Opportunistic detection of environmental internet of things (IOT) devices

Abstract

Systems, apparatus, processes, and computer readable media for opportunistic probing of environmental IoT devices are disclosed. For example, a device may transmit an excitation signal to a wireless communication device based on one of a pre-configuration that the device periodically transmits in a particular direction, a reported presence of the wireless communication device, or a location of the wireless communication device. The device may receive, from the wireless communication device, a response signal including identification information associated with the wireless communication device.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to wireless communication devices. For example, aspects of the present disclosure relate to systems and techniques for opportunistic probing of wireless communication devices, such as environmental Internet of Things (IOT) devices. BACKGROUND

[0002] Wireless communication systems are deployed to provide various telecommunication services, such as telephony, video, data, messaging, broadcasts, etc. These wireless communication systems have developed through several generations, including first-generation analog wireless telephony systems, second-generation (2G) digital wireless telephony systems (including 2.5G networks), third-generation (3G) high-speed data wireless systems, fourth-generation (4G) wireless systems (e.g., Long-Term Evolution (LTE), WiMax), and fifth-generation (5G) wireless systems (e.g., New Radio (NR)). A number of different types of wireless communication systems are in use, including cellular and personal communications service (PCS) systems. Examples of known cellular systems include the cellular Analog Advanced Mobile Phone System (AMPS), and digital cellular systems based on Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Global System for Mobile access (GSM), and others.

[0003] Short-range wireless communication enables wireless communication over a relatively short distance, e.g., within thirty meters. For example, Bluetooth® ® is a wireless technology standard used to exchange data over short distances using short-wavelength ultra high frequency (UHF) radio waves in the 2.4 to 2.485 gigahertz (GHz) band. SUMMARY

[0004] The following presents a simplified summary related to one or more aspects disclosed herein. Thus, the following summary should not be considered an extensive overview relating to all contemplated aspects, nor should the following summary be considered to identify key or critical elements relating to all contemplated aspects or to delineate the scope associated with any particular aspect. Accordingly, the following summary has the sole purpose to present certain concepts relating to one or more aspects disclosed herein in a simplified form to precede the detailed description presented below.

[0005] Systems and techniques for wireless communication are described. According to at least one example, an apparatus for wireless communication is provided. The apparatus includes at least one memory and at least one processor coupled to the at least one memory and configured to: output, to a wireless communication device, a signal based on one of a pre-configuration of the apparatus to transmit in a particular direction, a presence of the wireless communication device, or a location of the wireless communication device; and receive, from the wireless communication device energized by the signal, a response signal including identification information associated with the wireless communication device.

[0006] In another illustrative example, a method for wireless communication at a device is provided. The method includes transmitting, by the device, a signal to a wireless communication device based on one of a pre-configuration of the device to transmit in a particular direction, a presence of the wireless communication device, or a location of the wireless communication device; and receiving, by the device, a response signal including identification information associated with the wireless communication device from the wireless communication device energized by the signal.

[0007] In another illustrative example, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium including instructions stored thereon that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to: output, to a wireless communication device, a signal based on one of a pre-configuration of the apparatus to transmit in a particular direction, a presence of the wireless communication device, or a location of the wireless communication device; and receive, from the wireless communication device energized by the signal, a response signal including identification information associated with the wireless communication device.

[0008] In another illustrative example, an apparatus for wireless communication is provided. The apparatus includes means for transmitting a signal to a wireless communication device based on one of a pre-configuration of the apparatus to transmit in a particular direction, a presence of the wireless communication device, or a location of the wireless communication device; and means for receiving a response signal including identification information associated with the wireless communication device from the wireless communication device energized by the signal.

[0009] In another illustrative example, an apparatus for wireless communication is provided. The apparatus includes at least one memory and at least one processor coupled to the at least one memory and configured to: output a plurality of signals within a region; and receive, from a wireless communication device located within the region energized by at least one of the plurality of signals, a response signal based on the wireless communication device receiving at least one of the plurality of signals.

[0010] In another illustrative example, a method for wireless communication at a device is provided. The method includes transmitting, by the device, a plurality of signals within an area and receiving, by the device, a response signal from a wireless communication device located within the area that is stimulated by at least one of the plurality of signals based on the wireless communication device receiving at least one of the plurality of signals.

[0011] In another illustrative example, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium including instructions stored thereon that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to output a plurality of signals within an area and receive a response signal from a wireless communication device located within the area that is stimulated by at least one of the plurality of signals based on the wireless communication device receiving at least one of the plurality of signals.

[0012] In another illustrative example, an apparatus for wireless communication is provided. The apparatus includes means for transmitting a plurality of signals within an area and means for receiving a response signal from a wireless communication device located within the area that is stimulated by at least one of the plurality of signals based on the wireless communication device receiving at least one of the plurality of signals.

[0013] In another illustrative example, a wireless communication device is provided. The wireless communication device includes at least one memory and at least one processor coupled to the at least one memory and configured to receive a signal from a device to stimulate the wireless communication device and output a beacon frame to be transmitted within a time period or multiple transmissions based on receiving the signal.

[0014] In another illustrative example, a method for wireless communication is provided. The method includes receiving, by a wireless communication device, a signal from a device to stimulate the wireless communication device and transmitting, by the wireless communication device, a beacon frame within a time period or in multiple transmissions based on receiving the signal.

[0015] In another illustrative example, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium including instructions stored thereon that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to receive a signal from a device to stimulate a wireless communication device and output a beacon frame to be transmitted within a time period or multiple transmissions based on receiving the signal.

[0016] In another illustrative example, an apparatus for wireless communication is provided. The apparatus includes means for receiving a signal from a device to stimulate the apparatus and means for transmitting a beacon frame within a time period or in multiple transmissions based on receiving the signal.

[0017] Aspects generally include methods, apparatus, systems, computer program products, non-transitory computer-readable media, user equipment, user equipment devices, wireless communication devices, and / or processing systems, as substantially described in connection with the drawings and descriptions below, and as illustrated in the figures and descriptions below.

[0018] Some aspects include a device having a processor configured to perform one or more operations of any of the methods summarized above. Further aspects include a processing device configured for use in a device, the processing device configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations of any of the methods summarized above. Further aspects include a non-transitory processor-readable storage medium having stored thereon processor-executable instructions configured to cause a processor of a device to perform operations of any of the methods summarized above. Further aspects include a device having means for performing the functions of any of the methods summarized above.

[0019] The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of examples according to the disclosure in order that the detailed description that follows can be better understood. Additional features and advantages will be described hereinafter. The disclosed concepts and specific examples can be readily utilized as bases for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. Such equivalent constructions are not to be regarded as a departure from the scope of the appended claims. The

[0020] This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. The subject matter should be understood from the entire description of the patent, with appropriate parts of the description taken with the drawings and any or all claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0021] The accompanying drawings are presented to aid in the description of various aspects of the disclosure and are provided solely for illustration of the various aspects. For a thorough understanding of the above-described features, reference should be made to the detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which certain aspects are exemplified. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings merely illustrate certain typical aspects of this disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the description can admit to other equally effective aspects. Like reference numerals in different drawings can identify the same or similar elements.

[0022] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an example environment in which systems and / or methods described herein can be implemented in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating example components of a device in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system for opportunistic probing of wireless communication devices, such as environmental IOT devices, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of signaling for opportunistic probing of wireless communication devices, e.g., environmental IOT devices, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of dedicated device, e.g., a device for motivation, infrastructure in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of signaling for a device, e.g., a device for motivation, to trigger a wireless communication device, e.g., an environmental IOT device, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating another example of signaling for a device, e.g., a device for motivation, to trigger a wireless communication device, e.g., an environmental IOT device, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 8 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of a process for opportunistic probing of wireless communication devices, e.g., environmental IOT devices, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, where the process is performed at a device, e.g., a device for motivation.

[0030] Figure 9 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of a process for opportunistic probing of wireless communication devices, e.g., environmental IOT devices, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, where the process is performed at one or more devices, e.g., devices for motivation.

[0031] Figure 10 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of a process for opportunistic probing of wireless communication devices, e.g., environmental IOT devices, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, where the process is performed at one or more wireless communication devices.

[0032] Figure 11is a block diagram illustrating an example of a computing system in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, which can be employed by the disclosed systems and techniques for opportunistic probing of environmental IOT devices. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Certain aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure are provided below. Some of these aspects and embodiments can be applied independently, and some of them can be applied in combination, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the application. It will be apparent, however, that various embodiments can be practiced without

[0034] The following description is provided, along with the accompanying drawings, to assist in understanding the example embodiments. The description and drawings are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure in any way.

[0035] Short-range wireless communication protocols enable wireless communication over relatively short distances (e.g., within thirty meters). For example, Bluetooth ® Bluetooth® is a wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances using short-wavelength ultra high frequency (UHF) radio waves in the 2.4 to 2.485 gigahertz (GHz) range. Bluetooth ® Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) is a Bluetooth® ® Bluetooth® communication form that allows for communication with devices that operate at low power. Such devices can include beacons, which are wireless communication devices that can use low-power communication technology for positioning, proximity marketing, or other purposes.

[0036] Systems, such as enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, can include one or more wireless communication devices that are controlled by a network entity. For example, a system can include one or more peripheral devices (e.g., electronic shelf labels (ESLs)) that are controlled by a first network entity (e.g., an ERP server) via at least a second network entity (e.g., an access point (AP)).

[0037] In one or more examples, to facilitate control by the first network entity (e.g., the ERP server), each peripheral device (e.g., ESL) can have a wireless connection (e.g., Bluetooth ®Low Power (BLE) connection or other connection). In some cases, commands from a first network entity (e.g., an ERP server) can be wirelessly sent by a second network entity (e.g., an AP) to a peripheral device (e.g., an ESL). Responses or information from the peripheral device can also be received by the second network entity and provided by the second network entity to the first network entity (e.g., by an AP to an ERP server).

[0038] The peripherals in the system can include a plurality of environmental Internet of Things (IOT) devices (as examples of wireless communication devices or peripherals), which can each be in the form of a low-cost, battery-less, energy-harvesting tag. One or more of the environmental IOT devices (e.g., tags) can each be attached to an asset located within a location (e.g., a retail store, a warehouse, etc.) for the purpose of asset tracking, monitoring, and / or supply chain management. Devices such as devices for excitation (e.g., which can be referred to as “excitation devices,” “exciters,” or “readers”) can interrogate, scan, read, detect, and / or excite the environmental IOT devices. Such devices can be in the form of mobile devices (e.g., smartphones, tablet computers, handheld reader devices, etc.), robots, lifts, or other devices.

[0039] The environmental IOT devices can harvest energy (e.g., electrical energy) from signals (e.g., excitation signals, scanning beams, or excitation waveforms) sent by devices such as excitation devices. After being excited, the environmental IOT devices can each send a response signal that includes some identifying information that is unique to each environmental IOT device. An ERP server can store and maintain a database of information related to the environmental IOT devices (e.g., information related to their capabilities and last known locations). In today’s industry, it can be beneficial to implement a common protocol for interaction (e.g., interrogation) between devices such as excitation devices and environmental IOT devices (e.g., tags).

[0040] Described herein are systems, apparatus, methods (also referred to as procedures), and computer-readable media (collectively referred to herein as “systems and techniques”) for opportunistic detection of wireless communication devices such as environmental IOT devices. The systems and techniques provide standards for when and how a device (e.g., an excitation device) can interrogate an environmental IOT device (e.g., a tag). In one or more aspects, the systems and techniques define an interrogation standard that includes capability information of the device (e.g., excitation device) and the environmental IOT device, different operational states or modes of the device (e.g., excitation device), and message flows between the devices (e.g., excitation device and environmental IOT device). The systems and techniques can also employ specialized device infrastructure (e.g., excitation nodes).

[0041] In one or more aspects, a device (e.g., an energizing device) can possess capabilities including, but not limited to, being able to support radio frequency identification (RFID) technology (e.g., which can include having the ability to energize an environmental IOT device and beamforming capabilities for interrogating an environmental IOT device), being able to operate as a radio (e.g., being able to receive transmissions from an environmental IOT device and operate as a repeater by transmitting those received transmissions to an ERP server), being able to operate as a camera, being able to operate transparently (e.g., by sharing received environmental IOT device information with an ERP server), and / or being able to display a graphical user interface (GUI) to display information related to an asset associated with an environmental IOT device (e.g., price, expiration date, and / or online reviews).

[0042] In some aspects, an environmental IOT device can possess capabilities including, but not limited to, being able to support RFID technology (e.g., which can include being able to collect energy from a received signal and transmit identification information after being sufficiently energized with the energy), being able to operate as a radio (e.g., being able to receive transmissions from a device (e.g., an energizing device) and transmit signals to a device (e.g., an energizing device)), being able to operate as a camera, and / or being able to operate transparently (e.g., by sharing identification information with a device (e.g., an energizing device)).

[0043] In one or more aspects, a device (e.g., an energizing device) can possess different operating states or modes including, but not limited to, an omnidirectional state or mode (e.g., where the device performs antenna beam sweeping in all directions), a directional state or mode (e.g., where the device performs antenna beam sweeping in a particular direction, such as by performing analog beamforming, etc.), a beam sweeping state or mode (e.g., where the device performs beam sweeping through a set of antenna beams, each of which is directional), and a non-active state or mode (e.g., where the device is powered off).

[0044] In some aspects, systems and techniques provide criteria for when and how a device (e.g., an energizing device) can switch between different operating states or modes. In one or more aspects, systems and techniques define criteria for state switching including a user's coarse location (e.g., switching can be based on a user's location), a context of a shopping experience (e.g., switching can be based on a context in which a user is shopping), and a preconfigured interrogation (e.g., a device can be configured to perform an interrogation).

[0045] In one or more examples, a user's location can be based on a location of a device (e.g., an energizing device) associated with the user. A user's location can be obtained in other ways including, but not limited to, information from indoor Wi-Fi access points (APs), Bluetooth nodes, and / or cameras.

[0046] In one or more examples, a user can specify a context at the time of shopping, which can include a discovery context (e.g., where the user can attempt to detect the presence of a particular environmental IOT device), an inquiry context (e.g., where the user can broadly inquire about the properties of products located within a specified area, such as on a shelf or within an aisle), or a search context (e.g., where the user can search for a particular type of product within a specified area). In one or more examples, when a discovery context exists, a device (e.g., an energizing device) can switch to operate in an omnidirectional state, operating through multiple frequency ranges and / or RFID types. When an inquiry context exists, a device (e.g., an energizing device) can switch to operate in an omnidirectional state, operating through a particular frequency range and / or a particular RFID type. When a search context exists, a device (e.g., an energizing device) can switch to operate in a beam sweeping state.

[0047] In one or more examples, a device (e.g., an energizing device) can be preconfigured to periodically interrogate environmental IOT devices in a particular direction. In some examples, a device (e.g., an energizing device) can be preconfigured to interrogate environmental IOT devices based on a reported presence of environmental IOT devices or a location of environmental IOT devices.

[0048] In one or more aspects, a server (such as a location management function (LMF) server) can transmit a capability request to a device (e.g., an energizing device) and an ERP server. In response, the device (e.g., an energizing device) and the ERP server can each transmit a capability report to the server. In response, the server can transmit assistance data to the device (e.g., an energizing device). In one or more examples, the assistance data can include capabilities of environmental IOT devices, a mapping between environmental IOT devices (e.g., including their RFID types and frequencies) and locations of the device (e.g., an energizing device), security and decoding information needed by the device (e.g., an energizing device) to interpret identifiers (e.g., uniquely assigned identities) of environmental IOT devices, and a mapping between states of the device (e.g., an energizing device) and locations of the device (e.g., an energizing device). The device (e.g., an energizing device) can then interrogate environmental IOT devices. In response, the environmental IOT devices can each transmit their identifying information (e.g., unique to each environmental IOT device) to the device (e.g., an energizing device).

[0049] In one or more aspects, a dedicated device (e.g., a stimulus device) infrastructure (e.g., including stimulus nodes) can be used to pre-trigger environmental IoT devices (e.g., to transmit response signals including identification information). In one or more examples, an environmental IoT device can be configured to transmit a beacon frame within a certain time period or in a certain number of transmissions based on a stimulus waveform (e.g., a waveform of a received stimulus signal transmitted from a device). In some examples, an environmental IoT device can be configured to transmit a beacon frame based on a certain class or type of device (such as a stimulus device) (e.g., a beacon frame compatible with a certain class or type of device). In one or more aspects, one or more devices (e.g., stimulus devices) can jointly perform a beam sweep within a certain area and trigger environmental IoT devices located within the area (e.g., to transmit response signals including identification information). In one or more examples, a device (e.g., a stimulus device) can trigger an environmental IoT device based on a type of the environmental IoT device, an area of a location of the environmental IoT device, an area centered on a particular location of the environmental IoT device, a certain time period, or a certain number of transmissions.

[0050] Additional aspects of the disclosure are described in more detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0051] Figure 1 is a diagram of an example environment 100 in which systems and / or methods described herein can be implemented. As shown, the environment 100 can include at least one access point (AP) 110, at least one wireless communication device 120 (e.g., at least one environmental IoT device), a management entity (ME) 130, and a network 140. The devices of the environment 100 can be interconnected via wired connections, wireless connections, or a combination of wired and wireless connections. Figure 1

[0052] The access point 110 can include one or more devices capable of receiving, generating, storing, processing, providing, and / or routing information associated with access point synchronization and / or handover, as described elsewhere herein. The access point 110 can include a communication device and / or a computing device. The access point 110 can be configured to transmit beacons (e.g., BLE beacons), as well as scan for and locate other devices (e.g., other devices that communicate using the BLE protocol).

[0053] The wireless communication device 120 can include one or more devices capable of receiving, generating, storing, processing, and / or providing information associated with access point synchronization and / or handover, as described elsewhere herein. The wireless communication device 120 can include a communication device and / or a computing device. In some aspects, the wireless communication device 120 can be, can include, or can be included in an electronic shelf label (ESL).

[0054] ​Management entity 130 includes one or more devices, as described elsewhere herein, capable of receiving, generating, storing, processing, providing, and / or routing information associated with synchronization and / or handover to the access point. Management entity 130 may include communication devices and / or computing devices. For example, management entity 130 may include servers such as application servers, client servers, web servers, database servers, host servers, proxy servers, virtual servers (e.g., executing on computing hardware), or servers in a cloud computing system. In some aspects, management entity 130 includes computing hardware used in a cloud computing environment. Management entity 130 can provide control over a system (e.g., an ESL system) including access point 110, wireless communication device 120, and / or device 130. Access point 110 may be communicatively connected to management entity 130 via a network such as the Internet (not shown).

[0055] Network 140 may include one or more wireless networks. For example, network 140 may include a personal area network (e.g., a Bluetooth network). Network 140 enables communication between devices in environment 100.

[0056] Figure 1 The number and arrangement of devices and networks shown are provided as examples. In implementation, variations may exist. Figure 1 The devices and / or networks shown are compared to additional devices and / or networks, fewer devices and / or networks, different devices and / or networks, or devices and / or networks arranged differently. Furthermore, Figure 1 The two or more devices shown can be implemented within a single device, or Figure 1 The single device shown can be implemented as multiple distributed devices. Additionally or alternatively, a collection of devices in environment 100 (e.g., one or more devices) can perform one or more functions described as being performed by another collection of devices in environment 100.

[0057] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating example components of device 200 according to the present disclosure. Device 200 may correspond to access point 110, wireless communication device 120 (e.g., environmental IoT device), and / or management entity 130. In some aspects, access point 110, wireless communication device 120, and / or management entity 130 may include one or more devices 200 and / or one or more components of device 200. Figure 2 As shown, device 200 may include bus 205, processor 210, memory 215, storage component 220, input component 225, output component 230 and / or communication component 235.

[0058] Bus 205 can include a component that permits communication among the components of device 200. Processor 210 can be implemented in hardware, firmware, or a combination of hardware and software. Processor 210 can be a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an accelerated processing unit (APU), a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or another type of processing component. In some aspects, processor 210 can include one or more processors capable of being programmed to perform a function. Memory 215 can include a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), and / or another type of dynamic or static storage device (e.g., a flash memory, a magnetic storage device, and / or an optical storage device) that stores information and / or instructions for use by processor 210.

[0059] Storage component 220 can store information and / or software related to the operation and use of device 200. For example, storage component 220 can include a hard disk (e.g., a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optic disk, and / or a solid state disk), a compact disc (CD), a digital versatile disc (DVD), a floppy disk, a memory stick, a magnetic tape, and / or another type of non-transitory computer-readable medium, along with a corresponding drive.

[0060] Input component 225 can include a component that permits device 200 to receive information, such as via a user input (e.g., a touch screen display, a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, a button, a switch, and / or a microphone). Additionally, or alternatively, input component 225 can include a location component (e.g., an indoor location component that can be based on a floor plan of an environment in which device 200 is located, a global positioning system (GPS) component, a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) component, any combination thereof, and / or other location component) and / or a sensor (e.g., an accelerometer, a gyroscope, an actuator, or another type of positioning or environmental sensor) for sensing information. Output component 230 can include a component that provides output information from device 200 (e.g., a display, a speaker, a haptic feedback component, and / or an audio or visual indicator).

[0061] Communication component 235 can include one or more transceiver components (e.g., a transceiver and / or a separate receiver and transmitter) that enable device 200 to communicate with other devices (such as via a wired connection, a wireless connection, or a combination of wired and wireless connections). Communication component 235 can permit device 200 to receive information from another device and / or provide information to another device. For example, communication component 235 can include an Ethernet interface, an optical interface, a coaxial interface, an infrared interface, a radio frequency interface, a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a wireless local area interface (e.g., a Wi-Fi interface or a BLE interface), and / or a cellular network interface.

[0062] The communication components 235 can include one or more antennas for receiving wireless radio frequency (RF) signals transmitted from one or more other devices, cloud networks, and the like. The antennas can be a single antenna or an array of antennas (e.g., an antenna phased array) that can facilitate simultaneous transmission and reception functions. The antennas can be an omnidirectional antenna such that signals can be received from and transmitted in all directions. The wireless signals can be transmitted via a wireless network. The wireless network can be any wireless network such as a cellular or telecommunication network (e.g., 3G, 4G, 5G, etc.), a wireless local area network (e.g., a WiFi network), a Bluetooth network, and / or other network. ™ networks and / or other networks.

[0063] One or more class transceiver components (e.g., wireless transceivers) of the communication components 235 can include an RF front end that includes one or more components such as amplifiers, mixers (also referred to as signal multipliers) for down-converting signals, frequency synthesizers (also referred to as oscillators) that provide frequencies to the mixers, baseband filters, analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), one or more power amplifiers, and other components. The RF front end can generally handle selection of wireless signals and conversion of wireless signals to baseband or intermediate frequencies, and can convert RF signals to the digital domain.

[0064] In some cases, a CODEC can be implemented (e.g., by the processor 210) to encode and / or decode data transmitted and / or received using one or more wireless transceivers. In some cases, encryption-decryption can be implemented (e.g., by the processor 210) to encrypt and / or decrypt data transmitted and / or received by one or more wireless transceivers (e.g., according to Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) and / or Data Encryption Standard (DES) standards).

[0065] In some aspects, the device 200 can represent an ESL. In addition to the aforementioned components, an ESL can include a battery. In some aspects, the output components 230 of the ESL can be an electronic paper (e-paper) display or a liquid crystal display (LCD).

[0066] The device 200 can perform one or more processes described herein. The device 200 can perform these processes based on the processor 210 executing software instructions stored by a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as the memory 215 and / or the storage component 220. A computer-readable medium is defined herein as a non-transitory memory device. A memory device includes memory space within a single physical storage device or memory space spread across multiple physical storage devices.

[0067] Software instructions readable by the processor 210 and / or dedicaied hardware can be stored in the memory 215 and / or storage component 220. The software instructions can cause the processor 210 to perform one or more of the processes described herein, when executed. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the processes described herein can be performed using hardwired circuitry instead of, or in combination with, software instructions. Thus, aspects described herein are not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software.

[0068] Figure 2 The number and arrangement of components shown in FIG. 10 are provided as an example. In practice, device 200 can include additional components, fewer components, different components, or differently arranged components than those shown in FIG. 10. Additionally or alternatively, a set of components (e.g., one or more components) of device 200 can perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of components of device 200. Figure 2

[0069] As previously mentioned, a system, such as an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, can include one or more wireless communication devices that are controlled by a network entity. For example, the system can include one or more peripheral devices (e.g., ESLs) that are controlled by a network entity (e.g., an ERP server) via at least an additional network entity (e.g., an AP).

[0070] In one or more examples, to facilitate control by the ERP server, each peripheral device (e.g., ESL) can have a wireless connection (e.g., a BLE connection or other connection) to an AP that is communicatively connected to the ERP server (e.g., via the Internet such as wirelessly, via an Ethernet connection, etc.). In some cases, commands from the ERP server can be wirelessly transmitted by the AP to the peripheral device (e.g., ESL). Responses or information from the peripheral device can also be received by the AP and provided by the AP to the ERP server.

[0071] ​The system can include a plurality of environmental IOT devices (as examples of wireless communication devices or peripheral devices). The environmental IOT devices can be in the form of low-cost, battery-less, energy-harvesting tags (such as near field communication (NFC) tags). One or more of the environmental IOT devices (e.g., tags) can each be attached to an asset located within a retail store or warehouse for the purpose of asset tracking, monitoring, and / or supply chain management. Devices (such as energizing devices) can also be deployed within the retail store or warehouse. Devices (such as energizing devices, e.g., equipped with a power source) can interrogate, scan, read, detect, and / or energize any environmental IOT devices located within its vicinity. Such devices can be in the form of mobile devices (e.g., smartphones, tablet computers, handheld reader devices, etc.), robots, lifts, or other devices.

[0072] The environmental IOT devices can harvest energy (e.g., electrical energy) from signals (e.g., energizing signals, which are signals (radio waves) that can be used to collect energy) sent by the devices (such as energizing devices). After being energized, the environmental IOT devices can each send a response signal that includes some identifying information (e.g., metadata) that is unique to each environmental IOT device. An ERP server can store and maintain a database of information related to the environmental IOT devices (e.g., information related to their capabilities and last known locations). In today’s industry, it can be useful to have a common protocol that enables the interaction (e.g., interrogation) between devices (such as energizing devices) and environmental IOT devices (e.g., tags).

[0073] In one or more aspects, the systems and techniques provide for opportunistic detection of wireless communication devices (such as environmental IOT devices). The systems and techniques provide criteria for when and how a device (such as an energizing device) can interrogate an environmental IOT device (e.g., a tag). In one or more examples, the systems and techniques define interrogation criteria (e.g., criteria that include capability information of the device (such as an energizing device) and the environmental IOT device), different operational states or modes of the device (such as an energizing device) (e.g., different states or modes can be influenced by location, context, and / or pre-configuration), and message flows (e.g., for proprietary solutions and third generation partnership project (3GPP) based frameworks) between the device (e.g., between an energizing device and an environmental IOT device), an ERP system, and / or a private sector (such as a location management function (LMF)). The systems and techniques can also employ a dedicated device (such as an energizing device) infrastructure (e.g., an energizing node).

[0074] In one or more aspects, a device, such as an energizing device (e.g., a mobile device, such as a smartphone, a robot, an elevator, etc.) can have one or more capabilities. Devices are further described below with energizing devices as an example. Devices and energizing devices can be used interchangeably. In one or more examples, an energizing device (e.g., Figure 3 energizing device 320 of FIG. 1 and / or Figure 5 energizing device 520 of FIG. 2) can have a capability to support RFID technology, which can include a capability to read and scan wireless communication devices (e.g., environmental IOT devices, such as in the form of RFID tags) and include a capability to support communications using one or more frequency bands associated with RFID technology, such as low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF), near field communication (NFC) frequencies, ultra-high frequency (UHF). In some examples, an energizing device can have an energizing capability, which can include a capability to energize a wireless communication device (e.g., a tag) and instruct the wireless communication device (e.g., an environmental IOT device in the form of a tag) to communicate (e.g., communicate information about a particular item to an access point, such as for inventory purposes) with another device (e.g., via a broadcast or a unicast). In one or more examples, an energizing device can have a capability to support beamforming (e.g., a beamforming capability to be able to form an antenna beam and scan the beam toward a particular wireless communication device), such as for the purpose of interrogating a wireless communication device (e.g., an environmental IOT device in the form of a tag).

[0075] In one or more examples, an energizing device (e.g., Figure 3 energizing device 320 of FIG. 1 and / or Figure 5 energizing device 520 of FIG. 2) can have a capability to support radio communications, such as radio frequency (RF) communications (e.g., using cellular, satellite, Wi-Fi, and / or Bluetooth communications). For example, an energizing device can be able to receive transmissions (e.g., RF signal transmissions) from one or more wireless communication devices (e.g., environmental IOT devices in the form of tags), such as for the purpose of relaying the received information to a gateway node (e.g., Figure 5 gateway node 540 of FIG. 3) and / or an ERP system (e.g., Figure 5 ERP server 550 of FIG. 4).

[0076] In some examples, an energizing device (e.g., Figure 3 energizing device 320 of FIG. 1 and / or Figure 5 energizing device 520 of FIG. 2) can have a capability that includes a camera to capture images and / or video of a surrounding environment (e.g., within a retail store or warehouse). An energizing device can receive information (e.g., about a product associated with a wireless communication device) via images taken by the camera of the local environment.

[0077] In one or more examples, an energizing device (e.g., Figure 3the incentive device 320 and / or Figure 5 the incentive device 520) can have a capability to retain transparency, which can include a capability to share information associated with one or more wireless communication devices with an external server (such as an ERP system (e.g., Figure 5 the ERP server 550), each of which can be in the form of a tag. In some examples, the incentive device can have a capability to share information (e.g., price, expiration date, and / or online reviews related to an item associated with a wireless communication device) with a user or store employee by displaying the information on a graphical user interface (GUI), which can be implemented within the incentive device. In one or more examples, when the incentive device is capable of sharing information associated with one or more wireless communication devices, there can be an expected latency (e.g., an expected amount of time delay) when the incentive device delivers the information to the ERP system.

[0078] In one or more aspects, a wireless communication device (e.g., an environmental IOT device, each in the form of a tag) can have one or more capabilities. In one or more examples, a wireless communication device (e.g., Figure 1 the wireless communication device 120 of Figure 3 the wireless communication devices 310a, 310b, 310c, 310d, and / or Figure 5 the wireless communication device 510 of Figure 5 may be part of a larger system (such as a system including ESLs and / or track controllers (e.g., such as the ESL or track controller 560 of

[0079] In one or more examples, a wireless communication device (e.g., Figure 1 the wireless communication device 120 of Figure 3 the wireless communication devices 310a, 310b, 310c, 310d, and / or Figure 5 the wireless communication device 510 of may have one or more capabilities that are the same as the previously mentioned incentive devices, in addition to the incentive and beamforming capabilities. For example, the wireless communication device can have a capability including support for RFID technology (e.g., which can include a capability to collect energy from a received signal (incentive signal) from an incentive device and transmit identification information after being sufficiently energized with electrical energy), a capability to operate as a radio (e.g., a capability to receive a signal transmitted from an incentive device and transmit a signal to the incentive device), a capability to operate as a camera, and / or a capability to operate transparently (e.g., by sharing its own identification information with an incentive device).

[0080] In one or more aspects, the energizing device can have different operational states or modes. In one or more examples, the different operational states or modes can include an omnidirectional state or mode, a directional state or mode, a beam sweeping state or mode, and / or a non-active state or mode. In one or more examples, the omnidirectional state or mode can be a state or mode in which the energizing device scans one or more antennas associated with the energizing device in all directions (e.g., to form an omnidirectional antenna beam pattern). In some examples, the directional state or mode can be a state or mode in which the energizing device forms an antenna beam and beam sweeps in a particular direction (e.g., analog beamforming). In one or more examples, the beam sweeping state or mode can be a state or mode in which the energizing device forms a set of antenna beams and sweeps through the set of beams, where each beam is a directional beam. In some examples, the non-active state or mode can be a state or mode in which the energizing device is inoperable (e.g., the energizing device is powered off).

[0081] Figure 3 An example of an energizing device switching states or modes within a retail store scenario is shown. In particular, Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system 300 for opportunistic probing of wireless communication devices (e.g., including wireless communication devices 310a, 310b, 310c, 310d) such as environmental IOT devices. In Figure 3 , an aisle 330 of a retail store is shown. Two shelving units are shown on either side of the aisle 330, each shelving unit including a plurality of wireless communication devices (e.g., in the form of tags and / or ESLs associated with products located on the shelving units). For example, one shelving unit includes wireless communication devices 310a, 310c, while the other shelving unit includes wireless communication devices 310b, 310d. In Figure 3 , a user is shown walking along the aisle 330 with an associated energizing device 320. In one or more examples, the energizing device 320 can be in the form of a smartphone held by the user. In some examples, the energizing device 320 can be an energizing device incorporated into a shopping cart pushed by the user.

[0082] In Figure 3 , as the user walks along the aisle 330, the energizing device 320 can operate in an omnidirectional state or more to form an omnidirectional beam, thereby performing an omnidirectional interrogation 340 (e.g., to actively interrogate) all wireless communication devices within range of the user (e.g., wireless communication devices located within the omnidirectional antenna beam) around the user. In response to being interrogated by the omnidirectional interrogation 340, the wireless communication devices located within range (e.g., located within the omnidirectional beam) can send their associated information (e.g., information related to the wireless communication devices themselves (such as unique identification information) and / or information related to items or products associated with the wireless communication devices) to the energizing device 320.

[0083] In one or more examples, the incentive device 320 can transmit (e.g., relay) information received from the wireless communication device to a gateway node (e.g., gateway node 540 of Figure 5 ) and / or an ERP system (e.g., ERP server 550 of Figure 5 ). In some examples, the incentive device 320 can be passively operated (e.g., independent of user operation) in transmitting the information.

[0084] In some examples, the incentive device 320 can display graphical details and / or information (e.g., price, expiration date, and / or online reviews) about an item or product associated with the wireless communication device to a user or store employee via a GUI implemented within the incentive device 320. Displaying information about a product or item on a shelf to a user (e.g., a customer) can enhance the overall shopping experience of the user. In one or more examples, the graphical details and / or information can be displayed on an incentive device (e.g., a smart phone or a device mounted on a shopping cart) associated with the user. In some examples, the graphical details and / or information can be displayed on a device (e.g., an ESL mounted on a shelf unit) associated with the product or item.

[0085] In one or more aspects, the systems and techniques provide criteria for when and how an incentive device can switch between different operational states or modes. In one or more examples, the systems and techniques define criteria for switching of states or modes, where the criteria can include, but are not limited to, a coarse location of the user (e.g., the switch can be based on the location of the user), a context of the shopping experience (e.g., the switch can be based on the context of the user shopping), and a preconfigured query (e.g., the incentive device can be preconfigured to make a query).

[0086] In one or more examples, the location of the user (e.g., a coarse location) can be based on the location of an incentive device associated with the user. In some examples, the location of the user can be obtained in other ways, including but not limited to, information from indoor Wi-Fi access points (APs), Bluetooth nodes, and / or cameras. In some examples, the user can be prompted (e.g., via a GUI on the incentive device) to operate in any state or mode.

[0087] For example, with reference to Figure 3 , the ERP system (e.g., an ERP inventory management system, such as Figure 5The ERP server 550) can know the last known location of a wireless communication device (e.g., wireless communication device 310d, which can be in the form of a tag). Based on the last known location of the wireless communication device, the ERP system (e.g., via the GUI on the energizing device) can direct the user to use the energizing device 320 associated therewith to omnidirectionally interrogate 340 or directionally interrogate 350 (e.g., by forming an antenna beam and beam sweeping in a direction toward the known location) a particular wireless communication device (e.g., wireless communication device 310d). In one or more examples, when there is no known wireless communication device located in proximity to the energizing device 320, the ERP system (e.g., via the GUI on the energizing device) can direct the user to switch the energizing device 320 to operate in a non-active state or mode.

[0088] In one or more examples, a user can specify a context at the time of shopping that can be used to switch the state or mode of the energizing device. The context can include, but is not limited to, a discovery context (e.g., where the user can attempt to detect the presence of a particular wireless communication device, such as in the form of a tag), an interrogation context (e.g., where the user can broadly interrogate the properties of products located within a specified area, such as on a shelf or within an aisle), or a search context (e.g., where the user can search for a particular type of product within a specified area). In one or more examples, when there is a discovery context, the energizing device can switch to operate in an omnidirectional state, operating over a plurality of frequency ranges and / or RFID types. When there is an interrogation context, the energizing device can switch to operate in an omnidirectional state, operating over a particular frequency range and / or a particular RFID type. When there is a search context, the energizing device can switch to operate in a beam sweeping state.

[0089] In one or more examples, a wireless communication device can be preconfigured for interrogation (e.g., with a preconfigured interrogation). In some examples, an energizing device can be preconfigured to periodically interrogate (e.g., scan) wireless communication devices (e.g., in the form of tags) in a particular direction. For example, a robot can be preconfigured to scan products or items moving on a conveyor belt running along some particular trajectory. Using a robot preconfigured to interrogate (e.g., scan) wireless communication devices (e.g., tags) associated with the items can enhance the automation of item inventory management, which can reduce inventory management costs.

[0090] In one or more examples, an energized device can be preconfigured to interrogate a wireless communication device based on a reported presence of the wireless communication device (e.g., based on detection of the wireless communication device by a camera, using radio frequency (RF)-based detection, such as based on WiFi, ultra-wideband (UWB), or a location of the wireless communication device. For example, a camera or radar (e.g., using RF sensing) can detect a pallet (e.g., containing wireless communication devices associated with items or products on the pallet) moving (e.g., traveling) along an aisle of a store or warehouse. Based on the detected location of the pallet, energized devices in the vicinity can be triggered to perform an antenna beam sweep in the direction of the pallet to find the wireless communication devices located on the pallet (e.g., for inventory counting purposes). Triggering energized devices to interrogate (e.g., scan for) the wireless communication devices (e.g., tags) associated with the items located on the pallet based on detection of the pallet in the vicinity of the energized devices can enhance automation of item inventory management, which can reduce inventory management costs.

[0091] Figure 4 Examples of signaling for interrogating a wireless communication device are shown. In particular, Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of signaling 400 for opportunistic probing of a wireless communication device 440 (e.g., an environmental IOT device, which can be in the form of an ESL or tag or UE). In Figure 4 , signaling 400 is shown for a system including an ERP server 410 (e.g., such as an ERP server 550, which can be in the form of an LMF server, energized devices 420 (e.g., mobile devices, such as UEs), which can each be associated with a user), a gateway node 430 (e.g., which can be in the form of a management entity, such as a management entity 130), and a wireless communication device 440. Figure 5 Figure 1

[0092] During operation of the system for Figure 4 , the ERP server 410 can transmit (e.g., send) a capability request 405 to the energized devices 420 requesting a capability report from each of the energized devices 420 regarding their respective capabilities. In response, the energized devices 420 can each send a capability report 425 including their respective capabilities to the ERP server 410.

[0093] ​​ERP server 410 can transmit (e.g., send) a capability request 415 to gateway node 430 requesting a capability report including capabilities of wireless communication devices 440. In response, gateway node 430 can send a capability report 435 to ERP server 410 including capabilities of wireless communication devices 440 (and optionally, a mapping including RFID type and current location for each of wireless communication devices 440, such that a particular type of scan can be performed). In one or more examples, capability report 435 can also include information about store or warehouse layout and / or current known or expected locations of wireless communication devices 440.

[0094] In one or more examples, in response to receiving capability reports 425, 435, ERP server 410 can transmit (e.g., send) assistance data 445 to energizing device 420. In one or more examples, assistance data 445 can include, but is not limited to, capabilities of wireless communication devices 440, a mapping between wireless communication devices 440 (e.g., including their RFID type and frequency) and locations of energizing device 420, security and decoding information required by energizing device 420 to interpret identifiers (e.g., uniquely assigned identities) of wireless communication devices 440, and a mapping between status of energizing device 420 and locations of energizing device 420.

[0095] In one or more examples, energizing device 420 can interrogate 450 (e.g., transmit an energizing signal to) wireless communication devices 440. Wireless communication devices 440 can receive the energizing signal and can harvest energy from the energizing signal. In response to being interrogated (e.g., receiving and being energized by the energizing signal), wireless communication devices 440 can each transmit (e.g., send) their respective identifier information (e.g., within a response signal) to energizing device 420. In one or more examples, the identifier information is a unique identity (e.g., software and / or hardware identity) assigned to each wireless communication device 440.

[0096] In response to receiving the identifier information from wireless communication devices 440, energizing device 420 can transmit (e.g., send or report 455) the identifier information of wireless communication devices 440 to gateway node 430. In response to receiving the identifier information from energizing device 420, gateway node 430 can optionally transmit (e.g., send or provide 465) information associated with wireless communication devices 440 to energizing device 420, where the information can already be stored within an existing database associated with gateway node 430.

[0097] In one or more aspects, a dedicated energizing device infrastructure (e.g., including energizing devices) can be used to pre-trigger a wireless communication device (e.g., a tag or ESL) to transmit a response signal including its respective identification information. In one or more examples, a wireless communication device (e.g., an environmental IOT device) of the energizing device infrastructure can be configured to send a beacon frame (e.g., a response signal, which can include identification information associated with the wireless communication device).

[0098] Figure 5 An example of an energizing device infrastructure is shown. In particular, Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a dedicated energizing device infrastructure 500. In Figure 5 , the infrastructure 500 is shown as being located within a retail store. The infrastructure is shown as including an ERP server 550 (e.g., in the form of a server or cloud server, which can be located away from the retail store), a gateway node 540 (e.g., in the form of an edge server, which can be located within the retail store), an access point 530 (e.g., an ESL AP, which can be located within the retail store), wireless communication devices 510 (e.g., which can be in the form of energy-harvesting BLE tags each associated with a package), an energizing device 520 (e.g., installed on a shelf unit within the retail store), and a wireless communication device 560 (e.g., in the form of an ESL installed on a shelf unit, where the ESL is powered and controlled by a motorized track installed within the shelf unit).

[0099] During operation of the infrastructure 500 of Figure 5 , the energizing device 520 can transmit (e.g., send) an energizing signal to the wireless communication devices 510 (e.g., tags). The wireless communication devices 510 can receive the energizing signal and harvest energy from the energizing signal to energize themselves. After the wireless communication devices 510 have harvested enough energy to be able to send, the wireless communication devices 510 (e.g., tags) can transmit (e.g., send) a beacon frame. In one or more examples, the wireless communication devices 510 can be configured to send the beacon frame within a certain time period or in a certain number of transmissions based on the waveform of the received energizing signal sent from the energizing device 520. In some examples, the wireless communication devices 510 can be configured to send the beacon frame based on a certain class or type of energizing device 520 (e.g., a beacon frame compatible with a certain class or type of energizing device 520).

[0100] In one or more examples, a wireless communication device 560 (e.g., an ESL) located in proximity to the wireless communication devices 510 (e.g., tags) can receive the beacon frame from the wireless communication devices 510 (e.g., tags). In some examples, a receiver (e.g., a mobile device) can receive the beacon frame. In response to receiving the beacon frame, the receiver itself can not perform an interrogation, but can instead relay the information within the beacon frame to the ERP system 450.

[0101] In one or more aspects, the energizing devices 520 can jointly perform a beam sweep and trigger the wireless communication devices 510 (e.g., transmit a response signal including identification information) located within a region. In one or more examples, the energizing devices 520 can trigger the wireless communication devices 510 based on a type of the wireless communication devices 510, a region of a location of the wireless communication devices 510, a region centered at a particular location of the wireless communication devices 510, a time period, or a number of transmissions. In one or more examples, the beam sweep can be performed in an efficient non-overlapping manner such that different energizing devices 520 do not energize the same set of wireless communication devices 510 (e.g., tags).

[0102] For example, in a retail store scenario, a store employee or a store robot can enter an aisle to perform an inventory of items or products located within the aisle. The wireless communication devices (e.g., tags) located within the aisle can be pre-triggered by an energizing device (e.g., associated with the store employee or the store robot) to transmit (e.g., send) a beacon frame. The energizing device can receive the transmitted beacon frame.

[0103] For another example, a device (e.g., a mobile phone) associated with a user (e.g., a customer) in a retail store can not have the capability to interrogate the wireless communication devices (e.g., tags) in the retail store at a certain frequency and / or type. The device can pre-trigger an energizing device located within the store to trigger the wireless communication devices (e.g., tags) to send a beacon frame. The device (e.g., the mobile phone) can receive the transmitted beacon frame.

[0104] Figure 6 Examples of signaling (e.g., for exclusive use cases) for pre-triggering wireless communication devices are shown. In particular, Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of signaling 600 for an energizing device 620 to trigger a wireless communication device 640 (e.g., an ambient IoT device, which can be in the form of a tag). In Figure 6 , the signaling 600 for a system is shown, which includes an ERP server 610 (e.g., such as the ERP server 550), a mobile device 620 (e.g., a mobile device, such as a smart phone, each of which can be associated with a user and can not have energizing capabilities), a gateway node 630 (e.g., which can be in the form of a management entity, such as the management entity 130), a wireless communication device 640, and an energizing device 650. Figure 5 Figure 1 In the example of FIG. 6, the ERP server 610 can transmit a request 610-1 to the gateway node 630 to pre-trigger the wireless communication device 640. The gateway node 630 can transmit a request 630-1 to the energizing device 650 to pre-trigger the wireless communication device 640. The energizing device 650 can transmit a beacon frame 650-1 to the wireless communication device 640. The wireless communication device 640 can transmit a response 640-1 to the energizing device 650. The energizing device 650 can transmit a response 650-2 to the gateway node 630. The gateway node 630 can transmit a response 630-2 to the ERP server 610.

[0105] In the example of FIG. 6, the ERP server 610 can transmit a request 610-1 to the gateway node 630 to pre-trigger the wireless communication device 640. The gateway node 630 can transmit a request 630-1 to the energizing device 650 to pre-trigger the wireless communication device 640. The energizing device 650 can transmit a beacon frame 650-1 to the wireless communication device 640. The wireless communication device 640 can transmit a response 640-1 to the energizing device 650. The energizing device 650 can transmit a response 650-2 to the gateway node 630. The gateway node 630 can transmit a response 630-2 to the ERP server 610. Figure 6 ​During operation of the system, the ERP server 610 can transmit (e.g., send) a capability request 605 to the mobile devices 620, requesting capability reports from the mobile devices 620 regarding their respective capabilities. In response, the mobile devices 620 can each send a capability report 625 including their respective capabilities to the ERP server 610.

[0106] The ERP server 610 can transmit (e.g., send) a capability request 615 to the gateway node 630, requesting a capability report including capabilities of the wireless communication devices 640. In response, the gateway node 630 can send a capability report 635 including capabilities of the wireless communication devices 640 (and optionally, a mapping including RFID type and current location for each of the wireless communication devices 640 to perform a particular type of scan) to the ERP server 610. In one or more examples, the capability report 635 can also include information regarding the store or warehouse layout and / or current known or expected locations of the wireless communication devices 640.

[0107] In one or more examples, in response to receiving the capability reports 625, 635, the ERP server 610 can transmit (e.g., send) assistance data 645 to the mobile devices 620. In one or more examples, the assistance data 645 can include capabilities of the wireless communication devices 640, a mapping between the wireless communication devices 640 (e.g., including their RFID type and frequency) and locations of the energizing devices 650, security and decoding information required by the energizing devices 650 to interpret identifiers (e.g., uniquely assigned identities) of the wireless communication devices 640, and a mapping between states of the energizing devices 650 and locations of the energizing devices 650.

[0108] The ERP server 610 can transmit (e.g., send) a location request 655 to the mobile devices 620. In response to receiving the location request 655, the mobile devices 620 can each transmit (e.g., send) a location report 660 (e.g., including their respective locations) to the ERP server 610. In response to receiving the location reports 660, the ERP server 610 can transmit instructions 665 to the energizing devices 650. In one or more examples, the instructions 665 can include instructions to the energizing devices 650 to trigger the wireless communication devices 640 belonging to a certain type, located within a certain area (e.g., of a retail store), located within an area centered around a particular location (e.g., within a retail store), for a certain time period, and / or a certain number of transmission (e.g., beacon frame transmission).

[0109] In response to receiving the instruction 665, the energizing device 650 can energize and interrogate 670 the wireless communication devices 640 according to the instruction 665. In response to being energized and interrogated, the wireless communication devices 640 can transmit (e.g., send) their unique identifiers 675 to the mobile device 620. In response to receiving the unique identifiers 675, the mobile device 620 can transmit (e.g., report 680) the received identifier information to the gateway node 630. In response, the gateway node 630 can optionally transmit (e.g., send or provide 685) information associated with the wireless communication devices 640 to the mobile device 620, where the information can already be stored within an existing database associated with the gateway node 630.

[0110] Figure 7 An example is shown for signaling for pre-triggering wireless communication devices (e.g., for 3GPP use cases). In particular, Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of signaling 700 for an energizing device 750 to trigger wireless communication devices 740 (e.g., environmental IOT devices, which can be in the form of tags). In Figure 7 , signaling 700 is shown for a system including an ERP server 710 (e.g., which can be in the form of an LMF, such as Figure 5 the ERP server 550 of FIG. 5), mobile devices 720 (e.g., mobile devices, such as smart phones, each of which can be associated with a user and can not have energizing capabilities), a gateway node 730 (e.g., which can be in the form of a management entity, such as Figure 1 the management entity 130 of FIG. 1), wireless communication devices 740, and an energizing device 750.

[0111] During operation of the system for Figure 7 , the ERP server 710 can transmit (e.g., send) a capability request 705 to the mobile devices 720, requesting a capability report from the mobile devices 720 regarding their respective capabilities. In response, the mobile devices 720 can each send a capability report 725 including their respective capabilities to the ERP server 710.

[0112] The ERP server 710 can transmit (e.g., send) a capability request 715 to the gateway node 730, requesting a capability report including capabilities of the wireless communication devices 740. In response, the gateway node 730 can transmit (e.g., send) a capability report 735 (e.g., an environmental device information response) including capabilities of the wireless communication devices 740 (and optionally, a mapping including RFID types and current locations for each of the wireless communication devices 740 to perform a particular type of scan) to the ERP server 710. In one or more examples, the capability report 735 can also include information regarding a store or warehouse layout and / or current known or expected locations of the wireless communication devices 740.

[0113] In response to receiving the capability reports 725, 735, the ERP server 710 can transmit (e.g., send) assistance data 745 to the mobile devices 720. The assistance data 745 can include capabilities of the wireless communication devices 740, a mapping between the wireless communication devices 740 (e.g., including their RFID types and frequencies) and locations of the incentive devices 750, security and decoding information required by the incentive devices 750 to interpret identifiers (e.g., uniquely assigned identities) of the wireless communication devices 740, and a mapping between states of the incentive devices 750 and locations of the incentive devices 750.

[0114] The ERP server 710 can transmit (e.g., send) a location request 755 to the mobile devices 720. In response to receiving the location request 755, the mobile devices 720 can each transmit (e.g., send) a location report 760 (e.g., including their respective locations) to the ERP server 710. In response to receiving the location reports 760, the ERP server 710 can transmit instructions 765 (e.g., as an on-demand request) to the incentive devices 750. In one or more examples, the instructions 765 can include instructions to the incentive devices 750 to trigger a transmission (e.g., a beacon frame transmission) of the wireless communication devices 740 that belong to a certain type, are located within a certain area (e.g., of a retail store), are located within an area centered at a particular location (e.g., within a retail store), for a certain time period, and / or a certain quantity.

[0115] In response to receiving the instructions 765, the incentive devices 750 can excite and interrogate 770 the wireless communication devices 740 according to the instructions 765. In response to being excited and interrogated, the wireless communication devices 740 can transmit (e.g., send) their unique identifiers 775 to the mobile devices 720. In response to receiving the unique identifiers 775, the mobile devices 720 can transmit (e.g., report 780) the received identifier information to the gateway node 730. In response, the gateway node 730 can optionally transmit (e.g., send or provide 785) information associated with the wireless communication devices 740 to the mobile devices 720, where the information can already be stored within an existing database associated with the gateway node 730.

[0116] Figure 8 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of a process 800 for opportunistic probing of wireless communication devices (e.g., environmental IOT devices). The process 800 can be performed by a device (e.g., Figure 3 the incentive device 320 of FIG. 3, or Figure 5 the incentive device 520 of FIG. 5), or by a component or system (e.g., a chipset) of the device. The operations of process 800 can be implemented as Figure 2 processor 210 of FIG. 2, Figure 11software components that are executed and run on the processor(s) 1110 and / or other processor(s) of the device. Further, transmission and reception of signals by the device in process 800 can be enabled, for example, by one or more antennas and / or one or more transceivers (e.g., wireless transceivers) such as one or more radio frequency transceivers (e.g., radio frequency transceivers 1135 of FIG. 11), for example. Figure 2 communication component 235 of the device, Figure 11 communication interface 1140 of the device, and / or other antennas and / or transceivers.

[0117] At block 810, the device (or a component thereof) can transmit (or output) a signal (e.g., an energizing signal) to a wireless communication device for transmission based on a pre-configuration of the device to transmit in a particular direction, a presence of the wireless communication device, or a location of the wireless communication device. As noted previously, in some cases, the device can be an energizing device, in which case the signal is an energizing signal for energizing the wireless communication device. In such cases, the energizing device is capable of opportunistic probing of the wireless communication device.

[0118] In some aspects, the pre-configuration of the device to transmit in the particular direction includes a pre-configuration of the device to periodically transmit in the particular direction. In some cases, the pre-configuration of the device to transmit in the particular direction specifies periodically transmitting an antenna beam including the signal in the particular direction toward the wireless communication device.

[0119] In some cases, the presence of the wireless communication device is based on detection of the wireless communication device using a camera, radio frequency-based detection, and / or other devices or techniques.

[0120] At block 820, the device (or a component thereof) can receive a response signal from the wireless communication device (energized by the signal) including identification information associated with the wireless communication device.

[0121] In some aspects, the device (or a component thereof) can operate in an operating mode including an omnidirectional mode, a directional mode, a beam sweeping mode, or a non-active mode. In some cases, the device (or a component thereof) can operate in the omnidirectional mode to discover the wireless communication device. In some examples, the device (or a component thereof) can operate in the omnidirectional mode when broadly querying for one or more assets. In some examples, the device (or a component thereof) can operate in the beam sweeping mode when searching for a particular type of asset. In some cases, the device (or a component thereof) can switch the operating mode to a different operating mode based on a location of a user of the wireless communication device, a context of an action of the user, a pre-configuration of the query, and / or other factors.

[0122] In some examples, the device (or its components) may receive capability requests that request the device's capabilities. In some cases, the device (or its components) may output a capability report that includes one or more of the device's capabilities. For example, the one or more capabilities may include the ability to support RFID technology, the ability to excite the device, beamforming capabilities, the ability to operate as a radio device, the ability to operate as a repeater, the ability to operate as a camera, the ability to operate transparently, the ability to display a graphical user interface that includes information related to one or more assets associated with the wireless communication device, and / or other capabilities.

[0123] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process 900 for opportunistic probing of a wireless communication device (e.g., an environmental IoT device). Process 900 may be performed by a device (e.g., Figure 3 Excitation device 320 or Figure 5 The excitation device 520) and / or components or systems of the excitation device (e.g., chipset) perform the operation. The operation of process 900 can be implemented in one or more processors (e.g., Figure 2 Processor 210, Figure 11 Software components executed and running on the processor 1110 and / or other processors. Further, the transmission and reception of signals performed by the device in process 900 may, for example, be via one or more antennas and / or one or more transceivers (such as one or more wireless transceivers). Figure 2 Communication component 235 Figure 11 This is achieved through the communication interface 1140 and / or other antennas and / or transceivers.

[0124] At box 910, the device (or its components) may output multiple signals within the area. In some cases, the multiple signals include multiple scanning beams. In some aspects, the device (or its components) may transmit (or output the multiple signals for transmission) the multiple signals such that each of the multiple scanning beams does not overlap with other beams of the multiple scanning beams. In some cases, the device (or its components) may transmit (or output the multiple signals for transmission) the multiple signals such that the multiple scanning beams do not overlap with other scanning beams transmitted by one or more other devices.

[0125] At box 920, the device (or a component thereof) may receive a response signal from a wireless communication device located within the area (excited by at least one of the plurality of signals), based on the wireless communication device receiving at least one of the plurality of signals. In some examples, the response signal includes identification information associated with the wireless communication device.

[0126] Figure 10This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process 1000 for opportunistic probing of a wireless communication device (e.g., an environmental IoT device). Process 1000 may be performed by a wireless communication device (e.g., Figure 1 Wireless communication equipment 120 Figure 5 Wireless communication devices 510 and / or Figure 5 The operation of process 1000 can be performed by a wireless communication device 560 or by a component or system (e.g., a chipset) of one or more wireless communication devices. Figure 2 Processor 210, Figure 11 Software components executed and running on the processor 1110 and / or other processors. Further, the transmission and reception of signals by the wireless communication device in process 1000 may, for example, be via one or more antennas and / or one or more transceivers (such as one or more wireless transceivers) (e.g., Figure 2 Communication component 235 Figure 11 This is achieved through the communication interface 1140 and / or other antennas and / or transceivers.

[0127] At block 1010, the wireless communication device (or a component thereof) may receive a signal from the device. For example, the signal may be an excitation signal configured to excite the wireless communication device.

[0128] At box 1020, the wireless communication device (or a component thereof) may transmit a beacon frame over a period of time or in multiple transmissions based on the receipt of the signal. For example, the beacon frame may be based on the category or type of the device (e.g., a beacon frame compatible with a certain category or type of excitation device 520). For example, refer to... Figure 5 As an illustrative example, after the wireless communication device 510 has collected sufficient energy to be able to transmit, the wireless communication device 510 (e.g., a tag) may transmit (e.g., send) a beacon frame. In one or more examples, the wireless communication device 510 may be configured to transmit beacon frames within a certain time period or in a certain number of transmissions based on the waveform of an excitation signal received from the excitation device 520.

[0129] The one or more incentive devices and / or the one or more wireless communication devices can include various components, such as one or more input devices, one or more output devices, one or more processors, one or more microprocessors, one or more microcomputers, one or more cameras, one or more sensors, one or more receivers, transmitters, and / or transceivers, and / or other components configured to perform the steps of the processes described herein. In some examples, the computing device can include a display, a network interface configured to communicate and / or receive data, any combination thereof, and / or other components. The network interface can be configured to communicate and / or receive Internet Protocol (IP) based data or other types of data.

[0130] The components of the one or more incentive devices and / or the one or more wireless communication devices configured to perform the process 800, Figure 8 the process 900, and / or Figure 9 the process 1000 can be implemented in circuitry. For example, the components can include and / or be implemented using electronic circuitry or other electronic hardware, which can include one or more programmable electronic circuits (e.g., microprocessors, graphics processing units (GPUs), digital signal processors (DSPs), central processing units (CPUs), and / or other suitable electronic circuits), and / or can include and / or be implemented using computer software, firmware, or any combination thereof for performing the various operations described herein. Figure 10

[0131] Figure 8 The process 800, Figure 9 the process 900, and Figure 10 the process 1000 are each illustrated as a logical flow diagram, the operation of which represents a sequence of operations that can be implemented in hardware, computer instructions, or a combination thereof. In the context of computer instructions, the operations represent computer-executable instructions stored on one or more computer-readable storage media that, when executed by one or more processors, perform the recited operations. Generally, computer-executable instructions include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, and the like that perform particular functions or implement particular data types. The order in which the operations are described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described operations can be combined in any order and / or in parallel to implement the processes.

[0132] Additionally, Figure 8 the process 800, Figure 9 the process 900, Figure 10 ​The process 1000 and / or any other processes described herein can be performed under the control of one or more computer systems configured with executable instructions to perform the process, and can be implemented as code (e.g., executable instructions, one or more computer programs or one or more applications) executing collectively on one or more processors, by hardware or combinations thereof. As noted above, the code can be stored on a computer-readable or machine-readable storage medium, for example, in the form of a computer program comprising a plurality of instructions executable by one or more processors.

[0133] Figure 11 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a computing system 1100 that can be employed by the disclosed systems and techniques for opportunistic probing of wireless communication devices, such as environmental IOT devices. Specifically, Figure 11 An example of a computing system 1100 is illustrated, which can be, for example, any computing device making up an internal computing system, a remote computing system, a camera, or any component thereof, where the components of the system communicate with each other using a connection 1105. The connection 1105 can be a physical connection using a bus, or a direct connection into a processor 1110, such as in a chipset architecture. The connection 1105 can also be a virtual connection, a networking connection, or a logical connection.

[0134] In some aspects, the computing system 1100 is a distributed system, where the functionality described in this disclosure can be distributed within a data center, multiple data centers, a peer-to-peer network, etc. In some aspects, one or more of the described system components represent many such components, each component performing some or all of the functions that the component is described to implement. In some aspects, the components can be physical or virtual devices.

[0135] The example system 1100 includes at least one processing unit (CPU or processor) 1110 and a connection 1105 that communicatively couples various system components including the system memory 1115, such as a read-only memory (ROM) 1120 and a random access memory (RAM) 1125, to the processor 1110. The computing system 1100 can include a cache of high-speed memory 1112 directly, closely, or integrally associated with, or part of, the processor 1110.

[0136] The processor 1110 can include any general purpose processor and a hardware service or software service, such as the services 1132, 1134, and 1136 stored in the memory device 1130, configured to control the processor 1110, as well as a specific use processor where software instructions are incorporated into the actual processor design. The processor 1110 can essentially be a completely self-contained computing system, containing multiple cores or processors, a bus, memory controller, and cache, etc. Multiple cores can be symmetric or asymmetric.

[0137] To enable user interaction, the computing system 1100 includes an input device 1145, which can represent any number of input mechanisms, such as a microphone for speech, a touch-sensitive screen for gesture or graphical input, keyboard, mouse, motion input, speech and the like. The computing system 1100 can also include output devices 1135, which can be one or more of a number of output mechanisms known to those of skill in the art. In some instances, multi-modal systems can enable a user to provide multiple types of input to communicate with the computing system 1100.

[0138] The computing system 1100 can include communications interface 1140 that can generally govern and manage the user input and system output. The communications interface can perform or facilitate wired or wireless communications reception or transmission, including using audio jacks / plugs, microphone jacks / plugs, Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports / plugs, Apple ™ Lightning ™ ports / plugs, Ethernet ports / plugs, fiber optic ports / plugs, dedicated wired ports / plugs, 3G, 4G, 5G, and / or other cellular data network wireless signal transfers, Bluetooth ™ wireless signal transfers, Bluetooth ™ Low Energy (BLE) wireless signal transfers, IBEACON ™ wireless signal transfers, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) wireless signal transfers, Near Field Communication (NFC) wireless signal transfers, Dedicated Short-Range Communication (DSRC) wireless signal transfers, 802.11 Wi-Fi wireless signal transfers, Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) signal transfers, Visible Light Communication (VLC), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), Infrared (IR) communication wireless signal transfers, Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) signal transfers, Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) signal transfers, Ad hoc network signal transfers, radio wave signal transfers, microwave signal transfers, infrared signal transfers, visible light signal transfers, ultraviolet light signal transfers, wireless signal transfers along the electromagnetic spectrum, or some combination thereof.

[0139] The communication interface 1140 can also include one or more distance sensors (e.g., light-based sensors, laser rangefinders, RF-based sensors, ultrasonic sensors, and infrared (IR) sensors) configured to collect data and provide measurements to the processor 1110, whereby the processor 1110 can be configured to perform determinations and calculations needed to obtain various measurements of the one or more distance sensors. In some examples, the measurements can include time of flight, wavelength, azimuth, elevation, distance, linear velocity, and / or angular velocity, or any combination thereof. The communication interface 1140 can also include one or more Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers or transceivers for determining a location of the computing system 1100 based on one or more signals received from one or more satellites associated with one or more GNSS systems. GNSS systems include, but are not limited to, GPS in the United States, Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS) in Russia, BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) in China, and Galileo GNSS in Europe. There is no limitation as to operation on any particular hardware arrangement, and thus the underlying features herein can be readily substituted for improved hardware or firmware arrangements as they are developed.

[0140] The storage device 1130 can be a nonvolatile and / or non-transitory and / or computer-readable memory device and can be a hard disk or other type of computer readable medium such as a cassette tape, flash memory card, solid-state memory device, digital versatile disc, magnetic tape cassette, floppy diskette, diskette, hard disk, magnetic strip / magnetic stripe, any other magnetic storage medium, flash memory, memristor memory, any other solid-state memory, compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) optical disc, rewritable compact disc (CD) optical disc, digital video disc (DVD) optical disc, Blu-ray disc (BDD) optical disc, holographic optical disc, another optical medium, secure digital (SD) card, micro secure digital (microSD) card, Memory Stick ®A card, a smart card chip, an EMV chip, a subscriber identity module (SIM) card, a mini / micro / nano / pico SIM card, another integrated circuit (IC) chip / card, a random access memory (RAM), a static RAM (SRAM), a dynamic RAM (DRAM), a read only memory (ROM), a programmable read only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), a flash EPROM (FLASH EPROM), a cache memory (e.g., a level 1 (LI) cache, a level 2 (L2) cache, a level 3 (L3) cache, a level 4 (L4) cache, a level 5 (L5) cache, or other (L#) cache), a resistive random access memory (RRAM / ReRAM), a phase change memory (PCM), a spin transfer torque RAM (STT-RAM), another memory chip or cartridge, and / or combinations thereof.

[0141] The storage device 1130 can include software services, servers, services, and the like that, when code defining such software is executed by the processor 1110, cause the system to perform a function. In some aspects, a hardware service that performs a particular function can include the software components stored in a computer-readable medium that are necessary to perform the function. The term “computer-readable medium” includes, but is not limited to, portable or fixed storage devices, optical storage devices, and various other mediums capable of storing, containing or carrying instruction and / or data. A computer-readable medium can include a non-transitory medium in which data can be stored and from which the data can be read, and excludes wired or wireless transmission of the carrier waves and / or transitory electronic signals. Examples of a non-transitory medium can include, but are not limited to, a magnetic disk or tape, optical storage medium such as a compact disk (CD) or digital versatile disk (DVD), flash memory, a memory or memory device, and the like. The computer-readable medium can have code and / or machine-executable instructions stored thereon that can represent an algorithm, a function, a procedure, a program, a routine, a subroutine, a module, a software package, a class, or any combination of instructions, data structures, or program statements. A code segment can be coupled to another code segment or a hardware circuit by passing and / or receiving information, data, arguments, parameters, or memory contents. Information, arguments, parameters, data, etc. can be passed, forwarded, or transmitted via any suitable means including memory sharing, message passing, token passing, network transmission, etc.

[0142] In the descriptions above, specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various aspects and examples provided herein. However, persons having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the application, which is described herein with specificity, can be practiced with or without the details that have been set forth and with modifications not specifically described herein. In other instances, well known methods, procedures, components and networks have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the application. Although the illustrative aspects of the application have been described herein with reference to the appropriate

[0143] For the sake of explanation, in some instances the techniques can have been presented with reference to specific configurations. However, it should be recognized that the various aspects disclosed herein can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well known structures and devices have not been described in order to avoid obscuring the aspects of the application. In other instances, well known structures and devices have not been described in order to avoid obscuring the aspects of the application. In other instances, well known structures and devices have not been described in order to avoid obscuring the aspects of the application. In other instances, well known structures and devices have not been described in order to avoid obscuring the aspects of the application.

[0144] In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein can be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans can implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0145] Various aspects can be described herein in terms of processes or methods being performed by functional building blocks, such as modules, circuits, steps, or routines. In some instances, these processes or methods can be embodied in hardware, software, or combinations thereof. Although various aspects can be described herein in terms of sequences of actions to be performed by, for example, elements of a computing device, it is should be recognized that various aspects can be performed in a different order, or in parallel, or in different manners. Furthermore, although processes described herein can be described in a particular sequential order, it should be recognized that processes can be performed in different orders, or in parallel, or in different manners. Processes can be performed by a single computing device or multiple computing devices.

[0146] The processes and methods described above in accordance with the examples can be implemented using stored computer-executable instructions or computer-executable instructions obtained from computer-readable media. Such instructions can include, for example, instructions and data which cause or otherwise configure a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or a processing device to perform a certain function or group of functions. Portions of computer resources used can be accessible over a network. The computer-executable instructions can be, for example, binaries, intermediate format instructions such as assembly language, firmware, source code, etc. Examples of computer-readable media that can be used to store instructions, information used by the examples, and / or information created during methods according to the described examples include magnetic or optical disks, flash memory, USB devices provided with non-volatile memory, networked storage devices, etc.

[0147] In some aspects, computer-readable storage devices, media and memory can include cables or wireless signals containing bitstreams, etc. However, non-transitory computer-readable storage media expressly exclude media such as energies, carrier signals, electromagnetic waves, and signals per se, when mentioned.

[0148] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that information and signals can be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that can be referenced throughout the above description can be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof consistent with the state of the art.

[0149] The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein can be implemented or performed with a hardware, software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, or any combination thereof and can be embodied in any of a number of various forms. When implemented in software, firmware, middleware, or microcode, the program code or code segments (e.g., computer program products) that accomplish the necessary tasks can be stored in a computer-readable or machine-readable medium. Processors can perform the necessary tasks. Examples of various shapes include: a laptop computer, a smart phone, a mobile phone, a tablet device, or other small form factor personal computers, personal digital assistants, rack-mounted devices, stand-alone devices, etc. The functionality described herein can also be embodied in peripheral devices or add-in cards. By way of further example, such functionality can also be implemented by way of a circuit on a different chip or in different processes executed on a single chip.

[0150] Instructions, media for conveying such instructions, computing resources for executing them, and other structures used to support such computing resources are example components for providing the functionality described in the present disclosure.

[0151] The techniques described herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, computer software, firmware, or any combination thereof. Such techniques can be implemented in any of various devices such as a general purpose computer, a wireless communication device handset, or an integrated circuit device having many uses including application in wireless communication device handsets and other devices. Any features described as modules or components can be implemented together in an integrated logic device or separately as discrete but interoperable logic devices. If implemented in software, the techniques can be realized at least in part by a computer-readable data storage medium comprising program code including instructions that, when executed, performs one or more of the methods, algorithms and / or operations described above. The computer-readable data storage medium can form part of a computer program product, which can include packaging materials. The computer-readable medium can comprise memory or data storage media, such as random access memory (RAM) such as synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), read-only memory (ROM), non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM), electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, magnetic or optical data storage media, and the like. Additionally or in the alternative, the techniques can be realized at least in part by a computer-readable communication medium that carries or communicates program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed, read, and / or executed by a computer, such as a propagated signal or wave.

[0152] The program code can be executed by a processor, which can include one or more processors, such as one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), general purpose microprocessors, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable logic arrays (FPGAs), or other equivalent integrated or discrete logic circuitry. Such a processor can be configured to perform any of the techniques described in this disclosure. A general purpose processor can be a microprocessor; but in the alternative, the processor can be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor can also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. Accordingly, the term “processor,” as used herein can refer to any of the foregoing structure, any combination of the foregoing structure, or any other structure or apparatus suitable for implementation of the techniques described herein.

[0153] Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the less than (“<”) and greater than (“>”) symbols or terms used herein can be replaced with less than or equal to (“ ”) and greater than or equal to (“ ”) symbols, respectively, without departing from the scope of this description.

[0154] Where components are described as being "configured to" perform certain operations, such configuration can be accomplished, for example, by designing electronic circuitry or other hardware to perform the operation, by programming programmable electronic circuitry (e.g., microprocessor or other suitable electronic circuitry) to perform the operation, or any combination thereof.

[0155] The phrase "coupled to" or "communicatively coupled to" means a direct or indirect physical connection between components, and / or a direct or indirect communication between components (e.g., connected via a wired or wireless connection and / or other suitable communication interface).

[0156] Claim language reciting "at least one of a set" and / or "one or more of a set" indicates that one member of the set or multiple members of the set satisfy the claim. For example, claim language stating "at least one of A and B" or "at least one of A or B" means A, B, or A and B. In another example, claim language stating "at least one of A, B, and C" or "at least one of A, B, or C" means A, B, C, or A and B or A and C or B and C, A and B and C, or any repetition of information or data (e.g., A and A, B and B, C and C, A and A and B, etc.), or any other ordering of A, B, and C. The language "at least one of a set" and / or "one or more of a set" does not limit the set to the items listed. For example, claim language stating "at least one of A and B" or "at least one of A or B" can mean A, B, or A and B, and can additionally include items not listed in the set of A and B. The phrases "at least one" and "one or more" are used interchangeably herein.

[0157] Claim language or other language reciting “at least one processor configured to,” “at least one processor configured to,” “one or more processors configured to,” “one or more processors configured to,” and the like indicates that the processor or processors (in any combination) can perform the associated operations. For example, claim language reciting “at least one processor configured to: X, Y, and Z” means that a single processor can perform operations X, Y, and Z; or multiple processors can each be tasked with performing a particular subset of operations X, Y, and Z, such that the multiple processors together perform X, Y, and Z; or a group of multiple processors work together to perform operations X, Y, and Z. In another example, claim language reciting “at least one processor configured to: X, Y, and Z” can mean that any single processor can perform only at least a subset of operations X, Y, and Z.

[0158] Where reference is made to one or more elements performing one or more functions, one element can perform all of the functions, or more than one element can perform the functions collectively. When more than one element collectively performs the functions, each function need not be performed by each of those elements (e.g., different functions can be performed by different elements), and / or each function need not be performed collectively only by one element (e.g., different elements can perform different sub-functions of a function).

[0159] Where reference is made to an entity (e.g., any entity or device described herein) performing or being configured to perform a function (e.g., a step of a method), the entity can be configured to cause one or more elements (individually or collectively) to perform the function. The one or more components of the entity can include at least one memory, at least one processor, at least one communication interface, another component configured to perform one or more (or all) of the functions, and / or any combination thereof. Where reference is made to the entity performing the function, the entity can be configured to cause one component to perform all of the functions, or cause more than one component collectively to perform the functions. When the entity is configured to cause more than one component collectively to perform the functions, each function need not be performed by each of those components (e.g., different functions can be performed by different components), and / or each function need not be performed collectively only by one component (e.g., different components can perform different sub-functions of a function).

[0160] Exemplary aspects of the present disclosure include:

[0161] Aspect 1. A device for wireless communication, the device comprising: at least one memory; and at least one processor coupled to the at least one memory and configured to: output a signal to a wireless communication device based on one of a pre-configuration of the device to transmit in a particular direction, a presence of the wireless communication device, or a location of the wireless communication device; and receive a response signal from the wireless communication device energized by the signal including identification information associated with the wireless communication device.

[0162] Aspect 2. The device of aspect 1, wherein the device is an energizing device and the signal is an energizing signal to energize the wireless communication device.

[0163] Aspect 3. The device of aspect 2, wherein the energizing device is capable of opportunistic probing of the wireless communication device.

[0164] Aspect 4. The device of any one of aspects 1-3, wherein the pre-configuration of the device to transmit in the particular direction comprises the pre-configuration of the device to periodically transmit in the particular direction.

[0165] Aspect 5. The device of any one of aspects 1-4, wherein the at least one processor is configured to cause the device to operate in an operating mode comprising one of an omnidirectional mode, a directional mode, a beam sweep mode, or a non-active mode.

[0166] Aspect 6. The device of aspect 5, wherein the at least one processor is configured to cause the device to operate in the omnidirectional mode to discover the wireless communication device.

[0167] Aspect 7. The device of aspect 5, wherein the at least one processor is configured to cause the device to operate in the omnidirectional mode when broadly querying for one or more assets.

[0168] Aspect 8. The device of any one of aspects 5-7, wherein the at least one processor is configured to cause the device to operate in the beam sweep mode when searching for a particular type of asset.

[0169] Aspect 9. The device of any one of aspects 5-8, wherein the at least one processor is configured to switch the operating mode to a different operating mode based on at least one of a location of a user of the wireless communication device, a context of an action of the user, or a pre-configuration of a query.

[0170] Aspect 10. The device of any one of aspects 1 through 9, wherein the pre-configuration that the device transmits in the particular direction specifies periodically transmitting an antenna beam including the signal in the particular direction toward the wireless communication device.

[0171] Aspect 11. The device of any one of aspects 1 through 10, wherein the presence of the wireless communication device is based on detection of the wireless communication device using at least one of a camera or radio frequency based detection.

[0172] Aspect 12. The device of any one of aspects 1 through 11, wherein the at least one processor is configured to receive a capability request requesting a capability of the device.

[0173] Aspect 13. The device of any one of aspects 1 through 12, wherein the at least one processor is configured to output a capability report including one or more capabilities of the device.

[0174] Aspect 14. The device of aspect 13, wherein the one or more capabilities include at least one of a capability to support radio frequency identification technology, a capability to energize a device, a beamforming capability, a capability to operate as a radio, a capability to operate as a repeater, a capability to operate as a camera, a capability to operate transparently, or a capability to display a graphical user interface including information related to one or more assets associated with the wireless communication device.

[0175] Aspect 15. A method of wireless communication performed at a device, the method comprising: transmitting, by the device, a signal to a wireless communication device based on one of a pre-configuration that the device transmits in a particular direction, a presence of the wireless communication device, or a location of the wireless communication device; and receiving, by the device, a response signal including identification information associated with the wireless communication device from the wireless communication device energized by the signal.

[0176] Aspect 16. The method of aspect 15, wherein the device is an energizing device and the signal is an energizing signal to energize the wireless communication device.

[0177] Aspect 17. The method of aspect 16, wherein the energizing device is capable of opportunistic probing of the wireless communication device.

[0178] Aspect 18. The method of any one of aspects 15 through 17, wherein the pre-configuration that the device transmits in the particular direction includes the pre-configuration that the device periodically transmits in the particular direction.

[0179] Aspect 19. The method of any of aspects 15 through 18, further comprising: operating the device in an operating mode comprising one of an omnidirectional mode, a directional mode, a beam sweep mode, or a non-active mode.

[0180] Aspect 20. The method of aspect 19, wherein the device operates in the omnidirectional mode to discover the wireless communication device.

[0181] Aspect 21. The method of aspect 19, wherein the device operates in the omnidirectional mode when broadly querying for one or more assets.

[0182] Aspect 22. The method of any of aspects 19 through 21, wherein the device operates in the beam sweep mode when searching for a particular type of asset.

[0183] Aspect 23. The method of any of aspects 19 through 22, further comprising: switching, by the device, the operating mode to a different operating mode based on at least one of a location of a user of the wireless communication device, a context of an action of the user, or a preconfigured query.

[0184] Aspect 24. The method of any of aspects 15 through 23, wherein the preconfiguration that the device transmits in the particular direction specifies periodically transmitting an antenna beam comprising the signal in the particular direction toward the wireless communication device.

[0185] Aspect 25. The method of any of aspects 15 through 24, wherein the presence of the wireless communication device is based on detection of the wireless communication device using at least one of a camera or radio frequency based detection.

[0186] Aspect 26. The method of any of aspects 15 through 25, further comprising: receiving, by the device, a capability request requesting capabilities of the device.

[0187] Aspect 27. The method of any of aspects 15 through 26, further comprising: transmitting, by the device, a capability report comprising one or more capabilities of the device.

[0188] Aspect 28. The method of aspect 27, wherein the one or more capabilities comprise at least one of a capability to support radio frequency identification technology, a capability to energize a device, a beamforming capability, a capability to operate as a radio, a capability to operate as a repeater, a capability to operate as a camera, a capability to operate transparently, or a capability to display a graphical user interface comprising information related to one or more assets associated with the wireless communication device.

[0189] Aspect 29. A device for wireless communication, the device comprising: at least one memory; and at least one processor coupled to the at least one memory and configured to: output a plurality of signals within an area; and receive, from a wireless communication device located within the area that is energized by at least one of the plurality of signals, a response signal based on the wireless communication device receiving at least one of the plurality of signals.

[0190] Aspect 30. The device of Aspect 29, wherein the plurality of signals comprises a plurality of scanning beams.

[0191] Aspect 31. The device of Aspect 30, wherein the at least one processor is configured to output the plurality of signals for transmission such that each of the plurality of scanning beams does not overlap with other beams of the plurality of scanning beams.

[0192] Aspect 32. The device of any one of Aspect 30 or 31, wherein the at least one processor is configured to output the plurality of signals for transmission such that the plurality of scanning beams do not overlap with other scanning beams transmitted by one or more other devices.

[0193] Aspect 33. The device of any one of Aspect 29 to 32, wherein the response signal comprises identification information associated with the wireless communication device.

[0194] Aspect 34. A method of wireless communication performed at a device, the method comprising: transmitting, by the device, a plurality of signals within an area; and receiving, by the device, from a wireless communication device located within the area that is energized by at least one of the plurality of signals, a response signal based on the wireless communication device receiving at least one of the plurality of signals.

[0195] Aspect 35. The method of Aspect 34, wherein the plurality of signals comprises a plurality of scanning beams.

[0196] Aspect 36. The method of Aspect 35, wherein the plurality of signals are transmitted such that each of the plurality of scanning beams does not overlap with other beams of the plurality of scanning beams.

[0197] Aspect 37. The method of any one of Aspect 35 or 36, wherein the plurality of signals are transmitted such that the plurality of scanning beams do not overlap with other scanning beams transmitted by one or more other devices.

[0198] Aspect 38. The method of any one of Aspect 34 to 37, wherein the response signal comprises identification information associated with the wireless communication device.

[0199] Aspect 39. A wireless communication device, comprising: at least one memory; and at least one processor coupled to the at least one memory and configured to: receive, from a device, a signal to energize the wireless communication device; and based on receiving the signal, output a beacon frame to transmit for a time period or multiple times.

[0200] Aspect 40. The wireless communication device of Aspect 39, wherein the signal is an energizing waveform.

[0201] Aspect 41. The wireless communication device of any of Aspects 39 or 40, wherein the beacon frame comprises identification information associated with the wireless communication device.

[0202] Aspect 42. The wireless communication device of any of Aspects 39-41, wherein the beacon frame is based on a class or type of the device.

[0203] Aspect 43. A method of wireless communication performed at a wireless communication device, comprising: receiving, by the wireless communication device from a device, a signal to energize the wireless communication device; and transmitting, by the wireless communication device, a beacon frame for a time period or in multiple transmissions based on receiving the signal.

[0204] Aspect 44. The method of Aspect 43, wherein the beacon frame is based on a class or type of the device.

[0205] Aspect 45. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions stored thereon that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform operations in accordance with any of Aspects 15-28.

[0206] Aspect 46. An apparatus comprising one or more components for performing operations in accordance with any of Aspects 15-28.

[0207] Aspect 47. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions stored thereon that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform operations in accordance with any of Aspects 34-38.

[0208] Aspect 48. An apparatus comprising one or more components for performing operations in accordance with any of Aspects 34-38.

[0209] Aspect 49. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions stored thereon that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform the operations of any of Aspect 43 or 44.

[0210] Aspect 50. An apparatus comprising one or more components for performing the operations of any of Aspect 43 or 44.

[0211] The preceding description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein can be applied to other aspects. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but is to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically so stated, but rather “one or more.”

Claims

1. An apparatus for wireless communication, the apparatus comprising: at least one memory; and at least one processor coupled to the at least one memory and configured to: output a signal to a wireless communication device based on one of a pre- configuration of the apparatus to transmit in a particular direction, a presence of the wireless communication device, or a location of the wireless communication device; and receive a response signal from the wireless communication device energized by the signal including identification information associated with the wireless communication device.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is an energizing apparatus and the signal is an energizing signal to energize the wireless communication device.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the energizing apparatus is capable of opportunistic probing of the wireless communication device.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pre-configuration of the apparatus to transmit in the particular direction comprises the pre-configuration of the apparatus to periodically transmit in the particular direction.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is configured to cause the apparatus to operate in an operating mode comprising one of an omnidirectional mode, a directional mode, a beam sweep mode, or a non-active mode.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the at least one processor is configured to cause the apparatus to operate in the omnidirectional mode to discover the wireless communication device.

7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the at least one processor is configured to cause the apparatus to operate in the omnidirectional mode when broadly querying for one or more assets.

8. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the at least one processor is configured to cause the apparatus to operate in the beam sweep mode when searching for a particular type of asset.

9. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the at least one processor is configured to switch the operating mode to a different operating mode based on at least one of a location of a user of the wireless communication device, a context of an action of the user, or a pre-configuration of a query.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pre-configuration of the apparatus to transmit in the particular direction specifies periodically transmitting an antenna beam including the signal in the particular direction toward the wireless communication device.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the presence of the wireless communication device is based on detection of the wireless communication device using at least one of a camera or radio frequency based detection.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is configured to receive a capability request requesting a capability of the apparatus.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is configured to output a capability report including one or more capabilities of the apparatus.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein the one or more capabilities comprise at least one of a capability to support radio frequency identification technology, a capability to energize a device, a beamforming capability, a capability to operate as a radio, a capability to operate as a repeater, a capability to operate as a camera, a capability to operate transparently, or a capability to display a graphical user interface that includes information related to one or more assets associated with the wireless communication device.

15. A method of wireless communication performed at a device, the method comprising: transmitting, by the device, a signal to a wireless communication device based on one of a pre-configuration of the device to transmit in a particular direction, a presence of a wireless communication device, or a location of the wireless communication device; and receiving, by the device, a response signal from the wireless communication device energized by the signal that includes identification information associated with the wireless communication device.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the device is an energizing device, and the signal is an energizing signal to energize the wireless communication device.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the energizing device is capable of opportunistic probing of the wireless communication device.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the pre-configuration transmitted by the device in the particular direction comprises the pre-configuration transmitted periodically by the device in the particular direction.

19. The method of claim 15, further comprising: operating the device in a mode of operation comprising one of an omnidirectional mode, a directional mode, a beam sweep mode, or a non-active mode.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the device operates in the omnidirectional mode to discover the wireless communication device.

21. The method of claim 19, wherein the device operates in the omnidirectional mode when broadly querying for one or more assets.

22. The method of claim 19, wherein the device operates in the beam sweep mode when searching for a particular type of asset.

23. The method of claim 19, further comprising: switching, by the device, the mode of operation to a different mode of operation based on at least one of a location of a user of the wireless communication device, a context of an action of the user, or a pre-configuration of a query.

24. The method of claim 15, wherein the pre-configuration transmitted by the device in the particular direction specifies periodically transmitting an antenna beam comprising the signal in the particular direction toward the wireless communication device.

25. The method of claim 15, wherein the presence of the wireless communication device is based on detection of the wireless communication device using at least one of a camera or radio frequency based detection.

26. The method of claim 15, further comprising: receiving, by the device, a capability request requesting capabilities of the device.

27. The method of claim 15, further comprising: transmitting, by the device, a capability report comprising one or more capabilities of the device.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the one or more capabilities comprise at least one of a capability to support radio frequency identification technology, a capability to energize a device, a beamforming capability, a capability to operate as a radio, a capability to operate as a repeater, a capability to operate as a camera, a capability to operate transparently, or a capability to display a graphical user interface including information related to one or more assets associated with the wireless communication device.

29. A device for wireless communication, the device comprising: at least one memory; and at least one processor coupled to the at least one memory and configured to: output a plurality of signals within an area; and receive, from a wireless communication device located within the area that is energized by at least one of the plurality of signals, a response signal based on the wireless communication device receiving at least one of the plurality of signals.

30. The device of claim 29, wherein the plurality of signals comprises a plurality of scanning beams.

31. The device of claim 30, wherein the at least one processor is configured to output the plurality of signals for transmission such that each of the plurality of scanning beams does not overlap with other ones of the plurality of scanning beams.

32. The device of claim 30, wherein the at least one processor is configured to output the plurality of signals for transmission such that the plurality of scanning beams do not overlap with other scanning beams transmitted by one or more other devices.

33. The device of claim 29, wherein the response signal comprises identification information associated with the wireless communication device.

34. A method of wireless communication performed at a device, the method comprising: transmitting, by the device, a plurality of signals within an area; and receiving, by the device, from a wireless communication device located within the area that is energized by at least one of the plurality of signals, a response signal based on the wireless communication device receiving at least one of the plurality of signals.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein the plurality of signals comprises a plurality of scanning beams.

36. The method of claim 35, wherein the plurality of signals are transmitted such that each of the plurality of scanning beams does not overlap with other ones of the plurality of scanning beams.

37. The method of claim 35, wherein the plurality of signals are transmitted such that the plurality of scanning beams do not overlap with other scanning beams transmitted by one or more other devices.

38. The method of claim 34, wherein the response signal comprises identification information associated with the wireless communication device.

39. A wireless communication device, the wireless communication device comprising: at least one memory; and at least one processor coupled to the at least one memory and configured to: receive, from a device, a signal to energize the wireless communication device; and based on receiving the signal, output a beacon frame for transmission within a time period or a number of times.

40. The wireless communication device of claim 39, wherein the signal is an energizing waveform.

41. The wireless communication device of claim 39, wherein the beacon frame includes identification information associated with the wireless communication device.

42. The wireless communication device of claim 39, wherein the beacon frame is based on a class or type of the device.

43. A method of wireless communication performed at a wireless communication device, the method comprising: receiving, by the wireless communication device from a device, a signal to energize the wireless communication device; and transmitting, by the wireless communication device, a beacon frame within a time period or in multiple transmissions based on receiving the signal.

44. The method of claim 43, wherein the beacon frame is based on a class or type of the device.

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