networks, or sixth-generation (6G) networks.

[0027] Terminal devices or network devices may have artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning capabilities. Terminal devices or network devices typically include models that have been trained on specific functions based on a large amount of collected data and can be used to predict some information.

[0028] Terminal or network devices can operate within several frequency ranges, such as FR1 (410MHz to 7125MHz), FR2 (24.25GHz to 71GHz), bands above 100GHz, and terahertz (THz). They can also operate on licensed / unlicensed / shared spectrum. In Multi-Radio Dual Connectivity (MR-DC) applications, terminal devices can be connected to more than one network device. Terminal or network devices can operate in full-duplex, flexible-duplex, and cross-division duplex modes.

[0029] The embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in test equipment (e.g., signal generator, signal analyzer, spectrum analyzer, network analyzer, test terminal equipment, test network equipment, or channel simulator).

[0030] The embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented according to any generation of communication protocols currently known or to be developed in the future. Examples of communication protocols include, but are not limited to, 1G, 2G, 2.5G, 2.75G, 3G, 4G, 4.5G, 5G, 5.5G, 5G-Advanced networks, or 6G networks.

[0031] As used herein, the term "circuit" can refer to hardware circuitry and / or a combination of hardware circuitry and software. For example, a circuit can be a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuitry with software / firmware. As another example, a circuit can be any part of a hardware processor with software, including digital signal processors, software, and memory, which work together to enable a device (such as a terminal device or network device) to perform various functions. In yet another example, a circuit can be hardware circuitry and / or a processor (such as a microprocessor or a portion thereof) that requires software / firmware to operate, but which may be absent when operation is not required. As used herein, the term "circuit" also encompasses a specific implementation of hardware circuitry or a processor, or a portion thereof, and its accompanying software and / or firmware.

[0032] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term “comprising” and its variations should be understood as open terms meaning “including, but not limited to.” The term “based on” should be understood as “at least partially based on.” The terms “one implementation” and “implementation” should be understood as “at least one implementation.” The term “another implementation” should be understood as “at least one other implementation.” The terms “first,” “second,” etc., may refer to different or the same objects. Other explicit and implicit definitions are given below.

[0033] In some examples, values, processes, or devices are referred to as “best,” “lowest,” “highest,” “smallest,” “largest,” etc. It should be understood that such descriptions are intended to indicate that a choice can be made among many alternative functionalities used, and that such a choice is not necessarily better, smaller, higher, or otherwise preferred than other choices.

[0034] The paper proposes studying the deployment of A-IoT devices in 3GPP systems (such as NR systems). To support A-IoT devices in NR systems, some new features should be introduced and studied, such as new waveforms, new frame structures, new physical layers, and higher-level procedures.

[0035] A-IoT devices feature ultra-low power consumption. In terms of energy storage, A-IoT devices can be completely battery-free devices with no energy storage capacity and rely entirely on the availability of an external power source; or, A-IoT devices can be devices with limited energy storage capacity that do not require manual replacement or recharging.

[0036] Battery-free devices or devices with limited energy storage capabilities are already widely used in many real-world applications, such as retail, location services, and highway toll collection. For battery-free devices, such as radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags, backscatter communication can be used. Figure 1 A schematic diagram illustrating communication 100 of the tag is shown. A reader 110, also referred to as an interrogator, can send a continuous wave to a tag 120, where the reader 110 is a pure carrier signal without modulation information. The tag 120 can harvest energy from the received continuous wave, then modulate its information onto the wave and send it to the reader 110. For devices with energy storage capabilities (e.g., devices with solar cells), a continuous wave may not be necessary, as the device may have sufficient power to generate a carrier wave via an oscillator module.

[0037] Some representative use cases have already been discussed, which may involve inventory management, such as automated warehousing, medical device inventory management and location, and non-public networks for logistics; sensors, such as smart homes, base station room environmental monitoring, and forest fire monitoring; location, such as finding remotely lost items, location services, and distance measurement at home; and / or commands, such as online modification of medical device status, device activation and deactivation, and elderly healthcare. To support these use cases, specific management functions for 5GC can be defined, such as A-IoT functions (AIF).

[0038] Figures 2A to 2E Some example communication environments are illustrated, illustrating some implementation schemes of this disclosure. In NR systems, possible deployment scenarios for A-IoT devices can be divided into two categories: single-site architecture and dual-site architecture.

[0039] In this disclosure, a single-site architecture may involve at least two entities, such as a network device and an A-IoT device, or a terminal device and an A-IoT device. A dual-site architecture may involve at least three entities, such as a network device, a terminal device, and an A-IoT device, or two terminal devices and an A-IoT device.

[0040] In this disclosure, the transmission link to the A-IoT device may be referred to as a forward link (FL), in which case the A-IoT device is a receiver of transmissions from a network device or a terminal device. The transmission link from the A-IoT device may be referred to as a backward link (BL), in which case the A-IoT device is a transmitter of transmissions to a network device or a terminal device.

[0041] like Figure 2A As shown, this illustrates an example environment 210 of a single-site architecture. Terminal device 211 can send data to A-IoT device 212 via FL, and A-IoT device 212 can send data to terminal device 211 via BL. For example, BL sending can be a response to FL sending. Figure 2B As shown, an example environment 220 of a single-site architecture is illustrated, in which network device 221 can send to A-IoT device 222 via FL, and A-IoT device 222 can send to network device 221 via BL. For example, BL sending can be a response to FL sending.

[0042] like Figure 2C As shown, this illustrates an example environment 230 of a dual-site architecture, where terminal device 231 can transmit data to A-IoT device 232 via FL, and A-IoT device 232 can transmit data to another terminal device 233 via BL. Figure 2D As shown, this illustrates an example environment 240 with a dual-site architecture. Terminal device 241 can transmit data to A-IoT device 242 via FL, and A-IoT device 242 can transmit data to network device 243 via BL. Figure 2E As shown, an example environment 230 of a dual-site architecture is illustrated, in which network device 251 can transmit to A-IoT device 252 via FL, and A-IoT device 252 can transmit to terminal device 253 via BL.

[0043] These A-IoT devices can be characterized by their energy storage capacity and their ability to generate radio frequency (RF) signals for transmission. For example, an A-IoT device may have one of the following energy storage capacities: Storage Capacity 1: No storage at all; Storage Capacity 2: Up to... E1 Joules; and storage capacity 3: up to E2 Joules. It should be understood that, in E1=E2 In this scenario, two types of capacity can exist. In this case, an A-IoT device with 2 / 3 of the storage capacity can be a device with limited energy storage.

[0044] The following groups of A-IoT devices can be considered by relying on these storage capacities: - Device Type A: No energy storage, no independent signal generation / amplification, i.e., backscatter transmission.

[0045] - Device Type B: Features energy storage but no independent signal generation; it transmits via backscatter. The stored energy can be used to amplify the reflected signal.

[0046] - Device type C: It has energy storage and independent signal generation, i.e., an active RF component for transmission.

[0047] In some example implementations, a device may be introduced to charge A-IoT devices. This device can be used to transmit carrier wave (CW) signals to the A-IoT devices; in some examples, this device may be referred to as a CW source device. In some examples, the CW source device can be a terminal device or a network device. For example, the CW source device can be a CW source terminal device, such as a CW source UE.

[0048] For simplicity, this CW signal can be referred to as CW, and it can be sent to A-IoT devices. In some examples, CW can be used to generate a backscattered signal by an A-IoT device. In some examples, CW can be used to provide a power source to an A-IoT device. In some examples, CW can be used for both purposes: generating a backscattered signal by an A-IoT device and providing a power source to an A-IoT device. As an example, CW is a pure sine wave or cosine wave; as another example, CW is a modulated signal, such as an orthogonal frequency divided multiplexing (OFDM) signal or a single-carrier signal.

[0049] In some implementations, the CW signal and / or backscattered signal can be generated based on amplitude modulation, which can include any of the following: amplitude shift keying (ASK), frequency shift keying (FSK), or on-off keying (OOK) modulation. The OOK modulation sequence can include at least one OOK ON symbol and at least one OOK OFF symbol. For example, the OOK ON symbol and the OOK OFF symbol can represent symbols with higher and lower amplitudes, respectively. It should be understood that the OOK ON symbol corresponds to a non-zero symbol transmitted in the frequency component of the FSK modulation, and the OOK OFF symbol corresponds to a symbol with zero power in the frequency component of the FSK modulation.

[0050] In this disclosure, transmission on the FL (Flexible Transmission) may be referred to as FL transmission (or communication), forward transmission (or communication), etc. In this disclosure, transmission on the BL (Browser Base) may be referred to as backscatter transmission (or communication), backscattered transmission (or communication), BL transmission (or communication), reverse transmission (or communication), reflection transmission (or communication), etc. In this disclosure, the transmission link from the CW source device to the A-IoT device may be referred to as a CW link, which can be used for CW signal transmission or CW transmission.

[0051] A-IoT devices can be environmentally powered IoT devices, which can be powered by energy harvesting and can be battery-free or have limited energy storage capacity (e.g., using capacitors). For environmental IoT devices, energy can be harvested from different types of environmental power sources, some examples of which may include radio waves, solar energy, light, heat, and / or mechanical vibration. These types of environmental power have the following characteristics: for typical environmental power, the harvested power is very limited, for example, from 1uW to 100mW (per cm² / cm³); for some environmental power from man-made power sources (e.g., light, RF waves), the environmental power can be stable and constant; however, for some other types of environmental power such as solar energy, heat, or vibration, the environmental power is unstable (intermittent, not constant) and may not be usable as a direct power source for electronic devices.

[0052] For example, Type B or Type C A-IoT devices may harvest energy using ambient power; however, this ambient power may be unstable, and the energy storage capacity of the A-IoT device may be limited. This means that under certain conditions, the stored energy may be depleted or reach low levels. For instance, an A-IoT device using solar energy as ambient power can only be charged during the day (and in good sunlight), so its energy supply may be unstable (e.g., discontinuous) at night or when it is placed in an indoor environment without sunlight for extended periods. Similarly, for an A-IoT device using RF signals as ambient power, if placed in a specific environment (e.g., a basement or inside a metal cabinet / box) with poor RF reception power levels (typically, the RF signal power charging threshold (e.g., -10dBm) is higher than the communication threshold (e.g., -70dBm)), its stored energy may be depleted and unable to be recharged.

[0053] This disclosure provides a communication solution. In this solution, an A-IoT device can send a report to a communication device, the report including power-related information of the A-IoT device. In some example embodiments, this power-related information of the A-IoT device indicates a power stability indication associated with the A-IoT device's energy harvesting capability. Therefore, the communication device can know this power-related information of the A-IoT device, and thus optimize the communication process. The principles and specific implementations of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0054] Figure 3 Example communication environment 300 is illustrated, in which some embodiments of this disclosure may be implemented. Communication environment 300 may also be referred to as network environment, network system, communication system, communication network, etc., and this disclosure is not limiting in this respect. Communication environment 300 includes A-IoT device 310, terminal device 320, network device 330, auxiliary node 340, and core network function 350.

[0055] The A-IoT device 310 has energy harvesting capabilities. For example, the energy or power of the A-IoT device 310 can be harvested from ambient power, such as solar energy, light, radio waves, heat, or mechanical vibration. It should be understood that this disclosure does not limit the source of ambient power. In this disclosure, the terms "energy" and "power" are used interchangeably in some cases, for example, "power stability" can be used interchangeably with "energy stability," "power state" can be used interchangeably with "energy state," "power supply" can be used interchangeably with "energy supply," etc., and this aspect will not be listed again in the following description.

[0056] In some examples, core network function 350 (which may also be referred to as core network entity) may be included in the core network (e.g., 5GC or 6G core network). For example, core network function 350 may include AIF and / or application function (AF). In some examples, auxiliary node 340 may be any type of device or entity, such as UE, NR RAN node (such as gNB, trunk, integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node), AP, or STA.

[0057] In environment 300, A-IoT device 310 can perform backscatter transmission to any of the following: terminal device 320, network device 330, auxiliary node 340, or core network function 350. In some examples, such as Figure 3As shown, there may be a network path (BL) from A-IoT device 310 to terminal device 320, a network path from A-IoT device 310 to network device 330, and / or a network path from A-IoT device 310 to auxiliary node 340.

[0058] although Figure 3 Not shown, but A-IoT device 310 may receive forward transmissions on FL from any of the following: terminal device 320, network device 330, auxiliary node 340, or another terminal device.

[0059] In some specific implementations, there may also be Figure 3 A first device, not shown, is used to send, for example, a CW signal to an A-IoT device 310.

[0060] In some specific implementations, the device that can receive backscattered transmissions from A-IoT device 310 on BL can be referred to as a communication device or a second device. For example, the second device can be such as Figure 3 The terminal device 320, network device 330, auxiliary node 340, or core network function 350 shown.

[0061] Communication in this environment, such as between network devices and terminal devices, or between network devices / terminal devices and A-IoT devices, can be implemented according to any suitable communication protocol, including but not limited to cellular communication protocols such as first-generation (1G), second-generation (2G), third-generation (3G), fourth-generation (4G), fifth-generation (5G), and sixth-generation (6G), wireless local area network communication protocols such as IEEE 802.11, and / or any other protocols currently known or to be developed in the future. Furthermore, the communication may utilize any suitable wireless communication technology, including but not limited to: Code Divided Multiple Address (CDMA), Frequency Divided Multiple Address (FDMA), Time Divided Multiple Address (TDMA), Frequency Divided Duplexer (FDD), Time Divided Duplexer (TDD), Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO), Orthogonal Frequency Divided Multiple Access (OFDMA), and / or any other technology currently known or to be developed in the future.

[0062] The embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to any suitable scenario. For example, embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented at NR devices with reduced capabilities. Alternatively, embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented in one of the following: NR multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), NR sidelink enhancement, NR systems at frequencies above 52.6 GHz, extended NR operation up to 71 GHz, narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) / enhanced Machine Type Communication (eMTC) over non-terrestrial networks (NTN), NTN, UE power saving enhancement, NR coverage enhancement, NB-IoT and LTE-MTC, integrated access and backhaul (IAB), NR multicast and broadcast services, or enhancements over multi-radio dual connectivity.

[0063] It should be understood that Figure 3 The number of devices, their connections, and types shown are for illustrative purposes only and do not imply any limitation. The environment may include any suitable number of devices for implementing embodiments of this disclosure.

[0064] Further reference Figure 4 The diagram illustrates a signaling diagram illustrating a communication process 400 according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. Process 400 may involve an A-IoT device 401 and a communication device 402; for example, the A-IoT device 401 may be as follows: Figure 3 The A-IoT device 310 shown, and the communication device 402 can be as follows: Figure 3 The terminal device 320, network device 330, auxiliary node 340, or core network function 350 shown are examples. It should be understood that process 400 can be applied to other communication scenarios, which will not be described in detail here.

[0065] In process 400, A-IoT device 401 determines 410 the power-related information of the A-IoT device. In addition, A-IoT device 401 sends a report 422 to communication device 402, whereby report 422 includes the power-related information. Therefore, communication device 402 receives 424 the report and becomes aware of the power-related information of A-IoT device 401.

[0066] In some specific implementations, report 422 may be a Power Stability Information (PSI) report. It should be understood that this PSI report may also be referred to as a PSI message, PSI notification, PSI, energy stability information, etc., and this disclosure is not limiting in this respect. In some example implementations, A-IoT device 401 is able to report its PSI to communication device 402 via BL.

[0067] In some example implementations, A-IoT device 401 may be a Type C device, meaning that A-IoT device 401 has limited energy storage and the ability to generate signals independently. In some example implementations, the PSI report may at least provide the long-term stability or availability of the energy storage of A-IoT device 401, or the long-term stability or availability of the ambient power used for energy harvesting.

[0068] In some example implementations, the PSI report includes power-related information, which is static or semi-persistent. In some examples, the power-related information in the PSI report may be considered, referred to, included, or incorporated into power stability information. In some examples, the PSI report includes power stability information that at least indicates power stability. In some example implementations, the information in the PSI report may be determined based on the capabilities of the A-IoT device 401 and / or the deployment environment.

[0069] In some example implementations, communication device 402 may send a request for PSI (PSI request) to A-IoT device 401, and A-IoT device 401 may further respond to the PSI request by sending a PSI report to communication device 402. For example, the PSI request may be sent from communication device 402 to A-IoT device 401 via FL.

[0070] In some other example implementations, A-IoT device 401 may determine whether at least one predefined condition is met. In some examples, the at least one predefined condition is defined to trigger a PSI report. In some examples, when one of the at least one predefined conditions is met, A-IoT device 401 may report its PSI to communication device 402 via BL. In some examples, the at least one predefined condition may be referred to as at least one event, at least one triggering condition, at least one triggering event for reporting PSI, etc., and this disclosure is not limiting in this respect.

[0071] In some examples, the at least one predefined condition may include: receiving a transmission from communication device 402, and the transmission being used to configure the FL and / or BL between A-IoT device 401 and communication device 402. For example, A-IoT device 401 has been connected to communication device 402, which is a new device or entity for A-IoT device 401. For example, A-IoT device 401 has received an FL transmission from communication device 402, which is a new device or entity for A-IoT device 401, and the FL transmission is intended to configure the FL and / or BL between A-IoT device 401 and communication device 402 (i.e., the new device or entity).

[0072] In some examples, the at least one predefined condition may include: A-IoT device 401 selecting or accessing another cell. For example, A-IoT device 401 has selected a new cell, or the cell it selected has a new tracking area code that is different from the cell it previously connected to or resided in.

[0073] In some other examples, the at least one predefined condition may include: a specific BL transmission to the communication device will be performed, wherein the specific BL transmission is one of the following: a first BL transmission, a last BL transmission, or an Nth BL transmission. For example, a PSI report (or PSI) may be transmitted with or included in the specific BL transmission. For example, A-IoT device 401 may report a PSI in each BL transmission. For example, A-IoT device 401 may report a PSI in the Nth BL transmission in a series of transmissions, where N can be an integer not less than 0. For example, N may be equal to 1 or 2. For example, a PSI may be transmitted in the first or second BL transmission among multiple BL transmissions (e.g., during initial access, during inventory counting, or during discovery, etc.).

[0074] In some example implementations, the PSI report may be sent to communication device 402, which may be the second device mentioned above.

[0075] In some examples, communication device 402 can be an NR RAN node (e.g., gNB, relay, IAB node) or a UE. For example, communication device 402 can be such as Figure 3 The terminal device 320, network device 330, or auxiliary node 340 are shown. For example, the PSI report can be transmitted in physical signaling, MAC signaling, or RRC signaling. For example, the PSI report can be further sent (or forwarded or transmitted) from communication device 402 to core network functions, such as to a 5GC entity (such as AIF or AMF) that supports the services of A-IoT device 401.

[0076] In some other examples, communication device 402 can be a core network function. For example, communication device 402 can be a 5GC entity (such as AIF or AMF) that supports the services of A-IoT device 401. For example, PSI reports can be transmitted in non-access stratum (NAS) signaling.

[0077] In some example implementations, the PSI report may include a power stability indicator. In some examples, this power stability indicator may indicate whether the power supply to the A-IoT device 401 is stable. In some examples, this power stability indicator may indicate whether the power / energy supply to the A-IoT device 401 is stable (or continuous), in other words, whether power stability should be considered in the operation of the A-IoT device 401.

[0078] For example, if a power stability indication is included in the PSI report, or if the power stability indication in the PSI report is indicated as true, then communication device 402 can assume that A-IoT device 401 has a discontinuous power / energy supply; that is, A-IoT device 401 may have insufficient power under certain conditions. Conversely, if a power stability indication is not included in the PSI report (i.e., communication device 402 does not receive a power stability indication), or if the power stability indication in the PSI report is indicated as false, then communication device 402 can assume that A-IoT device 401 has a continuous power / energy supply. In other words, the power stability indication, which indicates a stable (or continuous) power supply, can be omitted from the PSI report.

[0079] In some examples, communication device 402 may determine that the power supply is unstable (or discontinuous) if the power stability indicator is included in the PSI report, or if the power stability indicator in the PSI report is indicated as true. In addition, communication device 402 may further determine that A-IoT device 401 is underpowered or shut down if one of the following conditions is met: the connection between A-IoT device 401 and communication device 402 fails; the connection between A-IoT device 401 and communication device 402 cannot be established; no response is received from A-IoT device 401 after transmission; or the duration of no transmission from A-IoT device 401 exceeds a predefined time length threshold. For example, if the connection between A-IoT device 401 and communication device 402 fails, or communication device 402 cannot establish a connection with A-IoT device 401, or A-IoT device 401 does not respond to a transmission (e.g., paging) from communication device 402, or A-IoT device 401 does not send any signal to communication device 402 for a long time (e.g., exceeding a predefined time length threshold), and if A-IoT device 401 has sent a power stability indication (optionally, and the power stability indication is true), then communication device 402 may consider that A-IoT device 401 may have insufficient power / energy supply, or A-IoT device 401 may be turned off.

[0080] In some example implementations, the PSI report may indicate the type of ambient power used for energy harvesting by the A-IoT device 401. In some examples, this ambient power may be a source for energy harvesting, and the PSI report may include the type of ambient power. For example, the ambient power type may directly indicate the type of ambient power, such as solar energy, light, radio waves, heat, or mechanical vibration. For example, there may be multiple sets (i.e., two or more sets) of types, each set including one or more types. For example, a set of types may also be referred to as a collection of types, a class of types, etc. For example, a first set of types may be associated with a first type of ambient power (e.g., discontinuous / unstable power that may include solar energy and non-dedicated radio waves, etc.). For example, a second set of types may be associated with a second type of ambient power (e.g., continuous / stable power that may include artificial light, heat, etc.). For example, a third set of types may be associated with a third type of ambient power (e.g., rechargeable or replaceable batteries).

[0081] In some examples, a PSI report may include a value indicating a corresponding set of types, for example, indicating that the type of ambient power is a first value of a type in a first set of types, or indicating that the type of ambient power is a second value of a type in a second set of types.

[0082] In some example implementations, the PSI report may indicate the duration of a power stability indication and / or the type of ambient power. In some example implementations, the PSI report may include time information, which may be explicit or implicit information about the duration.

[0083] In some examples, the PSI report may also indicate the duration of unstable (or discontinuous) power supply for A-IoT device 401. In other words, A-IoT device 401 may run out of power / energy, or may shut down during time instances within that duration, or the power supply will be unstable (or discontinuous) during that duration, or ambient power will be unavailable during that duration. In other examples, the PSI report may also indicate the duration of stable (or continuous) power supply for A-IoT device 401. In other words, A-IoT device 401 may have sufficient power / energy storage during that duration, or the power supply will be stable (or continuous) during that duration, or ambient power will be available during that duration.

[0084] In some examples, if the PSI report indicates the type of ambient power, it may also indicate the duration for which a power supply of that type is available (or unavailable). In other words, ambient power of that type will be unavailable (or available) during that duration.

[0085] In some examples, the duration may be indicated by explicit duration information, such as from 7:00 to 18:00, or from superframe N1 to superframe N2. In other examples, the duration may be indicated by implicit duration information; for example, communication device 402 may derive the duration based on this implicit duration information and the type of ambient power. For example, if the type of ambient power is solar, communication device 402 may derive (or determine) that the power supply may be unstable at night.

[0086] In some examples, the PSI report may also indicate the periodicity of the duration (optionally, with an offset). For example, the periodicity could be M days, M weeks, M superframes, etc., where M is an integer. For example, a stable duration (or an unstable duration) could occur once within each period with an offset.

[0087] In some example implementations, the PSI report may also indicate the effective duration of at least one of the following: a power stability indication, an ambient power type, or a duration. In some examples, the effective duration may be, for example, a verification duration of a power stability indication, an ambient power type, or a duration. In some examples, the effective duration may include multiple time units (such as seconds, minutes, hours, days, frames, superframes, etc.). For example, one or more of the power stability indication, the ambient power type, or the duration will be valid within this effective duration (i.e., the verification duration). In some examples, the PSI report may not include an effective duration, that is, the effective duration does not exist. In this case, one or more of the power stability indication, the ambient power type, or the duration discussed above (in the PSI report) will be valid until the communication device 402 receives a new PSI report, which should be understood to include a new verification duration.

[0088] refer to Figure 4 In process 400, communication device 402 performs management of A-IoT device 401 based on report 422 (e.g., PSI report). In some example embodiments, communication device 402 may use the received PSI report to manage A-IoT device 401 or determine the configuration for A-IoT device 401.

[0089] In some examples, communication device 402 may configure a power-saving mode for A-IoT device 401, for example, during periods of unstable power supply or when ambient power is unavailable. In some examples, when the connection to A-IoT device 401 is unstable, about to fail, or has already failed, communication device 402 may forward (or inform, notify, or send) some or all of the information in the PSI report to another core network function, such as AF.

[0090] Therefore, communication device 402 can obtain information about the power stability of A-IoT device 401, thereby optimizing the management and configuration of A-IoT device 401. In other words, the power stability information in the PSI report can be used to manage A-IoT device 401 and / or optimize the configuration of A-IoT device 401's communication.

[0091] In some specific implementations, the report may be a power status report. It should be understood that the power status report may also be referred to as a power status message, power status notification, energy status report, etc., and this disclosure does not limit this aspect. In some example implementations, A-IoT device 401 can report its power status to communication device 402 via BL.

[0092] In some example implementations, the power status report may at least provide the current status (or change) of the energy storage or ambient power used for energy harvesting by the A-IoT device 401. In some example implementations, the power status report may be a one-time report used to inform the communication device 402 of changes in the power status of the A-IoT device 401.

[0093] In some example implementations, the power status report includes power-related information, which may be regarded as, referred to as, included in, or incorporated into the power status information.

[0094] In some example implementations, communication device 402 may send a request for a power state report (power state request) to A-IoT device 401, and A-IoT device 401, in response to the power state request, sends a power state report back to communication device 402. For example, the power state request may be sent from communication device 402 to A-IoT device 401 via a power line (FL). In some examples, the power state request may be sent periodically. In some examples, the power state request may be multicast or broadcast.

[0095] In some other example implementations, A-IoT device 401 may determine whether one or more predefined conditions are met. In some examples, one or more predefined conditions are defined to trigger a power state report. In some examples, when one of the one or more predefined conditions is met, A-IoT device 401 may report its power state to communication device 402 via BL. In some examples, the one or more predefined conditions may be referred to as one or more events, one or more triggering conditions, one or more triggering events for reporting power state, etc., and this disclosure is not limiting in this respect.

[0096] In some examples, one of the predefined conditions may include: the ambient power for A-IoT device 401 becomes unavailable, or the ambient power for A-IoT device 401 becomes available. For example, if the power state of A-IoT device 401 is changed, such as the ambient power becoming unavailable or becoming available again, A-IoT device 401 may initiate a power state report.

[0097] In some examples, one of the predefined conditions may include: the remaining power of the A-IoT device 401 is below a first energy threshold, or the remaining power of the A-IoT device exceeds a second energy threshold. For example, if the remaining battery power is below the first energy threshold (optionally, while ambient power is unavailable), the A-IoT device 401 may initiate a power state report. For example, if the battery of the A-IoT device 401 is about to run out (e.g., below the first energy threshold), the A-IoT device 401 may initiate a power state report. For example, if the remaining battery power is above the second energy threshold (optionally, while ambient power is unavailable), the A-IoT device 401 may initiate a power state report. For example, the second energy threshold may be greater than or equal to the first energy threshold.

[0098] For example, if the remaining battery energy is below A1 joules or above A2 joules, the A-IoT device 401 may initiate a power state report. For example, if the remaining battery energy is sufficient to perform B1 communications or communications for a duration B2 with a reference setting for communication, and if B1 is less than a number of communications threshold or B2 is less than a duration threshold, the A-IoT device 401 may initiate a power state report. For example, B2 is the duration, such as several milliseconds, several time slots, several subframes, etc. For example, the reference setting may include at least one of the following: bit rate, duration, frequency resources, modulation and decoding scheme, etc.

[0099] In some examples, one of the predefined conditions may include: restarting energy harvesting. For example, if the battery is recharged (optionally, based on energy harvesting) or replaced, the A-IoT device 401 may initiate a power status report.

[0100] In some examples, one of the predefined conditions may include: the expiration of a specific duration. For example, a power status report may be sent periodically, and the A-IoT device 401 may initiate a power status report when the duration equals the expiration of the period. For example, a timer may be used, and the A-IoT device 401 may initiate a power status report when the timer expires.

[0101] In some example implementations, a power status report may be sent to a communication device 402, which may be the second device mentioned above.

[0102] In some examples, communication device 402 can be an NR RAN node (e.g., gNB, relay, IAB node) or a UE. For example, communication device 402 can be such as Figure 3 The terminal device 320, network device 330, or auxiliary node 340 are shown. For example, power status reports can be transmitted in physical signaling, MAC signaling, or RRC signaling. For example, power status reports can be further sent (or forwarded or transmitted) from communication device 402 to core network functions, such as to 5GC entities (such as AIF or AMF) that support the services of A-IoT device 401.

[0103] In some other examples, communication device 402 can be a core network function. For example, communication device 402 can be a 5GC entity (such as AIF or AMF) that supports the services of A-IoT device 401. For example, power status reports can be transmitted in Non-Access Stratum (NAS) signaling.

[0104] In some example implementations, the power status report may include first information indicating whether ambient power is available for the A-IoT device 401. In some examples, the first information may indicate that ambient power is unavailable, which may implicitly request entry into a power-saving mode. For example, the first information indicating that ambient power has become unavailable may mean that the A-IoT device 401 requests to initiate a power-saving mode (e.g., a power-saving mode that includes backscatter-based communication). In some examples, the first information may indicate that ambient power is available, which may implicitly request to end the power-saving mode. For example, the first information indicating that ambient power has become available may mean that the A-IoT device 401 requests to end the power-saving mode (e.g., a power-saving mode that includes backscatter-based communication).

[0105] In some example implementations, the power status report may include second information indicating the remaining power level of the A-IoT device 401. In some examples, the second information indicates that the remaining power is below a first energy threshold, implicitly requesting entry into a power-saving mode. For example, the second information may indicate that the power is about to run out or is below the first energy threshold, and it may mean that the A-IoT device 401 requests to initiate a power-saving mode (e.g., the power-saving mode includes backscatter-based communication). In some examples, the second information indicates that the remaining power exceeds a second energy threshold (which may be higher than the first energy threshold), implicitly requesting to end the power-saving mode. For example, the second information may indicate that the power is recharged to a high level or is above the second energy threshold, and it may mean that the A-IoT device 401 requests to end the power-saving mode (e.g., the power-saving mode includes backscatter-based communication).

[0106] In some example implementations, the power status report may include third information indicating whether the A-IoT device 401 should be turned off. In some examples, the third information indicates that the A-IoT device will be turned off after the power status report is sent or after a predefined duration. For example, the third information may indicate that the battery is about to run out and the A-IoT device 401 will be turned off (optionally, after the power status report is sent or after a preconfigured or predetermined duration). For example, the third information may indicate that the A-IoT device 401 has been turned on.

[0107] In some example implementations, the power status report may include fourth information about one or more recently connected devices. In some examples, this fourth information may be information about the last connected device or cell.

[0108] For example, if the power status report includes third information indicating that A-IoT device 401 will be turned off—that is, indicating a "shutdown" message in the power status report—then information about the last connected device or cell can be further included in the power status report. For example, the fourth information may include a device ID or cell ID that indicates the last connected device or the last connected / resided cell that A-IoT device 401 connected to, camped on, or communicated with before it sent the power status report.

[0109] refer to Figure 4 In process 400, communication device 402 performs management of A-IoT device 401 based on report 422 (e.g., power status report). In some example implementations, communication device 402 may use the received power status report to adjust the configuration for A-IoT device 401 in a timely manner.

[0110] In some examples, if the power status report indicates that the battery level is low or the ambient power is unavailable, the communication device 402 can configure the A-IoT device 401 into a deep sleep mode and can configure the A-IoT device 401 to perform necessary transmissions before its power is exhausted.

[0111] Therefore, the communication device 402 can obtain the latest information on the power status of the A-IoT device 401, and thus the communication device 402 can take timely action based on the report to optimize the operation of the A-IoT device 401 or avoid losing connection with the A-IoT device 401.

[0112] It should be understood that although PSI reports and power status reports have been described separately above, in some example implementations, both PSI reports and power status reports may be sent by A-IoT device 401. For example, a PSI report may be sent based on a PSI request from communication device 402, and a power status report may be sent periodically. For example, a PSI report may be sent to a core network function (such as AIF), and a power status report may be sent to an end device or network device.

[0113] Figure 5A Example procedure 510 for reporting PSI is shown. Figure 5A As shown, process 510 involves A-IoT device 310 and a second device 515, the second device being... Figure 3 The device 320 is a terminal device (such as a UE), a network device 330 (such as a gNB), an auxiliary node 340 (such as a relay), or a core network function 350 (such as an AIF). At 511, the second device 515 may send a PSI request to the A-IoT device 310; and at 512, the A-IoT device 310 may send a PSI to the second device 515.

[0114] Figure 5B Example procedure 520 for reporting PSI is shown. Figure 5B As shown, process 520 involves A-IoT device 310 and a second device 525, which can be... Figure 3 The terminal device 320 (such as a UE) or auxiliary node 340 (such as a relay) and another device 526, which may be Figure 3 The network device 330 (such as gNB) or core network function 350 (such as AIF) is involved. At 521, the second device 525 can send a PSI request to the A-IoT device 310; and at 522, the A-IoT device 310 can send a PSI to the second device 525; in addition, at 523, the second device 525 can forward the PSI to another device 526.

[0115] Figure 5C An example procedure 530 for reporting power status is illustrated. For example... Figure 5C As shown, process 530 involves A-IoT device 310 and a second device 515, the second device being... Figure 3 The second device 515 may send a power status request to the A-IoT device 310 at 531; and at 532, the A-IoT device 310 may send a power status report to the second device 515.

[0116] Figure 5D An example procedure 540 for reporting power status is illustrated. Figure 5D As shown, process 540 involves A-IoT device 310 and a second device 525, which can be... Figure 3 The terminal device 320 (such as a UE) or auxiliary node 340 (such as a relay) and another device 526, which may be Figure 3 The network device 330 (such as gNB) or core network function 350 (such as AIF) is involved. At 541, the second device 525 can send a power status request to the A-IoT device 310; and at 542, the A-IoT device 310 can send a power status report to the second device 525; in addition, at 543, the second device 525 can forward the power status report to another device 526.

[0117] According to the reference Figures 4 to 5D In some example implementations, PSI reports and / or power status reports can be sent from the A-IoT device to the communication device. Therefore, the communication device 402 can perform management of the A-IoT device 401, for example, optimizing or updating configuration information for the A-IoT device.

[0118] Figure 6A Example schematic diagram 600 illustrates an A-IoT device with a power amplifier according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For example... Figure 6A As shown, an A-IoT device may have a power amplifier (PA) 601. In some examples, PA 601 may be used, for example, to amplify a signal before transmission, where the amplifier gain may be adjustable to control the output power. In some examples, PA 601 may not be used; for example, one or more switches (such as...) may be present. Figure 6A The switch 602 shown allows the A-IoT device to determine whether to use PA 601. Figure 6AAs shown, A-IoT devices can have the ability to switch between backscatter transmission and independent signal generation (i.e., non-backscatter transmission). In some examples, A-IoT devices can use backscatter transmission, for example, to generate a BL signal based on a received CW signal. In some examples, A-IoT devices can use independent signal generation, for example, a local oscillator (LO) to generate a carrier for BL signal generation. For example, one or more switches (such as...) may be present. Figure 6A The switch 603 shown enables the A-IoT device to determine whether to use backscatter transmission (e.g., by switching to the branch of the received CW) or independent signal generation (e.g., by switching to the branch of LO).

[0119] Figure 6B Example process 610 for reporting capability information according to some embodiments of this disclosure is illustrated. Process 610 may involve A-IoT device 401 and communication device 402; for example, A-IoT device 401 may be as follows: Figure 3 The A-IoT device 310 shown, and the communication device 402 can be as follows: Figure 3 The terminal device 320, network device 330, auxiliary node 340, or core network function 350 shown are examples. It should be understood that process 610 can be applied to other communication scenarios, which will not be described in detail here.

[0120] In process 610, A-IoT device 401 sends 611 A-IoT device 401 capability information 612 to communication device 402. Therefore, communication device 402 receives 613 capability information 612. Thus, communication device 402 can know the capability information of A-IoT device 401.

[0121] In some implementations, capability information 612 may indicate whether A-IoT device 401 supports switching between backscatter communication and independent signal generation. In some example implementations, capability information 612 may also indicate at least one supported method for switching.

[0122] In some example implementations, A-IoT device 401 may support both backscatter communication and independent signal generation. In some examples, A-IoT device 401 is capable of switching between backscatter communication and independent signal generation, and capability information 612 may include a first indication indicating that A-IoT device 401 supports switching between backscatter communication and independent signal generation.

[0123] In some examples, the at least one supported method may include dynamic handover and / or non-dynamic handover. For example, dynamic handover means that the handover may require a relatively short duration, and such dynamic handover may be configured by PHY / MAC signaling. For example, non-dynamic handover means that the handover may consume a relatively long duration, and such non-dynamic handover is not suitable for configuration by PHY / MAC layer signaling.

[0124] In some implementations, capability information 612 may indicate whether A-IoT device 401 supports power amplifier adjustment. In some example implementations, power amplifier adjustment may include adjusting between applying and not applying the power amplifier, and / or adjusting the gain of the power amplifier.

[0125] In some examples, the A-IoT device 401 may be able to switch between applying a PA and not applying a PA. For example, see reference... Figure 6A There may be two switches to enable A-IoT devices 401 to switch between applying and not applying the PA. For example, when the PA is not applied (or is applied), power control may rely on the control of the transmit power of the CW.

[0126] In some examples, the gain is adjustable when a PA is applied (or used), meaning the amplifier gain is adjustable.

[0127] In some implementations, capability information 612 may indicate whether A-IoT device 401 supports switching between various device types. In some examples, A-IoT device 401 may be able to switch between any two of the following three device types: Type A, Type B, and Type C.

[0128] Alternatively, the communication device 402 may determine the configuration information for the A-IoT device 401 based on the capability information 612.

[0129] Further reference Figure 7A The diagram illustrates a signaling diagram illustrating a communication process 700 according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. Process 700 may involve an A-IoT device 401 and a communication device 402; for example, the A-IoT device 401 may be as follows: Figure 3 The A-IoT device 310 shown, and the communication device 402 can be as follows: Figure 3 The terminal device 320, network device 330, auxiliary node 340, or core network function 350 shown are examples. It should be understood that process 700 can be applied to other communication scenarios, which will not be described in detail here.

[0130] In process 700, A-IoT device 401 determines 710 auxiliary information. In addition, A-IoT device 401 sends 720 auxiliary information 722 to communication device 402. Therefore, communication device 402 receives 724 auxiliary information.

[0131] Alternatively, A-IoT device 401 may send capability information to communication device 402. Details regarding capability information can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 6B The discussion on this topic will not be repeated here.

[0132] In some implementations, auxiliary information may be included in reports, messages, notifications, signaling, etc., and this disclosure does not limit this aspect. In some example implementations, A-IoT device 401 may send auxiliary information 722 to communication device 402 via BL. In some example implementations, auxiliary information may be referred to as power stability auxiliary information and may be associated with the preferred operating mode of A-IoT device 401. For example, auxiliary information may at least provide a preference for an operating mode (or power-saving mode).

[0133] In some example implementations, communication device 402 may send a request for auxiliary information (auxiliary information request) to A-IoT device 401, and A-IoT device 401 may further respond to the auxiliary information request by sending auxiliary information to communication device 402. For example, the auxiliary information request may be sent from communication device 402 to A-IoT device 401 via FL.

[0134] In some other example implementations, A-IoT device 401 may determine whether a predefined condition is met. In some examples, the predefined condition is defined to trigger the reporting of auxiliary information. In some examples, when the predefined condition is met, A-IoT device 401 may report its auxiliary information to communication device 402 via BL. In some examples, the predefined condition may be referred to as an event, a triggering condition, a triggering event for reporting auxiliary information, etc., and this disclosure is not limiting in this respect.

[0135] In some examples, predefined conditions may include a change in the operating mode of the A-IoT device 401. For example, in the event of a change in operating mode, the A-IoT device 401 may initiate a report of auxiliary information.

[0136] In some example implementations, auxiliary information may be sent to communication device 402, which may be the second device mentioned above.

[0137] In some examples, communication device 402 can be an NR RAN node (e.g., gNB, relay, IAB node) or a UE. For example, communication device 402 can be such as Figure 3The terminal device 320, network device 330, or auxiliary node 340 are shown. For example, auxiliary information may be transmitted in physical signaling, MAC signaling, or RRC signaling. For example, auxiliary information may be further sent (or forwarded or transmitted) from communication device 402 to core network functions, such as to 5GC entities (such as AIF or AMF) that support the services of A-IoT device 401.

[0138] In some other examples, communication device 402 can be a core network function. For example, communication device 402 can be a 5GC entity (such as AIF or AMF) that supports the services of A-IoT device 401. For example, auxiliary information can be transmitted in NAS signaling.

[0139] In some example implementations, auxiliary information may include a preference for a transmission mode associated with a preferred operating mode of the A-IoT device. In some examples, this preference for the transmission mode may indicate one or more of the following: whether backscatter communication is used, whether independent signal generation is used, or the device type of A-IoT device 401. For example, the preference for the transmission mode may indicate whether backscatter communication or non-backscatter communication (i.e., independent signal generation) is used. For example, the preference for the transmission mode may indicate at least one of the following three device types: type A, type B, and type C.

[0140] In some implementations, the auxiliary information may include a preference for time-domain information associated with a preferred operating mode. In some example implementations, a preference for a time-domain power-saving mode may be indicated. For example, this preference for time-domain information may indicate at least one of the following: continuous reception, discontinuous reception (DRX), or discontinuous transmission (DTX). For example, this preference for time-domain information may indicate the period length of DRX or DTX.

[0141] In some implementations, the auxiliary information may include preferences for power domain information associated with a preferred operating mode. In some example implementations, a preference for a power-saving mode in the power domain may be indicated. For example, this preference for the power domain information may indicate: the maximum configured transmit power for BL transmission, and / or the maximum configured power amplifier gain for that BL transmission. For example, this preference for the power domain information may indicate whether a power amplifier is applied.

[0142] refer to Figure 7A In process 700, communication device 402 determines 730 to receive auxiliary information 722 or to generate configuration information based on auxiliary information 722.

[0143] In some implementations, the communication device 402 may determine whether the auxiliary information is accepted. In some implementations, the communication device 402 may also send a message to the A-IoT device 401, wherein the message may indicate that the auxiliary information is accepted, or the message may include configuration information determined based on the auxiliary information.

[0144] In some examples, communication device 402 may use auxiliary information to adjust the configuration for A-IoT device 401 in a timely manner. For example, if the auxiliary information indicates that A-IoT device 401 prefers to use backscatter communication, communication device 402 may consider accepting this preference and send configuration information to A-IoT device 401.

[0145] In some examples, communication device 402 may determine (or generate) configuration information for a power-saving mode or operating mode based on auxiliary information, and then send the configuration information to A-IoT device 401.

[0146] For example, configuration information may instruct A-IoT device 401 to configure a power-saving mode or operating mode, similar to the configuration included in auxiliary information 722. For example, configuration information may instruct A-IoT device 401 that reported preferences are accepted (or permitted) or not accepted (or not permitted).

[0147] Therefore, A-IoT device 401 can, for example, report its preference for power-saving modes or operating modes to communication device 402 based on its battery status or ambient power, and communication device 402 can take action to optimize the operation of A-IoT device 401 or avoid losing connection with A-IoT device 401.

[0148] Figure 7B Example procedure 750 for reporting auxiliary information is shown. Figure 7B As shown, process 750 involves A-IoT device 310 and a second device 515, the second device being... Figure 3 The second device 515 may send an assistance information request to the A-IoT device 310 at 751; and at 752, the A-IoT device 310 may send assistance information to the second device 515.

[0149] Figure 7C Example procedure 760 for reporting auxiliary information is shown. Figure 5B As shown, process 760 involves A-IoT device 310 and a second device 525, which can be... Figure 3The terminal device 320 (such as a UE) or auxiliary node 340 (such as a relay) and another device 526, which may be Figure 3 The network device 330 (such as gNB) or core network function 350 (such as AIF) is involved. At 761, the second device 525 can send an assistance information request to the A-IoT device 310; and at 762, the A-IoT device 310 can send assistance information to the second device 525; in addition, at 763, the second device 525 can forward the assistance information to another device 526.

[0150] According to the reference Figures 7A to 7C In some implementations, auxiliary information can be sent from the A-IoT device to the communication device. Therefore, the communication device can receive the auxiliary information or determine configuration information for the A-IoT device.

[0151] Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating an example method 800 implemented at an A-IoT device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. For the purposes of discussion, the A-IoT device performing method 800 may be either the A-IoT device 310 or the A-IoT device 401 mentioned above.

[0152] At box 810, the A-IoT device determines power-related information, wherein the A-IoT device has energy harvesting capabilities, and the power-related information indicates a power stability indication associated with the energy harvesting capabilities. At box 820, the A-IoT device sends a report to a communication device, the report including the power-related information of the A-IoT device.

[0153] In some example implementations, the report is a PSI report, and the power-related information includes at least one of the following: a power stability indicator indicating whether the power supply of the A-IoT device is stable, the type of ambient power used for energy harvesting of the A-IoT device, the duration of the power stability indicator and / or the type of ambient power, the periodicity of the duration, or the effective duration of at least one of the following: the power stability indicator, the type of ambient power, or the duration.

[0154] In some example implementations, the power stability indicator, which indicates that the power supply of the A-IoT device is unstable or discontinuous, is omitted from the PSI report.

[0155] In some example implementations, the power-related information includes: a first value indicating that the type of the ambient power is one of a type in a first group of types, or a second value indicating that the type of the ambient power is one of a type in a second group of types.

[0156] In some example implementations, the type of environmental power is one of the following: solar energy, light, radio waves, heat, or mechanical vibration.

[0157] In some example implementations, the duration indicates one of the following: the power supply of the A-IoT device is unstable during the duration, or the ambient power of that type is unavailable during the duration.

[0158] In some example implementations, the A-IoT device generates the PSI report based on at least one of the capabilities of the A-IoT device or the deployment environment.

[0159] In some example implementations, the power-related information in the PSI report is static or semi-persistent.

[0160] In some example implementations, the A-IoT device sends the PSI report to the communication device via BL if at least one predefined condition is met.

[0161] In some example implementations, the at least one predefined condition includes: receiving a transmission from the communication device, and the transmission being used to configure the FL and / or BL between the A-IoT device and the communication device, or the A-IoT device selecting or accessing another cell.

[0162] In some example implementations, the at least one predefined condition includes: performing a specific BL transmission to the communication device, wherein the specific BL transmission is one of the following: a first BL transmission, a last BL transmission, or an Nth BL transmission.

[0163] In some example implementations, the PSI report is sent together with or included in the specific BL transmission.

[0164] In some example implementations, the report is a power status report, and the power-related information includes at least one of the following: first information indicating whether the ambient power for the A-IoT device is available, second information indicating the remaining power level of the A-IoT device, third information indicating whether the A-IoT device should be turned off, or fourth information about one or more recently connected devices.

[0165] In some example implementations, the first message indicates that the ambient power is unavailable, implicitly requesting entry into a power-saving mode, or the first message indicates that the ambient power is available, implicitly requesting termination of the power-saving mode.

[0166] In some example implementations, the second information indicates that the remaining power is below a first energy threshold, implicitly requesting entry into a power-saving mode, or the second information indicates that the remaining power exceeds a second energy threshold, implicitly requesting termination of the power-saving mode.

[0167] In some example implementations, the third information indicates that the A-IoT device is turned off after the power status report is sent or after a predefined duration.

[0168] In some example implementations, the A-IoT device sends the power status report to the communication device via BL if one or more predefined conditions are met.

[0169] In some example implementations, the one or more predefined conditions include at least one of the following: the ambient power for the A-IoT device becomes unavailable, the ambient power for the A-IoT device becomes available, the remaining power of the A-IoT device is below a first energy threshold, the remaining power of the A-IoT device exceeds a second energy threshold, energy harvesting restarts, or a specific duration expires.

[0170] In some example implementations, the A-IoT device receives a request for the report from the communication device via FL; and in response to the request, sends the report to the communication device via BL.

[0171] In some example implementations, the communication device is a core network entity, and the report is included in the NAS signaling.

[0172] In some example implementations, the communication device is a terminal device or an access network node, and the report is included in one of the following: physical (PHY) signaling, medium access control (MAC) signaling, or radio resource control (RRC) signaling.

[0173] Figure 9 A flowchart illustrating an example method 900 implemented at a communication device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is provided. For discussion purposes, the communication device performing method 900 may be the communication device 402 mentioned above, which may be as follows: Figure 3 The A-IoT device 310 shown, and the communication device 402 can be as follows: Figure 3 The terminal device 320, network device 330, auxiliary node 340, or core network function 350 shown.

[0174] At box 910, the communication device receives a report from the A-IoT device, which includes power-related information about the A-IoT device, wherein the A-IoT device has energy harvesting capabilities, and the power-related information indicates a power stability indicator associated with the energy harvesting capabilities. At box 920, the communication device performs management of the A-IoT device based on the report.

[0175] In some example implementations, the communication device sends part or all of the report to the core network function for configuring the A-IoT device.

[0176] In some example implementations, the communication device uses the report to update the configuration information for transmissions by the A-IoT device.

[0177] In some example implementations, the report is a PSI report, and the power-related information includes at least one of the following: a power stability indicator indicating whether the power supply of the A-IoT device is stable, the type of ambient power used for energy harvesting of the A-IoT device, the duration of the power stability indicator and / or the type of ambient power, the periodicity of the duration, or the effective duration of at least one of the following: the power stability indicator, the type of ambient power, or the duration.

[0178] In some example implementations, the power stability indicator, which indicates that the power supply of the A-IoT device is unstable or discontinuous, is omitted from the PSI report.

[0179] In some example implementations, the power-related information includes: a first value indicating that the type of the ambient power is one of a type in a first group of types, or a second value indicating that the type of the ambient power is one of a type in a second group of types.

[0180] In some example implementations, the type of environmental power is one of the following: solar energy, light, radio waves, heat, or mechanical vibration.

[0181] In some example implementations, the duration indicates one of the following: the power supply of the A-IoT device is unstable during the duration, or the ambient power of that type is unavailable during the duration.

[0182] In some example implementations, the power-related information in the PSI report is static or semi-persistent.

[0183] In some example implementations, the PSI report is sent together with or included in a specific BL transmission, wherein the specific BL transmission to the communication device is performed, and the specific BL transmission is one of the following: the first BL transmission, the last BL transmission, or the Nth BL transmission.

[0184] In some example implementations, if the power stability indicator indicates that the power supply of the A-IoT device is unstable, the communication device determines that the A-IoT device is underpowered or shut down based on at least one of the following: the connection between the A-IoT device and the communication device fails, the connection between the A-IoT device and the communication device cannot be established, no response is received from the A-IoT device after transmission, or the duration of no transmission from the A-IoT device exceeds a predefined time length threshold.

[0185] In some example implementations, the report is a power status report, and the power-related information includes at least one of the following: first information indicating whether the ambient power for the A-IoT device is available, second information indicating the remaining power level of the A-IoT device, third information indicating whether the A-IoT device should be turned off, or fourth information about one or more recently connected devices.

[0186] In some example implementations, the first message indicates that the ambient power is unavailable, implicitly requesting entry into a power-saving mode, or the first message indicates that the ambient power is available, implicitly requesting termination of the power-saving mode.

[0187] In some example implementations, the second information indicates that the remaining power is below a first energy threshold, implicitly requesting entry into a power-saving mode, or the second information indicates that the remaining power exceeds a second energy threshold, implicitly requesting termination of the power-saving mode.

[0188] In some example implementations, the third information indicates that the A-IoT device is turned off after the power status report is sent or after a predefined duration.

[0189] In some example implementations, the communication device sends a request for the report to the A-IoT device via FL; and in response to the request, receives the report from the A-IoT device via BL.

[0190] In some example implementations, the communication device is a core network entity, and the report is included in the NAS signaling.

[0191] In some example implementations, the communication device is a terminal device or an access network node, and the report is included in one of the following: PHY signaling, MAC signaling, or RRC signaling.

[0192] Figure 10 A flowchart illustrating an example method 1000 implemented at an A-IoT device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is provided. For the purposes of discussion, the A-IoT device performing method 1000 may be either the A-IoT device 310 or the A-IoT device 401 mentioned above.

[0193] At box 1010, the A-IoT device determines auxiliary information related to its power, including a preference for a transmission mode associated with the A-IoT device's preferred operating mode, indicating whether backscatter communication is used, wherein the A-IoT device has energy harvesting capabilities. At box 1020, the A-IoT device transmits this auxiliary information to a communication device.

[0194] In some example implementations, the transmission mode also indicates at least one of the following: whether a separate signal is generated, or the device type of the A-IoT device.

[0195] In some example implementations, the auxiliary information also includes at least one of the following: a preference for time-domain information associated with the preferred operating mode, or a preference for power-domain information associated with the preferred operating mode.

[0196] In some example implementations, this preference for time-domain information indicates at least one of the following: continuous reception, DRX, DTX, or the period length of DRX or DTX.

[0197] In some example implementations, the preference for power domain information indicates at least one of the following: the maximum configured transmit power for BL transmission, the maximum configured power amplifier gain for the BL transmission, or whether a power amplifier is applied.

[0198] In some example implementations, the A-IoT device sends capability information of the A-IoT device to the communication device, the capability information indicating at least one of the following: the A-IoT device supports switching between the backscatter communication and independent signal generation, at least one support method for the switching, the A-IoT device supports adjustment of the power amplifier, or the A-IoT device supports conversion between various device types.

[0199] In some example implementations, the adjustment of the power amplifier includes at least one of the following: adjustment between applying the power amplifier and not applying the power amplifier, or adjustment of the gain of the power amplifier.

[0200] In some example implementations, the A-IoT device receives a message from the communication device indicating that the auxiliary information is accepted or that the message includes configuration information determined based on the auxiliary information.

[0201] In some example implementations, the A-IoT device receives a request for the auxiliary information from the communication device via FL; and in response to the request, sends the auxiliary information to the communication device via BL.

[0202] In some example implementations, the communication device is a core network entity, and the auxiliary information is included in the NAS signaling.

[0203] In some example implementations, the communication device is a terminal device or an access network node, and the report is included in one of the following: PHY signaling, MAC signaling, or RRC signaling.

[0204] Figure 11 A flowchart illustrating an example method 1100 implemented at a communication device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is provided. For discussion purposes, the communication device performing method 1100 may be the communication device 402 mentioned above, which may be as follows: Figure 3 The A-IoT device 310 shown, and the communication device 402 can be as follows: Figure 3 The terminal device 320, network device 330, auxiliary node 340, or core network function 350 shown.

[0205] At block 1110, the communication device receives power-related auxiliary information from the A-IoT device, wherein the auxiliary information includes a preference for a transmission mode associated with the preferred operating mode of the A-IoT device, indicating whether backscatter communication is used, wherein the A-IoT device has energy harvesting capabilities. At block 1120, the communication device determines whether to accept the auxiliary information or generate configuration information based on the auxiliary information.

[0206] In some example implementations, the transmission mode also indicates at least one of the following: whether a separate signal is generated, or the device type of the A-IoT device.

[0207] In some example implementations, the auxiliary information also includes at least one of the following: a preference for time-domain information associated with the preferred operating mode, or a preference for power-domain information associated with the preferred operating mode.

[0208] In some example implementations, this preference for time-domain information indicates at least one of the following: continuous reception, DRX, DTX, or the period length of DRX or DTX.

[0209] In some example implementations, the preference for power domain information indicates at least one of the following: the maximum configured transmit power for BL transmission, the maximum configured power amplifier gain for the BL transmission, or whether a power amplifier is recommended.

[0210] In some example implementations, the communication device receives capability information of the A-IoT device from the A-IoT device, the capability information indicating at least one of the following: the A-IoT device supports switching between the backscatter communication and independent signal generation, at least one support method for the switching, the A-IoT device supports adjustment of the power amplifier, or the A-IoT device supports conversion between various device types.

[0211] In some example implementations, the adjustment of the power amplifier includes at least one of the following: adjustment between applying the power amplifier and not applying the power amplifier, or adjustment of the gain of the power amplifier.

[0212] In some example implementations, the communication device determines whether the assistance information is accepted; and sends a message to the A-IoT device indicating that the assistance information is accepted or that the message includes configuration information determined based on the assistance information.

[0213] In some example implementations, the communication device sends a request for the auxiliary information to the A-IoT device via FL; and in response to the request, receives the auxiliary information from the A-IoT device via BL.

[0214] In some example implementations, the communication device is a core network entity, and the auxiliary information is included in the NAS signaling.

[0215] In some example implementations, the communication device is a terminal device or an access network device, and the report is included in one of the following: PHY signaling, MAC signaling, or RRC signaling.

[0216] Already referenced Figures 3 to 11 Details of some implementation schemes according to this disclosure are described. Example specific implementations of A-IoT devices and communication devices will now be discussed below.

[0217] In some example implementations, the A-IoT device includes circuitry configured to: determine power-related information of the A-IoT device, wherein the A-IoT device has an energy harvesting capability and the power-related information of the A-IoT device indicates a power stability indication associated with the energy harvesting capability; and send a report to a communication device including the power-related information of the A-IoT device.

[0218] In some example implementations, the report is a PSI report, and the power-related information includes at least one of the following: a power stability indicator indicating whether the power supply of the A-IoT device is stable, the type of ambient power used for energy harvesting of the A-IoT device, the duration of the power stability indicator and / or the type of ambient power, the periodicity of the duration, or the effective duration of at least one of the following: the power stability indicator, the type of ambient power, or the duration.

[0219] In some example implementations, the power stability indicator, which indicates that the power supply of the A-IoT device is unstable or discontinuous, is omitted from the PSI report.

[0220] In some example implementations, the power-related information includes: a first value indicating that the type of the ambient power is one of a type in a first group of types, or a second value indicating that the type of the ambient power is one of a type in a second group of types.

[0221] In some example implementations, the type of environmental power is one of the following: solar energy, light, radio waves, heat, or mechanical vibration.

[0222] In some example implementations, the duration indicates one of the following: the power supply of the A-IoT device is unstable during the duration, or the ambient power of that type is unavailable during the duration.

[0223] In some example implementations, the A-IoT device includes circuitry configured to generate the PSI report based on at least one of the capabilities of the A-IoT device or the deployment environment.

[0224] In some example implementations, the power-related information in the PSI report is static or semi-persistent.

[0225] In some example implementations, the A-IoT device includes a circuit configured to send the PSI report to the communication device via BL if at least one predefined condition is met.

[0226] In some example implementations, the at least one predefined condition includes: receiving a transmission from the communication device, and the transmission being used to configure the FL and / or BL between the A-IoT device and the communication device, or the A-IoT device selecting or accessing another cell.

[0227] In some example implementations, the at least one predefined condition includes: performing a specific BL transmission to the communication device, wherein the specific BL transmission is one of the following: a first BL transmission, a last BL transmission, or an Nth BL transmission.

[0228] In some example implementations, the PSI report is sent together with or included in the specific BL transmission.

[0229] In some example implementations, the report is a power status report, and the power-related information includes at least one of the following: first information indicating whether the ambient power for the A-IoT device is available, second information indicating the remaining power level of the A-IoT device, third information indicating whether the A-IoT device should be turned off, or fourth information about one or more recently connected devices.

[0230] In some example implementations, the first message indicates that the ambient power is unavailable, implicitly requesting entry into a power-saving mode, or the first message indicates that the ambient power is available, implicitly requesting termination of the power-saving mode.

[0231] In some example implementations, the second information indicates that the remaining power is below a first energy threshold, implicitly requesting entry into a power-saving mode, or the second information indicates that the remaining power exceeds a second energy threshold, implicitly requesting termination of the power-saving mode.

[0232] In some example implementations, the third information indicates that the A-IoT device is turned off after the power status report is sent or after a predefined duration.

[0233] In some example implementations, the A-IoT device includes circuitry configured to send the power status report to the communication device via BL if one or more predefined conditions are met.

[0234] In some example implementations, the one or more predefined conditions include at least one of the following: the ambient power for the A-IoT device becomes unavailable, the ambient power for the A-IoT device becomes available, the remaining power of the A-IoT device is below a first energy threshold, the remaining power of the A-IoT device exceeds a second energy threshold, energy harvesting restarts, or a specific duration expires.

[0235] In some example implementations, the A-IoT device includes circuitry configured to: receive a request for the report from the communication device via FL; and, in response to the request, send the report to the communication device via BL.

[0236] In some example implementations, the communication device is a core network entity, and the report is included in the NAS signaling.

[0237] In some example implementations, the communication device is a terminal device or an access network node, and the report is included in one of the following: PHY signaling, MAC signaling, or RRC signaling.

[0238] In some example implementations, the communication device (such as a second device) includes circuitry configured to: receive a report from an A-IoT device, the report including power-related information of the A-IoT device, wherein the A-IoT device has energy harvesting capabilities and the power-related information of the A-IoT device indicates a power stability indication associated with the energy harvesting capabilities; and perform management of the A-IoT device based on the report.

[0239] In some example implementations, the communication device includes circuitry configured to send part or all of the report to a core network function for configuring the A-IoT device.

[0240] In some example implementations, the communication device includes circuitry configured to update configuration information for transmission by the A-IoT device based on the report.

[0241] In some example implementations, the report is a PSI report, and the power-related information includes at least one of the following: a power stability indicator indicating whether the power supply of the A-IoT device is stable, the type of ambient power used for energy harvesting of the A-IoT device, the duration of the power stability indicator and / or the type of ambient power, the periodicity of the duration, or the effective duration of at least one of the following: the power stability indicator, the type of ambient power, or the duration.

[0242] In some example implementations, the power stability indicator, which indicates that the power supply of the A-IoT device is unstable or discontinuous, is omitted from the PSI report.

[0243] In some example implementations, the power-related information includes: a first value indicating that the type of the ambient power is one of a type in a first group of types, or a second value indicating that the type of the ambient power is one of a type in a second group of types.

[0244] In some example implementations, the type of environmental power is one of the following: solar energy, light, radio waves, heat, or mechanical vibration.

[0245] In some example implementations, the duration indicates one of the following: the power supply of the A-IoT device is unstable during the duration, or the ambient power of that type is unavailable during the duration.

[0246] In some example implementations, the power-related information in the PSI report is static or semi-persistent.

[0247] In some example implementations, the PSI report is sent together with or included in a specific BL transmission, wherein the specific BL transmission to the communication device is performed, and the specific BL transmission is one of the following: the first BL transmission, the last BL transmission, or the Nth BL transmission.

[0248] In some example implementations, the communication device includes circuitry configured to determine that the A-IoT device is underpowered or shut down based on at least one of the following if the power stability indicator indicates that the power supply of the A-IoT device is unstable: the connection between the A-IoT device and the communication device fails; the connection between the A-IoT device and the communication device cannot be established; no response is received from the A-IoT device after transmission; or the duration of no transmission from the A-IoT device exceeds a predefined time length threshold.

[0249] In some example implementations, the report is a power status report, and the power-related information includes at least one of the following: first information indicating whether the ambient power for the A-IoT device is available, second information indicating the remaining power level of the A-IoT device, third information indicating whether the A-IoT device should be turned off, or fourth information about one or more recently connected devices.

[0250] In some example implementations, the first message indicates that the ambient power is unavailable, implicitly requesting entry into a power-saving mode, or the first message indicates that the ambient power is available, implicitly requesting termination of the power-saving mode.

[0251] In some example implementations, the second information indicates that the remaining power is below a first energy threshold, implicitly requesting entry into a power-saving mode, or the second information indicates that the remaining power exceeds a second energy threshold, implicitly requesting termination of the power-saving mode.

[0252] In some example implementations, the third information indicates that the A-IoT device is turned off after the power status report is sent or after a predefined duration.

[0253] In some example implementations, the communication device includes circuitry configured to: send a request for the report to the A-IoT device via FL; and, in response to the request, receive the report from the A-IoT device via BL.

[0254] In some example implementations, the communication device is a core network entity, and the report is included in the NAS signaling.

[0255] In some example implementations, the communication device is a terminal device or an access network node, and the report is included in one of the following: PHY signaling, MAC signaling, or RRC signaling.

[0256] In some example implementations, the A-IoT device includes circuitry configured to: determine auxiliary information related to the power of the A-IoT device, wherein the auxiliary information includes a preference for a transmission mode associated with a preferred operating mode of the A-IoT device, the preference indicating whether to use backscatter communication, wherein the A-IoT device has energy harvesting capabilities; and transmit the auxiliary information to a communication device.

[0257] In some example implementations, the transmission mode also indicates at least one of the following: whether a separate signal is generated, or the device type of the A-IoT device.

[0258] In some example implementations, the auxiliary information also includes at least one of the following: a preference for time-domain information associated with the preferred operating mode, or a preference for power-domain information associated with the preferred operating mode.

[0259] In some example implementations, this preference for time-domain information indicates at least one of the following: continuous reception, DRX, DTX, or the period length of DRX or DTX.

[0260] In some example implementations, the preference for power domain information indicates at least one of the following: the maximum configured transmit power for BL transmission, the maximum configured power amplifier gain for the BL transmission, or whether a power amplifier is applied.

[0261] In some example implementations, the A-IoT device includes circuitry configured to send capability information of the A-IoT device to the communication device, the capability information indicating at least one of the following: the A-IoT device supports switching between the backscatter communication and independent signal generation, at least one support method for the switching, the A-IoT device supports adjustment of the power amplifier, or the A-IoT device supports conversion between various device types.

[0262] In some example implementations, the adjustment of the power amplifier includes at least one of the following: adjustment between applying the power amplifier and not applying the power amplifier, or adjustment of the gain of the power amplifier.

[0263] In some example implementations, the A-IoT device includes circuitry configured to receive a message from the communication device indicating that the auxiliary information is accepted or that the message includes configuration information determined based on the auxiliary information.

[0264] In some example implementations, the A-IoT device includes circuitry configured to: receive a request for the auxiliary information from the communication device via FL; and, in response to the request, send the auxiliary information to the communication device via BL.

[0265] In some example implementations, the communication device is a core network entity, and the auxiliary information is included in the NAS signaling.

[0266] In some example implementations, the communication device is a terminal device or an access network node, and the report is included in one of the following: PHY signaling, MAC signaling, or RRC signaling.

[0267] In some example implementations, the communication device (such as a second device) includes circuitry configured to: receive auxiliary information related to the power of the A-IoT device from the A-IoT device, wherein the auxiliary information includes a preference for a transmission mode associated with a preferred operating mode of the A-IoT device, the preference indicating whether to use backscatter communication, wherein the A-IoT device has energy harvesting capabilities; and determine whether to accept the auxiliary information or generate configuration information based on the auxiliary information.

[0268] In some example implementations, the transmission mode also indicates at least one of the following: whether a separate signal is generated, or the device type of the A-IoT device.

[0269] In some example implementations, the auxiliary information also includes at least one of the following: a preference for time-domain information associated with the preferred operating mode, or a preference for power-domain information associated with the preferred operating mode.

[0270] In some example implementations, this preference for time-domain information indicates at least one of the following: continuous reception, DRX, DTX, or the period length of DRX or DTX.

[0271] In some example implementations, the preference for power domain information indicates at least one of the following: the maximum configured transmit power for BL transmission, the maximum configured power amplifier gain for the BL transmission, or whether a power amplifier is recommended.

[0272] In some example implementations, the communication device includes circuitry configured to receive capability information of the A-IoT device, the capability information indicating at least one of the following: the A-IoT device supports switching between the backscatter communication and independent signal generation, at least one support method for the switching, the A-IoT device supports adjustment of a power amplifier, or the A-IoT device supports conversion between various device types.

[0273] In some example implementations, the adjustment of the power amplifier includes at least one of the following: adjustment between applying the power amplifier and not applying the power amplifier, or adjustment of the gain of the power amplifier.

[0274] In some example implementations, the communication device includes circuitry configured to: determine whether the auxiliary information is accepted; and send a message to the A-IoT device indicating that the auxiliary information is accepted or that the message includes configuration information determined based on the auxiliary information.

[0275] In some example implementations, the communication device includes circuitry configured to: send a request for the auxiliary information to the A-IoT device via FL; and, in response to the request, receive the auxiliary information from the A-IoT device via BL.

[0276] In some example implementations, the communication device is a core network entity, and the auxiliary information is included in the NAS signaling.

[0277] In some example implementations, the communication device is a terminal device or an access network device, and the report is included in one of the following: PHY signaling, MAC signaling, or RRC signaling.

[0278] Figure 12 A simplified block diagram illustrating a device 1200 suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Device 1200 can be considered as another example specific implementation of the A-IoT device and communication device as described above. Therefore, device 1200 may be implemented in or be implemented as at least a part of the A-IoT device or the communication device.

[0279] As shown in the figure, device 1200 includes a processor 1210, a memory 1220 coupled to the processor 1210, a suitable transceiver 1240 coupled to the processor 1210, and a communication interface coupled to the transceiver 1240. The memory 1220 stores at least a portion of a program 1230. Depending on the requirements, the transceiver 1240 can be used for bidirectional or unidirectional communication. The transceiver 1240 may include at least one of a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter and the receiver may be functional modules or physical entities. The transceiver 1240 has at least one antenna to facilitate communication; however, in practice, the access node mentioned in this application may have several antennas. The communication interface can represent any interface necessary for communication with other network elements, such as the X2 / Xn interface for bidirectional communication between eNBs / gNBs, the S1 / NG interface for communication between the Mobility Management Entity (MME) / Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) / SGW / UPF and eNBs / gNBs, the Un interface for communication between eNBs / gNBs and relay nodes (RNs), or the Uu interface for communication between eNBs / gNBs and terminal equipment.

[0280] Assume that program 1230 includes program instructions that, when executed by the associated processor 1210, enable device 1200 to operate according to embodiments of this disclosure, as referenced herein. Figures 3 to 11 The embodiments discussed herein may be implemented by computer software executable by processor 1210 of device 1200, or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. Processor 1210 may be configured to implement various embodiments of this disclosure. Furthermore, a combination of processor 1210 and memory 1220 may form a processing unit 1250 suitable for implementing various embodiments of this disclosure.

[0281] Memory 1220 can be of any type suitable for a local technology network and can be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as, as non-limiting examples, non-transitory computer-readable storage media, semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory, and removable memory. Although only one memory 1220 is shown in device 1200, several physically different memory modules may exist in device 1200. Processor 1210 can be of any type suitable for a local technology network and may include one or more of the following: as non-limiting examples, general-purpose computers, special-purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), and processors based on multi-core processor architectures. Device 1200 may have multiple processors, such as application-specific integrated circuit chips, which are time-dependent on a clock that synchronizes the main processor.

[0282] In summary, the implementation schemes disclosed herein can provide the following solutions.

[0283] This disclosure provides an A-IoT device including at least one processor configured to cause the A-IoT device to at least: determine power-related information of the A-IoT device, wherein the A-IoT device has an energy harvesting capability and the power-related information of the A-IoT device indicates a power stability indication associated with the energy harvesting capability; and send a report to a communication device including the power-related information of the A-IoT device.

[0284] In one implementation, the A-IoT device is as described above, and the report is a Power Stability Information (PSI) report, wherein the power-related information includes at least one of the following: a power stability indicator indicating whether the power supply of the A-IoT device is stable, the type of ambient power used for energy harvesting by the A-IoT device, the duration of the power stability indicator and / or the type of ambient power, the periodicity of the duration, or the effective duration of at least one of the following: the power stability indicator, the type of ambient power, or the duration.

[0285] In one implementation, the A-IoT device is as described above, and the power stability indication, which indicates that the power supply of the A-IoT device is unstable or discontinuous, is omitted from the PSI report.

[0286] In one implementation, the A-IoT device is as described above, and the power-related information includes: a first value indicating that the type of the ambient power is one of a type in a first group of types, or a second value indicating that the type of the ambient power is one of a type in a second group of types.

[0287] In one implementation, the A-IoT device is as described above, and the type of environmental power is one of the following: solar energy, light, radio waves, heat, or mechanical vibration.

[0288] In one implementation, the A-IoT device is as described above, and the duration indicates one of the following: the power supply of the A-IoT device is unstable during the duration, or the ambient power of that type is unavailable during the duration.

[0289] In one implementation, the A-IoT device is as described above, and the at least one processor is further configured to cause the A-IoT device to generate the PSI report based on at least one of the capabilities of the A-IoT device or the deployment environment.

[0290] In one implementation, the A-IoT device is as described above, and the power-related information in the PSI report is static or semi-persistent.

[0291] In one implementation, the A-IoT device is as described above, and the at least one processor is configured to send the PSI report to the communication device via a reverse link (BL) based on the determination that at least one predefined condition is met.

[0292] In one implementation, the A-IoT device is as described above, and the at least one predefined condition includes: receiving a transmission from the communication device, and the transmission is used to configure the forward link (FL) and / or the BL between the A-IoT device and the communication device, or the A-IoT device selecting or accessing another cell.

[0293] In one implementation, the A-IoT device is as described above, and the at least one predefined condition includes: performing a specific BL transmission to the communication device, wherein the specific BL transmission is one of the following: a first BL transmission, a last BL transmission, or an Nth BL transmission.

[0294] In one implementation, the A-IoT device is as described above, and the PSI report is sent together with or included in the specific BL transmission.

[0295] In one implementation, the A-IoT device is as described above, the report is a power status report, and the power-related information includes at least one of the following: first information indicating whether the ambient power for the A-IoT device is available, second information indicating the remaining power level of the A-IoT device, third information indicating whether the A-IoT device should be turned off, or fourth information about one or more recently connected devices.

[0296] In one implementation, the A-IoT device, as described above, may implicitly request to enter a power-saving mode if the first information indicates that the ambient power is unavailable, or implicitly request to end the power-saving mode if the first information indicates that the ambient power is available.

[0297] In one implementation, the A-IoT device, as described above, may implicitly request to enter a power-saving mode if the second information indicates that the remaining power is below a first energy threshold, or implicitly request to end the power-saving mode if the second information indicates that the remaining power exceeds a second energy threshold.

[0298] In one implementation, the A-IoT device is as described above, and the third information indicates that the A-IoT device is turned off after the power status report is sent or after a predefined duration.

[0299] In one implementation, the A-IoT device is as described above, and the at least one processor is configured to cause the A-IoT device to send the power status report by sending the power status report to the communication device via BL based on the determination that one or more predefined conditions are met.

[0300] In one implementation, the A-IoT device is as described above, and the one or more predefined conditions include at least one of the following: the ambient power for the A-IoT device becomes unavailable, the ambient power for the A-IoT device becomes available, the remaining power of the A-IoT device is below a first energy threshold, the remaining power of the A-IoT device exceeds a second energy threshold, energy harvesting restarts, or a specific duration expires.

[0301] In one embodiment, the A-IoT device is as described above, and the at least one processor is configured to cause the A-IoT device to send the report by: receiving a request for the report from the communication device via a forward link (FL); and in response to the request, sending the report to the communication device via a BL.

[0302] In one implementation, the A-IoT device is as described above, the communication device is a core network entity, and the report is included in the Non-Access Stratum (NAS) signaling.

[0303] In one implementation, the A-IoT device is as described above, the communication device is a terminal device or an access network node, and the report is included in one of the following: physical (PHY) signaling, media access control (MAC) signaling, or radio resource control (RRC) signaling.

[0304] This disclosure provides a communication device including at least one processor configured to cause the communication device to at least: receive a report from an A-IoT device, the report including power-related information of the A-IoT device, wherein the A-IoT device has an energy harvesting capability and the power-related information of the A-IoT device indicates a power stability indication associated with the energy harvesting capability; and perform management of the A-IoT device based on the report.

[0305] In one embodiment, the communication device is as described above, and the at least one processor is further configured to cause the communication device to send part or all of the report to the core network function for configuring the A-IoT device.

[0306] In one embodiment, the communication device is as described above, and the at least one processor is configured to cause the communication device to perform management of the A-IoT device by updating the configuration information for transmission of the A-IoT device based on the report.

[0307] In one embodiment, the communication device is as described above, the report is a PSI report, and the power-related information includes at least one of the following: a power stability indicator indicating whether the power supply of the A-IoT device is stable, the type of ambient power used for energy harvesting of the A-IoT device, the duration of the power stability indicator and / or the type of ambient power, the periodicity of the duration, or the effective duration of at least one of the following: the power stability indicator, the type of ambient power, or the duration.

[0308] In one implementation, the communication device, as described above, omits the power stability indication in the PSI report, which indicates that the power supply of the A-IoT device is unstable or discontinuous.

[0309] In one embodiment, the communication device is as described above, and the power-related information includes: a first value indicating that the type of the ambient power is one of a type in a first group of types, or a second value indicating that the type of the ambient power is one of a type in a second group of types.

[0310] In one implementation, the communication device is as described above, and the type of environmental power is one of the following: solar energy, light, radio waves, heat, or mechanical vibration.

[0311] In one implementation, the communication device is as described above, and the duration indicates one of the following: the power supply of the A-IoT device is unstable during the duration, or the ambient power of that type is unavailable during the duration.

[0312] In one implementation, the communication device is as described above, and the power-related information in the PSI report is static or semi-persistent.

[0313] In one implementation, the communication device is as described above, and the PSI report is sent together with or included in a specific BL transmission, wherein the specific BL transmission to the communication device is performed, wherein the specific BL transmission is one of the following: first BL transmission, last BL transmission, or Nth BL transmission.

[0314] In one embodiment, the communication device is as described above, and the at least one processor is further configured to cause the communication device to: determine that the A-IoT device is underpowered or shut down based on at least one of the following, according to determining that the power stability indicator indicates that the power supply of the A-IoT device is unstable: the connection between the A-IoT device and the communication device fails, the connection between the A-IoT device and the communication device cannot be established, no response is received from the A-IoT device after transmission, or the duration of no transmission from the A-IoT device exceeds a predefined time length threshold.

[0315] In one embodiment, the communication device is as described above, the report is a power status report, and the power-related information includes at least one of the following: first information indicating whether the ambient power for the A-IoT device is available, second information indicating the remaining power level of the A-IoT device, third information indicating whether the A-IoT device should be turned off, or fourth information about one or more recently connected devices.

[0316] In one embodiment, the communication device, as described above, may implicitly request to enter a power-saving mode if the first information indicates that the ambient power is unavailable, or implicitly request to end the power-saving mode if the first information indicates that the ambient power is available.

[0317] In one embodiment, the communication device is as described above, where the second information indicates that the remaining power is below a first energy threshold, implicitly requesting entry into a power-saving mode, or the second information indicates that the remaining power exceeds a second energy threshold, implicitly requesting termination of the power-saving mode.

[0318] In one implementation, the communication device is as described above, and the third information indicates that the A-IoT device is turned off after the power status report is sent or after a predefined duration.

[0319] In one embodiment, the communication device is as described above, and the at least one processor is configured to receive the report by: sending a request for the report to the A-IoT device via FL; and receiving the report from the A-IoT device via BL in response to the request.

[0320] In one implementation, the communication device is as described above, the communication device is a core network entity, and the report is included in the NAS signaling.

[0321] In one implementation, the communication device is as described above, the communication device is a terminal device or an access network device, and the report is included in one of the following: PHY signaling, MAC signaling, or RRC signaling.

[0322] This disclosure provides an A-IoT device including at least one processor configured to cause the A-IoT device to at least: determine auxiliary information related to the power of the A-IoT device, wherein the auxiliary information includes a preference for a transmission mode associated with a preferred operating mode of the A-IoT device, the preference indicating whether to use backscatter communication, wherein the A-IoT device has energy harvesting capability; and transmit the auxiliary information to a communication device.

[0323] In one implementation, the A-IoT device is as described above, and the transmission mode also indicates at least one of the following: whether independent signal generation is used, or the device type of the A-IoT device.

[0324] In one implementation, the A-IoT device is as described above, and the auxiliary information further includes at least one of the following: a preference for time-domain information associated with the preferred operating mode, or a preference for power-domain information associated with the preferred operating mode.

[0325] In one implementation, the A-IoT device, as described above, indicates at least one of the following for its preference for time-domain information: continuous reception, DRX, DTX, or the period length of DRX or DTX.

[0326] In one implementation, the A-IoT device, as described above, indicates at least one of the following regarding the preference for power domain information: the maximum configured transmit power for BL transmission, the maximum configured power amplifier gain for the BL transmission, or whether a power amplifier is applied.

[0327] In one embodiment, the A-IoT device is as described above, and the at least one processor is configured to further cause the A-IoT device to: send capability information of the A-IoT device to the communication device, the capability information indicating at least one of the following: the A-IoT device supports switching between the backscatter communication and independent signal generation, at least one support method for the switching, the A-IoT device supports adjustment of the power amplifier, or the A-IoT device supports conversion between various device types.

[0328] In one implementation, the A-IoT device is as described above, and the adjustment of the power amplifier includes at least one of the following: adjustment between applying the power amplifier and not applying the power amplifier, or adjustment of the gain of the power amplifier.

[0329] In one embodiment, the A-IoT device is as described above, and the at least one processor is configured to further cause the A-IoT device to: receive a message from the communication device indicating that the auxiliary information is accepted or the message includes configuration information determined based on the auxiliary information.

[0330] In one embodiment, the A-IoT device is as described above, and the at least one processor is configured to cause the A-IoT device to send the auxiliary information by: receiving a request for the auxiliary information from the communication device via FL; and in response to the request, sending the auxiliary information to the communication device via BL.

[0331] In one implementation, the A-IoT device is as described above, the communication device is a core network entity, and the auxiliary information is included in the NAS signaling.

[0332] In one implementation, the A-IoT device is as described above, the communication device is a terminal device or an access network device, and the report is included in one of the following: PHY signaling, MAC signaling, or RRC signaling.

[0333] This disclosure provides a communication device including at least one processor configured to cause the communication device to at least: receive auxiliary information related to the power of an A-IoT device from an A-IoT device, wherein the auxiliary information includes a preference for a transmission mode associated with a preferred operating mode of the A-IoT device, the preference indicating whether to use backscatter communication, wherein the A-IoT device has energy harvesting capabilities; and determine whether to accept the auxiliary information or generate configuration information based on the auxiliary information.

[0334] In one implementation, the communication device is as described above, and the transmission mode further indicates at least one of the following: whether independent signal generation is used, or the device type of the A-IoT device.

[0335] In one embodiment, the communication device is as described above, and the auxiliary information further includes at least one of the following: a preference for time-domain information associated with the preferred operating mode, or a preference for power-domain information associated with the preferred operating mode.

[0336] In one implementation, the communication device as described above indicates at least one of the following for the preference of time-domain information: continuous reception, DRX, DTX, or the period length of DRX or DTX.

[0337] In one implementation, the communication device as described above indicates at least one of the following regarding the preference for power domain information: the maximum configured transmit power for BL transmission, the maximum configured power amplifier gain for the BL transmission, or whether a power amplifier is recommended.

[0338] In one embodiment, the communication device is as described above, and the at least one processor is configured to further cause the communication device to: receive capability information of the A-IoT device from the A-IoT device, the capability information indicating at least one of the following: the A-IoT device supports switching between the backscatter communication and independent signal generation, at least one support method for the switching, the A-IoT device supports adjustment of the power amplifier, or the A-IoT device supports conversion between various device types.

[0339] In one embodiment, the communication device is as described above, and the adjustment of the power amplifier includes at least one of the following: adjustment between applying the power amplifier and not applying the power amplifier, or adjustment of the gain of the power amplifier.

[0340] In one embodiment, the communication device is as described above, and the at least one processor is configured to further cause the communication device to: determine whether the auxiliary information is accepted; and send a message to the A-IoT device indicating that the auxiliary information is accepted or the message includes configuration information determined based on the auxiliary information.

[0341] In one embodiment, the communication device is as described above, and the at least one processor is configured to receive the auxiliary information by: sending a request for the auxiliary information to the A-IoT device via FL; and receiving the auxiliary information from the A-IoT device via BL in response to the request.

[0342] In one implementation, the communication device is as described above, the communication device is a core network entity, and the auxiliary information is included in the NAS signaling.

[0343] In one implementation, the communication device is as described above, the communication device is a terminal device or an access network device, and the report is included in one of the following: PHY signaling, MAC signaling, or RRC signaling.

[0344] This disclosure provides a communication method that includes the operations discussed above implemented at the A-IoT device.

[0345] This disclosure provides a communication method that includes the operations discussed above implemented at the communication device.

[0346] This disclosure provides an A-IoT device comprising: a processor; and a memory storing computer program code; the memory and the computer program code being configured, together with the processor, to cause the A-IoT device to perform the methods discussed above implemented on the A-IoT device.

[0347] This disclosure provides a communication device comprising: a processor; and a memory storing computer program code; the memory and the computer program code being configured, together with the processor, to cause the communication device to perform the methods discussed above implemented at the communication device.

[0348] This disclosure provides a computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor of a device, cause the device to perform the methods discussed above implemented in A-IoT devices or communication devices.

[0349] Generally, various embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented in hardware or special-purpose circuitry, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects can be implemented in hardware, while others can be implemented in firmware or software executable by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device. Although various aspects of embodiments of this disclosure are illustrated and described using block diagrams, flowcharts, or other illustrations, it should be understood that, as non-limiting examples, the blocks, apparatuses, systems, techniques, or methods described herein can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, special-purpose circuitry or logic, general-purpose hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or any combination thereof.

[0350] This disclosure also provides at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The computer program product includes computer-executable instructions (such as those included in program modules) that execute on a target real or virtual processor in a device to perform the functions described above. Figures 8 to 11The described process or method. Generally, a program module includes routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc., that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. The functionality of a program module can be combined in various implementation schemes or split among program modules as needed. The machine-executable instructions used for a program module can be executed on a local or distributed device. In a distributed device, a program module can reside on both local and remote storage media.

[0351] Program code used to perform the methods of this disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. This program code may be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus, such that, when executed by the processor or controller, the program code causes the functions / operations specified in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams to be implemented. The program code may be executed entirely on a machine, partially on a machine, as a stand-alone software package, partially on a machine and partially on a remote machine, or entirely on a remote machine or server.

[0352] The aforementioned program code may be embodied on a machine-readable medium, which may be any tangible medium containing or storing a program used by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. A machine-readable medium may be a machine-readable signal medium or a machine-readable storage medium. Machine-readable media may include, but are not limited to, electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, apparatus, or devices, or any suitable combination thereof. More specific examples of machine-readable storage media will include electrical connections having one or more wires, portable computer disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fibers, portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0353] Furthermore, although the operations are described in a specific order, this should not be construed as requiring such operations to be performed in the specific order shown or in sequential order, or to perform all the illustrated operations to achieve the desired result. In some environments, multitasking and parallel processing can be advantageous. Similarly, while several specific implementation details are included in the foregoing discussion, these details should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments. Certain features described in the context of individual embodiments may also be implemented in a single embodiment in combination. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented individually or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple embodiments.

[0354] Although this disclosure has been described using language specific to structural features and / or methodological actions, it should be understood that the disclosure as defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. Rather, the specific features and actions described above are disclosed as examples of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. An ambient internet of things (A-IoT) device, the ambient internet of things device comprising at least one processor, the at least one processor being configured such that the A-IoT device at least: Determine the power-related information of the A-IoT device, wherein the A-IoT device has energy harvesting capability, and the power-related information of the A-IoT device indicates a power stability indication associated with the energy harvesting capability; and A report is sent to the communication device, the report including the power-related information of the A-IoT device.

2. The A-IoT device of claim 1, wherein the report is a power stability information (PSI) report, and wherein the power-related information includes at least one of the following: The power stability indicator indicates whether the power supply of the A-IoT device is stable. The type of ambient power used for energy harvesting of the A-IoT device The duration of the power stability indicator and / or the type of ambient power, The periodicity of the duration, or The effective duration of at least one of the following: the power stability indication, the type of the ambient power, or the duration.

3. The A-IoT device of claim 2, wherein the at least one processor is configured to cause the A-IoT device to send the PSI report in the following manner: Based on the determination that at least one predefined condition is met, the PSI report is sent to the communication device via the backward link (BL).

4. The A-IoT device according to claim 3, wherein the at least one predefined condition includes: The device receives a transmission from the communication device, and the transmission is used to configure the forward link (FL) and / or the BL between the A-IoT device and the communication device, or The A-IoT device can select or access another cell.

5. The A-IoT device of claim 1, wherein the report is a power status report, and wherein the power-related information includes at least one of the following: First information indicating whether ambient power is available for the A-IoT device. Second information indicating the remaining power level of the A-IoT device. Third information indicating whether the A-IoT device should be turned off, or Fourth information about one or more recently connected devices.

6. The A-IoT device of claim 5, wherein the at least one processor is configured to cause the A-IoT device to send the power status report in the following manner: Based on the determination that one or more predefined conditions are met, the power status report is sent to the communication device via BL.

7. The A-IoT device of claim 6, wherein the one or more predefined conditions include at least one of the following: The ambient power for the A-IoT device becomes unavailable. The ambient power for the A-IoT device becomes available. The remaining power of the A-IoT device is lower than a first energy threshold. The remaining power of the A-IoT device exceeds the second energy threshold. Restart energy harvesting, or The specified duration has expired.

8. The A-IoT device of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is configured to cause the A-IoT device to send the report in the following manner: Receive a request for the report from the communication device via the forward link (FL); and In response to the request, the report is sent to the communication device via BL.

9. An ambient internet of things (A-IoT) device, the ambient internet of things device comprising at least one processor, the at least one processor being configured such that the A-IoT device at least: Determine auxiliary information related to the power of the A-IoT device, wherein the auxiliary information includes a preference for a transmission mode associated with a preferred operating mode of the A-IoT device, the preference indicating whether backscatter communication is used, wherein the A-IoT device has energy harvesting capabilities; and The auxiliary information is sent to the communication device.

10. The A-IoT device of claim 9, wherein the transmission mode further indicates at least one of the following: Whether to use independent signal generation, or The device type of the A-IoT device.

11. The A-IoT device of claim 9, wherein the auxiliary information further comprises at least one of the following: Preference for time-domain information associated with the preferred operating mode, or Preferences for power domain information associated with the preferred operating mode.

12. The A-IoT device of claim 11, wherein the preference for power domain information indicates at least one of the following: Maximum configured transmit power for reverse link (BL) transmission. The maximum configuration power amplifier gain used for the BL transmission, or Should a power amplifier be used? 13. The A-IoT device of claim 11, wherein the at least one processor is configured to further cause the A-IoT device to: Send the capability information of the A-IoT device to the communication device, the capability information indicating at least one of the following: The A-IoT device supports switching between backscatter communication and independent signal generation. At least one supported method for the switching. The A-IoT device supports power amplifier adjustment, or The A-IoT device supports switching between various device types.

14. A communication device, the communication device comprising at least one processor, the at least one processor being configured such that the communication device at least: Receive a report from an Ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT) device, the report including power-related information of the A-IoT device, wherein the A-IoT device has energy harvesting capabilities, and the power-related information of the A-IoT device indicates a power stability indication associated with the energy harvesting capabilities; and The management of the A-IoT device is performed based on the report.

15. A communication device, the communication device comprising at least one processor, the at least one processor being configured such that the communication device at least: Receive auxiliary information related to the power of an Ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT) device, wherein the auxiliary information includes a preference for a transmission mode associated with a preferred operating mode of the A-IoT device, the preference indicating whether to use backscatter communication, wherein the A-IoT device has energy harvesting capabilities; and Determine whether to accept the auxiliary information or generate configuration information based on the auxiliary information.

16. A method performed by an environmental Internet of Things (A-IoT) device, the method comprising: Determine the power-related information of the A-IoT device, wherein the A-IoT device has energy harvesting capability, and the power-related information of the A-IoT device indicates a power stability indication associated with the energy harvesting capability; and A report is sent to the communication device, the report including the power-related information of the A-IoT device.

17. A method performed by an environmental Internet of Things (A-IoT) device, the method comprising: Determine auxiliary information related to the power of the A-IoT device, wherein the auxiliary information includes a preference for a transmission mode associated with a preferred operating mode of the A-IoT device, the preference indicating whether to use backscatter communication, wherein the A-IoT device has energy harvesting capabilities; as well as The auxiliary information is sent to the communication device.

18. A method performed by a communication device, the method comprising: Receive a report from an Ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT) device, the report including power-related information of the A-IoT device, wherein the A-IoT device has energy harvesting capabilities, and the power-related information of the A-IoT device indicates a power stability indication associated with the energy harvesting capabilities; and The management of the A-IoT device is performed based on the report.

19. A method performed by a communication device, the method comprising: Receive auxiliary information related to the power of the A-IoT device from an Ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT) device, wherein the auxiliary information includes a preference for a transmission mode associated with a preferred operating mode of the A-IoT device, the preference indicating whether to use backscatter communication, wherein the A-IoT device has energy harvesting capabilities; as well as Determine whether to accept the auxiliary information or generate configuration information based on the auxiliary information.

20. A computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor of a device, cause the device to perform the method according to any one of claims 16 to 19.

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