Method and apparatus for selection of wireless power transfer service devices

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method and apparatus for selecting a wireless power transfer (WPT) service device. A method (300) performed by a first terminal device may comprise: sending (S306) a request for a WPT to a second terminal device; and receiving (S308) a response from the second terminal device, the response indicating a target serving device for the WPT. In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure propose a mechanism that a WPT consuming device may request (re) select a WPT serving device. A better candidate for a WPT service may be provided to a WPT consuming device. Therefore, the working state of the WPT consumption equipment can be better maintained.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The various exemplary embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to communication technologies, and more specifically to methods and apparatus for selecting wireless power transfer (WPT) service equipment. Background Technology

[0002] WPT technology can be applied to many types of devices in communication systems, such as Internet of Things (IoT) devices.

[0003] For example, ambient IoT devices refer to 3GPP IoT devices that are much smaller and cheaper compared to previous generations of IoT (such as NB (Narrowband)-IoT / LTE (Long Term Evolution)-M (Machine-to-Machine) / RedCap). Both ambient IoT and ambient computing rely on energy harvesting as one of the key mechanisms used to power and enable the technology. When applied to ambient IoT and ambient computing, energy harvesting is the utilization of power in ambient radio waves to power a microcomputer. This is very similar to how solar panels collect visible sunlight to power electrical equipment. This radio wave energy harvesting capability, implemented within ambient IoT tags, frees IoT from the cost / replacement burden of direct power connections or batteries. Ambient IoT support is being added to wireless standards that enable global telephony, smart speakers, and access points. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This summary is provided to present a simplified version of some aspects, which will be further described in the detailed description below. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0005] Specific methods and apparatus for selecting wireless power transfer (WPT) service equipment can be provided.

[0006] A first aspect of this disclosure provides a method performed by a first terminal device, the method comprising: sending a request for wireless power transfer (WPT) to a second terminal device; and receiving a response from the second terminal device, the response indicating a target serving device for WPT.

[0007] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the method further includes: determining a low-power state. The request is a selection or reselection request.

[0008] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the response also indicates resource allocation for WPT.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the request includes at least one of the location information of the first terminal device and a requirement. The requirement includes at least one of the following: preferred receive power, preferred duration, preferred transmission frequency or period, and preferred transmission resources for WPT.

[0010] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, when the second terminal device cannot meet the requirements of the first terminal device, the target service device for WPT is a third terminal device.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the second terminal device is the current serving device of the first terminal device for WPT; and the first terminal device determines that the WPT from the second terminal device does not meet the requirements of the first terminal device based on at least one of the following: the received power from the WPT, the signal received power from the second terminal device, and the transmission power margin of the second terminal device for WPT.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, a first terminal device receives a report from a second terminal device, the report including the second terminal device's transmission power margin for WPT. This report may be included in a response from the second terminal device to the first terminal device, or in a separate report from the second terminal device to the first terminal device.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the first terminal device communicates with the second terminal device via a sidelink. The second terminal device serves as a relay between the first terminal device and a network device, or the first terminal device communicates with the second terminal device in the absence of a network device.

[0014] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, WPT is transmitted via multiple side links (SLs).

[0015] A second aspect of this disclosure provides a method performed by a second terminal device, the method comprising: receiving a request for wireless power transfer (WPT) from a first terminal device; and sending a response to the first terminal device, the response indicating a target serving device for the WPT.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the request is a selection or reselection request.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the response also indicates resource allocation for WPT.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the request includes at least one of the requirements of the first terminal device and location information. The requirement includes at least one of the following: preferred receive power, preferred duration, preferred transmission frequency or period, and preferred transmission resources for WPT.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the method further includes: sending a first message to a network device, the first message including at least a portion of a request; and receiving a response from the network device.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the first message also includes a transmission power margin for WPT of the second terminal device.

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the method further includes: determining that a second terminal device cannot meet the requirements of a first terminal device; sending a second message to at least one terminal device, the second message including at least a portion of the request; receiving at least one confirmation from at least one terminal device; and selecting a target service device for WPT from at least one terminal device based on at least one confirmation.

[0022] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the selection (S416) of the target service device is further based on the distance between the target service device and the first terminal device.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, when the second terminal device cannot meet the requirements of the first terminal device, the target service device is a third terminal device.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the second terminal device is the current service device of the first terminal device for WPT.

[0025] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the first terminal device communicates with the second terminal device via a sidelink. The second terminal device serves as a relay between the first terminal device and a network device, or the first terminal device communicates with the second terminal device in the absence of a network device.

[0026] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, WPT is transmitted via multiple side links (SLs).

[0027] A third aspect of this disclosure provides a method performed by a third terminal device, the method comprising: receiving a message from a second terminal device or a network device, the message including a request for wireless power transfer (WPT), the WPT being used by a first terminal device, the request including at least one of the first terminal device's requirements for the WPT and location information; and sending an acknowledgment to the second terminal device or the network device.

[0028] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the requirement includes at least one of the following: preferred receive power, preferred duration, preferred transmission frequency or period, and preferred transmission resources for WPT.

[0029] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, WPT is transmitted via multiple side links (SLs).

[0030] A fourth aspect of this disclosure provides a method performed by a network device, the method comprising: receiving a first message from a second terminal device, the first message including a request for wireless power transfer (WPT) for the first terminal device, the request including at least one of the first terminal device's requirements for WPT and location information; determining a target serving device for the WPT based at least on the request; and sending a response to the second terminal device, the response indicating the target serving device for the WPT.

[0031] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the request is a selection or reselection request.

[0032] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the requirement includes at least one of the following: preferred receive power, preferred duration, preferred transmission frequency or period, and preferred transmission resources for WPT.

[0033] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the first message also includes a transmission power margin for WPT of the second terminal device.

[0034] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the response also indicates resource allocation for WPT.

[0035] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the method further includes: determining that a second terminal device cannot meet the requirements of a first terminal device; sending a second message to at least one terminal device, the second message including at least a portion of the request; receiving at least one confirmation from at least one terminal device; and selecting a target service device for WPT from at least one terminal device based on at least one confirmation.

[0036] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the selection of the target service device for WPT is also based on the distance between the target service device and the first terminal device.

[0037] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, when the second terminal device cannot meet the requirements of the first terminal device, the target service device for WPT is a third terminal device.

[0038] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the first terminal device communicates with the second terminal device via a side link. The second terminal device acts as a relay between the first terminal device and the network device.

[0039] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, WPT is transmitted via multiple side links (SLs).

[0040] A fifth aspect of this disclosure provides a first terminal device, the first terminal device including components configured to: send a request for WPT to a second terminal device; and receive a response from the second terminal device, the response indicating a target service device for WPT.

[0041] In exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the component is also configured to perform a method according to any embodiment of the first aspect.

[0042] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the component includes: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first terminal device to perform a method according to any embodiment of the first aspect.

[0043] A sixth aspect of this disclosure provides a second terminal device, the second terminal device including components configured to: receive a request for wireless power transfer (WPT) from a first terminal device; and send a response to the first terminal device, the response indicating a target service device for the WPT.

[0044] In exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the component is also configured to perform a method according to any embodiment of the second aspect.

[0045] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the component includes: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause a second terminal device to perform a method according to any embodiment of the second aspect.

[0046] A seventh aspect of this disclosure provides a third terminal device, the third terminal device including components configured to: receive a message from a second terminal device or a network device, the message including a request for wireless power transfer (WPT) for a first terminal device, the WPT including at least one of the first terminal device's WPT requirements and location information; and send an acknowledgment to the second terminal device or the network device.

[0047] In exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the component is also configured to perform a method according to any embodiment of the third aspect.

[0048] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the component includes: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause a third terminal device to perform a method according to any embodiment of the third aspect.

[0049] An eighth aspect of this disclosure provides a network device including a component configured to: receive a first message from a second terminal device, the first message including a request for wireless power transfer (WPT) for the first terminal device, the request including at least one of the first terminal device's requirements for WPT and location information; determine a target serving device for the WPT based at least on the request; and send a response to the second terminal device indicating the target serving device for the WPT.

[0050] In exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the component is also configured to perform a method according to any embodiment of the fourth aspect.

[0051] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the component includes: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network device to perform the method according to any embodiment of the fourth aspect.

[0052] The ninth aspect of this disclosure provides a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by at least one processor of a terminal device, cause at least one processor of the terminal device to perform a method according to any embodiment of the first, second, or third aspect, or, when executed by at least one processor of a network device, cause at least one processor of the network device to perform a method according to any embodiment of the fourth aspect.

[0053] A tenth aspect of this disclosure provides an apparatus. The apparatus includes: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least one method according to any embodiment of the first, second, third, or fourth aspect.

[0054] In exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the device is or is included in a first terminal device, a second terminal device, a third terminal device, or a network device.

[0055] The embodiments described herein offer numerous advantages. According to embodiments of this disclosure, improved methods for selecting wireless power transfer (WPT) service equipment can be provided.

[0056] According to embodiments of this disclosure, exemplary models of this disclosure propose a mechanism in which a WPT consuming device can request (re)select a WPT serving device. Better candidates for WPT services can be provided to the WPT consuming device. Therefore, the operational status of the WPT consuming device can be better maintained. Attached Figure Description

[0057] The above and other aspects, features, and benefits of various embodiments of this disclosure will become more apparent by way of example, in conjunction with the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals or letters are used to denote the same or equivalent elements. The drawings are shown to facilitate a better understanding of the embodiments of this disclosure and are not necessarily drawn to scale, wherein: Figure 1 This is a view showing the overall microwave rectifier conversion efficiency curves under different input powers.

[0058] Figure 2 This is a view that shows some exemplary observations.

[0059] Figure 3A This is a flowchart illustrating a method performed by a first terminal device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0060] Figure 3B This illustrates exemplary embodiments according to the present disclosure, such as Figure 3A A flowchart showing further steps of the method.

[0061] Figure 4A This is a flowchart illustrating a method performed by a second terminal device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0062] Figure 4B This illustrates exemplary embodiments according to the present disclosure, such as Figure 4A A flowchart showing further steps of the method.

[0063] Figure 4C This illustrates exemplary embodiments according to the present disclosure, such as Figure 4A A flowchart showing more steps of the method.

[0064] Figure 5A This is a flowchart illustrating a method performed by a third terminal device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0065] Figure 5B This illustrates exemplary embodiments according to the present disclosure, such as Figure 5A A flowchart showing more steps of the method.

[0066] Figure 6A This is a flowchart illustrating a method performed by a network device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0067] Figure 6B This illustrates exemplary embodiments according to the present disclosure, such as Figure 6A A flowchart showing more steps of the method.

[0068] Figure 7This is a view showing that the relay UE in SL mode A does not support WPT or has limited WPT power.

[0069] Figure 8 This is a view showing that the SL UE in SL mode B does not support WPT or has limited WPT power.

[0070] Figure 9 This is a view showing the messages required in SL Mode A to support WPT-based triggering for WPT service UE (re)selection.

[0071] Figure 10 This is a view showing the messages required in SL mode B to support WPT-based triggering for WPT service UE (re)selection.

[0072] Figure 11 This is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary structure for a first terminal device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0073] Figure 12 This is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary structure for a second terminal device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0074] Figure 13 This is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary structure for a third terminal device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0075] Figure 14 This is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary structure for a network device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0076] Figure 15 This is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus / computer-readable storage medium according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0077] Figure 16 This is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary device unit for a first terminal device suitable for performing a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0078] Figure 17 This is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary device unit for a second terminal device suitable for performing a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0079] Figure 18 This is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary device unit for a third terminal device suitable for performing a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0080] Figure 19 This is a block diagram illustrating exemplary device units for a network device suitable for performing methods according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0081] Embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these embodiments are discussed for better understanding only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. The features, advantages, and characteristics of this disclosure described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0082] Generally, all terms used herein will be interpreted according to their common meaning in the relevant art, unless a different meaning is clearly given and / or implied from the context in which it is used. Unless the context explicitly gives and / or implies, the steps of any method disclosed herein need not be performed in the exact order disclosed. Where appropriate, any feature of any embodiment disclosed herein may be applied to any other embodiment.

[0083] As used herein, the term "network" or "communication network" refers to a network that conforms to any suitable communication standard, such as that used for the Internet or any wireless network. For example, wireless communication standards may include WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network), New Radio (NR), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), 5G NR, and so on. In the following description, the terms "network" and "system" are used interchangeably.

[0084] The term "network node" refers to a network device, network entity, network function, or any other device (physical or virtual) in a communications network. For example, a network node in a network can include a base station (BS), an access point (AP), or any other suitable device in a wireless communications network. A BS can be, for example, a Node B (NodeB or NB), an evolved Node B (eNodeB or eNB), a next-generation Node B (gNodeB or gNB), a remote radio unit (RRU), a radio head (RH), a remote radio head (RRH), a repeater, a low-power node (such as a femtosecond, picosecond), etc.

[0085] The term "terminal device" refers to any terminal device that can access a communication network and receive services from it. By way of example and not limitation, a terminal device refers to a mobile terminal, user equipment (UE), non-AP device (such as a non-AP station (STA)), or other suitable device. Terminal devices can include, but are not limited to, mobile phones, cellular phones, smartphones, wearable devices, in-vehicle wireless terminal equipment, vehicles, etc.

[0086] As an example, a terminal device can refer to a device configured to communicate according to one or more communication standards promulgated by any standards organization, such as the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP).

[0087] As yet another example, in the Internet of Things (IoT) scenario, a terminal device can represent a machine or other device that performs monitoring and / or measurement and sends the results of such monitoring and / or measurement to another terminal device and / or network device. Specific examples of such machines or devices are sensors, metering devices such as power meters, industrial machinery, or household or personal appliances such as refrigerators, televisions, and personal wearable devices such as watches. In other scenarios, a terminal device can represent a vehicle or other equipment capable of monitoring and / or reporting its operational status or other functions associated with its operation.

[0088] It should be understood that although the terms “first” and “second” may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element, without departing from the scope of the exemplary embodiments. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed terms.

[0089] As used herein, “at least one of the following: ” and “at least one of ” and similar wording, wherein a list of two or more elements, combined with “and” or “or”, means at least one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all of the elements.

[0090] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure relate to methods and apparatus for selecting / reselecting wireless power transfer (WPT) service devices.

[0091] The 3GPP System Architecture and Radio Network Working Group discussed the requirements for a more general New Radio (NR) ProSe service. For ProSe, there is an inherent need to provide reliable coverage-free service, support communication between emergency responders, and rapidly connect coverage-free areas to infrastructure nodes. To meet the requirements of ProSe, 3GPP extends the capabilities of the Rel-16 (Release 16) NR PC5 interface by implementing UE-based relaying via sidelinks. UE-based relaying can function in both partial (point-like) coverage and coverage-free scenarios, and coverage extension can be further achieved by establishing multi-hop (Rel-18) communication paths, utilizing UE-to-UE (U2U) or UE-to-network (U2N) relaying scenarios. These relaying features may require some new approaches in network control, resource allocation, end-to-end Quality of Service (QoS) management, and UE / relay discovery and selection.

[0092] For example, environmental IoT tags can communicate with the network directly via the Uu or through the sidelink trunk link and the Uu of the serving trunk UE. The tag can also communicate directly with the sidelink UE via the NR PC5 interface. Environmental IoT tags can collect sidelink signal power while receiving data.

[0093] Figure 1 This is a view showing the overall microwave rectifier conversion efficiency curves under different input powers.

[0094] During RF energy harvesting, the RF-to-DC conversion efficiency is approximately equal to that of the rectifier diode. Figure 1 (From "Theoretical Analysis of RF-DC Conversion Efficiency of Class F Rectifiers") This shows the overall microwave rectifier conversion efficiency curves under different input powers, where the efficiency first monotonically increases to its maximum value at a specific input power level, and then decreases as the input power increases. The diode efficiency variations in the low and high input power regions are caused by two different mechanisms: • Losses due to the built-in potential of the forward diode in the low input power region; and • Losses due to diode breakdown voltage in the high input power region.

[0095] 3GPP Services and Systems (SA) 1 Rel-19 Technical Report (TR) 22.840 (V 0.3.0) (November 2022) is investigating potential environmental / passive IoT device energy harvesting solutions.

[0096] 1 range This document provides information on the Internet of Things (i.e., environmental IoT) for power-enabled environments. The first phase of potential 5G service requirements. In the context of this document, environmental power IoT devices are devices that utilize energy harvesting... IoT devices that are powered by their own batteries are either battery-free or have limited energy storage capabilities (e.g., using capacitors). And by collecting radio waves Light, motion, heat, or any other suitable source of energy. To provide energy With first Compared to previously defined 3GPP IoT devices (e.g., NB-IoT / eMTC devices), environmental IoT devices have lower complexity and smaller size. And low capability and low power consumption. Environmental IoT devices can be maintenance-free and can have long lifecycles (e.g., exceeding...). 10 years).

[0097] The aspects discussed in this document include: - Investigate use cases for the IoT in environmental power supply and identify potential service requirements, including: ● Security aspects, such as authentication and authorization, etc. ● Network selection, access control, connection Mobility and identification management ● Billing (e.g., by data volume, by message) ● Aspects related to stakeholder models (e.g., interactions involving PLMN, NPN, or other parties). ● Positioning ● Regarding equipment lifecycle management related to 3GPP systems.

[0098] To address TR 22.840 use cases and scenarios, RAN Rel-19 SI “FS_Ambient_IoT_RAN” (RP-223396) proposes an environment / passive IoT device energy harvesting based on Uu and side walkways.

[0099] • Identify suitable deployment scenarios and their characteristics, at least for the SAT1 "Research on IoT for Ambient Energy Supply". The use cases / services agreed upon in the "research" should include at least the following aspects: • Indoor / Outdoor Environment • Base station characteristics, such as deployment based on macro / micro / penetrating cells. • Connectivity topology, including which nodes(e.g., base stations, UEs, relays, repeaters, etc.) can communicate with the target. The device communicates • TDD / FDD, and frequency bands in licensed or unlicensed spectrum. • Coexistence with UE and infrastructure in frequency bands used for existing 3GPP technologies • Business volume assumptions for device-initiated and / or device-terminated transactions Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure relate to the selection / reselection of a Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) service UE. For example, some embodiments may be designed to reselect a U2N relay UE or sidelink (SL) UE as the best candidate for WPT, while an ambient IoT tag requests a new WPT service or an update to the current WPT service via the sidelink.

[0100] Figure 2 This is a view that shows some exemplary observations.

[0101] Although the environmental IoT tag communicates with the gNB via a relay UE (SL mode A) or directly with the SL UE (SL mode B), the tag requires a WPT (Wave Point Test) and requests it from the (relay) communication UE. Furthermore, the tag is collecting WPT signal power and aims to improve RF-DC conversion efficiency. The observed issues that should be addressed include the following.

[0102] For example, in Figure 2 In Mode A on the left, in step 1a, remote label-1 sends a WPT request to SL relay-1, which cannot be used for WPT. In step 2a, SL relay-1 sends the label's location and preferred WPT-RSRP to gNB. In step 3, gNB pagees SL UE-3 with the label's location and preferred WPT-RSRP. In step 4, SL UE-3 sends an ACK to gNB. In step 5a, gNB sends information about the new relay UE-3 to remote label-1 via SL relay-1.

[0103] Furthermore, in step 1b of Mode A, remote tag-2 sends a WPT reselection request to SL relay-2, which has limited power for WPT. In step 2b, SL relay-2 sends its Tx power margin (active or query-based), tag location, and preferred WPT-RSRP to gNB. In step 3, gNB pagees SLUE-3 with the tag location and preferred WPT-RSRP. In step 4, SL UE-3 sends an ACK to gNB. In step 5b, gNB sends information about the new relay UE-3 to remote tag-2 via SL relay-2.

[0104] For example, in Figure 2 In Mode B on the right, in step 1a, remote label-1 sends a WPT request to SL UE-1, which cannot be used for WPT. In step 2a, SL UE-1 sends the label's location and preferred WPT-RSRP to SL UE-3. In step 3a, SL UE-3 sends an ACK to SL UE-1. In step 4a, SL UE-1 sends information about the new SL UE-3 to remote label-1.

[0105] Furthermore, in Mode B, in step 1b, remote label-2 sends a WPT reselection request to SL UE-2, SL UE-2 having limited power for WPT. In step 2b, SL UE-2 sends the label's location and preferred WPT-RSRP to SL UE-3. In step 3b, SL UE-3 sends an ACK to SL UE-2. In step 4b, SL UE-2 sends information about the new SL UE-3 to remote label-2.

[0106] Observation 1: If the relay UE cannot provide WPT to the tag, or the tag believes that the current relay UE may not be the best candidate for WPT service, it is unclear how to discover and reselect a relay UE that meets the tag's expectations.

[0107] Observation 2: During the WPT service duration, tags or relay SL UEs can move far apart from each other. This will cause variations in WPT receive power, and these power variations directly affect RF-DC conversion efficiency. Tags may need to be aware of the remaining WPT transmit power from the relay SL UE for relay UE reselection, which aims for optimal RF-DC conversion efficiency.

[0108] Figure 3A This is a flowchart illustrating a method performed by a first terminal device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0109] like Figure 3AAs shown, a first aspect of this disclosure provides a method 300 performed by a first terminal device, the method 300 comprising: step S306, sending a request for wireless power transfer (WPT) to a second terminal device; and step S308, receiving from the second terminal device a response indicating a target service device for WPT.

[0110] According to embodiments of this disclosure, exemplary models of this disclosure propose a mechanism in which a WPT consuming device can request (re)select a WPT serving device. Better candidates for WPT services can be provided to the WPT consuming device. Therefore, the operational status of the WPT consuming device can be better maintained.

[0111] Figure 3B This illustrates exemplary embodiments according to the present disclosure, such as Figure 3A A flowchart showing more steps of the method.

[0112] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the method further includes: step S302, determining a low-power state. The request is a selection or reselection request.

[0113] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the response also indicates resource allocation (e.g., radio frequency, RF, resources) for WPT.

[0114] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the request includes at least one of the requirements of the first terminal device and location information. The requirement includes at least one of the following: preferred receive power, preferred duration, preferred transmission frequency or period, and preferred transmission resources for WPT.

[0115] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, when the second terminal device cannot meet the requirements of the first terminal device, the target service device for WPT is a third terminal device.

[0116] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the second terminal device is the current serving device of the first terminal device for WPT; and the first terminal device determines that the WPT from the second terminal device does not meet the requirements of the first terminal device based on at least one of the following: the received power from the WPT, the signal received power from the second terminal device, and the transmission power margin of the second terminal device for WPT.

[0117] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, a first terminal device receives a report from a second terminal device, the report including the second terminal device's transmission power margin for WPT. This report may be included in a response from the second terminal device to the first terminal device, or in a separate report from the second terminal device to the first terminal device.

[0118] According to embodiments of this disclosure, not only the current received power but also the power margin can be considered. Therefore, whether the second terminal device can provide more wireless power can be accurately estimated.

[0119] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the requirements of the first terminal device are indicated by the preferred signal reception power.

[0120] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the first terminal device determines a low power state based at least on a pre-configured threshold value for battery power.

[0121] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the first terminal device communicates with the second terminal device via a sidelink. The second terminal device serves as a relay between the first terminal device and a network device, or the first terminal device communicates with the second terminal device in the absence of a network device.

[0122] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, WPT is transmitted via multiple side links (SLs).

[0123] Figure 4A This is a flowchart illustrating a method performed by a second terminal device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0124] like Figure 4A As shown, a second aspect of this disclosure provides a method 400 performed by a second terminal device, the method 400 comprising: step S402, receiving a request for wireless power transfer (WPT) from a first terminal device; and step S404, sending a response to the first terminal device, the response indicating a target serving device for WPT.

[0125] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the request is a selection or reselection request.

[0126] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the response also indicates the allocation of resources (such as radio frequency, RF, resources) for WPT.

[0127] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the request includes at least one of the requirements of the first terminal device and location information. The requirement includes at least one of the following: preferred receive power, preferred duration, preferred transmission frequency or period, and preferred transmission resources for WPT.

[0128] Figure 4B This illustrates exemplary embodiments according to the present disclosure, such as Figure 4A A flowchart showing more steps of the method.

[0129] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, method 400 further includes: step S406, sending a first message to a network device, the first message including at least a portion of a request; and step S408, receiving a response from the network device.

[0130] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the first message also includes a transmission power margin for WPT of the second terminal device.

[0131] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the (re)selection of the target service device for WPT can be primarily controlled by network devices (e.g., base stations).

[0132] Figure 4C This illustrates exemplary embodiments according to the present disclosure, such as Figure 4A A flowchart showing more steps of the method.

[0133] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the method further includes: step S410, determining that the second terminal device cannot meet the requirements of the first terminal device; step S412, sending a second message to at least one terminal device, the second message including at least a portion of the request; step S414, receiving at least one confirmation from at least one terminal device; and step S416, selecting a target service device for WPT from at least one terminal device based on at least one confirmation.

[0134] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the (re)selection of the target service device for WPT can be primarily controlled by a second terminal device.

[0135] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the selection (S416) of the target service device is also based on the distance between the target service device and the first terminal device. For example, at least one terminal device may indicate its location information or its distance from the first terminal device to the second terminal device.

[0136] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when reselecting a target service device, distances that may result in signal power loss can be considered.

[0137] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, when the second terminal device cannot meet the requirements of the first terminal device, the target service device for WPT is a third terminal device.

[0138] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the second terminal device is the current service device of the first terminal device for WPT.

[0139] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the requirements of the first terminal device are indicated by the preferred signal reception power.

[0140] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the first terminal device communicates with the second terminal device via a sidelink. The second terminal device serves as a relay between the first terminal device and a network device, or the first terminal device communicates with the second terminal device in the absence of a network device.

[0141] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, WPT is transmitted via multiple side links (SLs).

[0142] Figure 5A This is a flowchart illustrating a method performed by a third terminal device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0143] like Figure 5A As shown, a third aspect of this disclosure provides a method 500 performed by a third terminal device, the method 500 comprising: step S502, receiving a message from a second terminal device or a network device, the message including a request for wireless power transfer (WPT), the WPT being used by the first terminal device, the request including at least one of the first terminal device's request for WPT and location information; and step S506, sending an acknowledgment to the second terminal device or the network device.

[0144] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the requirement includes at least one of the following: preferred receive power, preferred duration, preferred transmission frequency or period, and preferred transmission resources for WPT.

[0145] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, WPT is transmitted via multiple side links (SLs).

[0146] Figure 5B This illustrates exemplary embodiments according to the present disclosure, such as Figure 5A A flowchart showing more steps of the method.

[0147] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, method 500 further includes: step S508, receiving an instruction from a second terminal device or a network device to provide WPT to a first terminal device.

[0148] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the third terminal device determines whether it can meet the requirements of the first terminal device based at least on the distance between the third terminal device and the first terminal device and the requirements of the first terminal device.

[0149] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the requirements of the first terminal device are indicated by the preferred signal reception power.

[0150] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the first terminal device communicates with the second terminal device via a side link. The second terminal device serves as a relay between the first terminal device and a network device, or it enables the first terminal device to communicate with the second terminal device in the absence of a network device.

[0151] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the first terminal device is a WPT consuming device. The second terminal device is a WPT serving device. The third terminal device is a WPT serving device.

[0152] Figure 6A This is a flowchart illustrating a method performed by a network device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0153] like Figure 6A As shown, a fourth aspect of this disclosure provides a method 600 performed by a network device, the method 600 comprising: step S602, receiving a first message from a second terminal device, the first message including a request for wireless power transfer (WPT) for the first terminal device, the request including at least one of the first terminal device's request for WPT and location information; step S604, determining a target serving device for WPT based at least on the request; and step S606, sending a response to the second terminal device, the response indicating the target serving device for WPT.

[0154] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the request is a selection request or a reselection request.

[0155] In exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, it is required to include at least one of the following: preferred receive power, preferred duration, preferred transmission frequency or period, and preferred transmission resources for WPT.

[0156] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the response also indicates the allocation of resources (such as radio frequency, RF, resources) for WPT.

[0157] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the first message also includes a transmission power margin for WPT of the second terminal device.

[0158] Figure 6B This illustrates exemplary embodiments according to the present disclosure, such as Figure 6A A flowchart showing more steps of the method.

[0159] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, method 600 further includes: step S608, determining that the second terminal device cannot meet the requirements of the first terminal device; step S610, sending a second message to at least one terminal device, the second message including at least a portion of the request; step S612, receiving at least one confirmation from at least one terminal device; and step S614, selecting a target service device for WPT from at least one terminal device based on at least one confirmation.

[0160] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the selection of the target service device for WPT is also based on the distance between the target service device and the first terminal device.

[0161] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, when the second terminal device cannot meet the requirements of the first terminal device, the target service device for WPT is a third terminal device.

[0162] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the requirements of the first terminal device are indicated by the preferred signal reception power.

[0163] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the first terminal device communicates with the second terminal device via a side link. The second terminal device acts as a relay between the first terminal device and the network device.

[0164] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, WPT is transmitted via multiple side links (SLs).

[0165] Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the serving gNB (in SL mode A) or the communication SL UE (in SL mode B) is responsible for discovering and reselecting a new (relay) SL UE that meets the tag's WPT expectations based on the current communication (relay) SL UE's WPT capability, WPT power margin, and tag location.

[0166] When an environmental IoT tag communicating with a gNB via a relay UE (SL mode A) or with an SL UE (SL mode B) is in a low battery power state (e.g., below a pre-configured threshold and no longer has the energy required for regular SL transmission), the tag should request a WPT from the communicating UE.

[0167] The tag collects signal power from the transmission of WPT messages on pre-configured or dynamically reserved resources by the UE via the SL (Signal Link Message). During WPT message transmission, the WPT-serving UE can also notify the tag of signal power margins via Side Link Control Information (SCI) or Media Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE) or WPT messages.

[0168] When the tag is receiving a WPT message for WPT and the tag detects that the current communicating UE may not be the best candidate for WPT service due to, for example, a power margin indicated as "0", and the received WPT power is still below the tag's preferred WPT-RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power) condition, the tag should trigger a WPT service UE reselection.

[0169] The tag can indicate the current location and preferred WPT-RSRP conditions to the communicating UE in a WPT service request message or a WPT reselection request message.

[0170] If the communicating UE supports and is able to satisfy the requested WPT: ● In SL Mode A (where SL communication is still controlled / scheduled by the base station), upon receiving a tag request, the communication UE acting as a U2N relay UE can report its current WPT power margin, tag location, and preferred WPT-RSRP conditions to the serving gNB. If the relay UE's latest transmission (Tx) power margin indicates that it is qualified to support SL-WPT for the tag, the gNB signals the SL-WPT resources to the relay UE and the tag.

[0171] ● In SL mode B (where SL communication is performed without a base station), if the communicating UE has sufficient Tx power to meet the tag's preferred WPT-RSRP conditions, then upon receiving a tag's request, the communicating UE can respond to the tag with reserved or dedicated SL-WPT resources and adjust its transmission power to meet the tag's expectations.

[0172] Figure 7 This is a view showing that the relay UE in SL mode A does not support WPT or has limited WPT power.

[0173] like Figure 7 As shown, if the communicating UE does not support or cannot satisfy the requested WPT: ● In SL mode A, if the relay UE (SL relay-1) does not support WPT: ■ When a request is received from a tag (from remote tag-1), the UE informs the serving gNB of its WPT capability, tag location, and preferred WPT-RSRP.

[0174] ● In SL mode A, if the relay UE (SL relay-2) is WPT power limited: ■ When a request is received from a tag (from remote tag-2), the UE informs the serving gNB of its current power margin, tag location, and preferred WPT-RSRP.

[0175] ● In SL Mode A, if a relay UE does not support WPT or its current Tx power margin indicates that it is not qualified to support SL-WPT for the tag, the serving gNB can page all UEs near the tag's location and preferred WPT-RSRP conditions. Upon receiving the tag information in the paging message, each paged UE can determine whether it can meet the tag's WPT expectations based on the UE's location, the tag's location, the UE's transmission power, and the tag's preferred WPT-PSRP conditions, and then send an acknowledgment (ACK) or negative acknowledgment (NACK) back to the serving gNB. The serving gNB can determine the target relay UE, or that is, reselect the target relay UE (SL UE-3) from the UEs that received an ACK in its paging response, and then inform the relay UE and tag signaling of the target relay UE.

[0176] Figure 8 This is a view showing that the SL UE in SL mode B does not support WPT or has limited WPT power.

[0177] like Figure 8 As shown, in SL mode B, if the communicating UE does not support SL-WPT (such as SL UE-1) or does not have sufficient Tx power (such as SL UE-2) to satisfy the tag's preferred WPT-RSRP conditions, then upon receiving a tag request (from remote tag-1 or remote tag-2), the communicating UE can advertise the tag's location and preferred WPT-RSRP conditions to neighboring UEs via, for example, a ProSe solicitation message. Upon receiving the solicitation message, each UE can determine whether it can satisfy the tag's WPT expectations based on the UE's location, the tag's location, the UE's transmission power, and the tag's preferred WPT-PSRP conditions, and then send back an ACK or NACK to the communicating UE via, for example, a ProSe response message. The communicating UE can then determine the target serving UE from among the UEs that received the ACK in its ProSe response, and then inform the target serving UE (such as SL UE-3) via tag signaling.

[0178] Figure 9 This is a view showing the messages required in SL Mode A to support WPT-based triggering for WPT service UE (re)selection.

[0179] The prerequisites for the process may include: 1. Environmental IoT tags communicate with gNB via relay UE. 2. WPT service has started, and the tag receives "0" WPT power margin, or 3. The WPT service can be left unstarted.

[0180] exist Figure 9In the text, the tag is an example used for the first terminal device, the relay UE is an example used for the second terminal device, the target relay UE is an example used for the third terminal device, and the gNB is an example used for the network device.

[0181] Step 1. When the tag's battery power is below a pre-configured threshold, if WPT service has not started, the tag sends a WPT (re)selection request to the U2N relay UE; otherwise, the tag sends a WPT reselection request to the U2N relay UE. The request message includes the tag location and preferred WPT-RSRP.

[0182] Step 2a. Upon receiving a tag request, the relay UE reports its UE SL WPT capability, current WPTTx power margin, tag location, and preferred WPT-RSRP to the serving gNB.

[0183] Otherwise, if the relay UE does not report its own WPT Tx power margin in step 2b, the gNB can query it in step 2c, and then the relay UE responds to the gNB with the WPT Tx power margin in step 2d.

[0184] Step 3. If the serving relay UE supports WPT, the serving gNB verifies the tag SL-RSRP, the UE's WPT power margin, and the tag's preferred WPT-RSRP. If the serving relay UE has sufficient transmission power to satisfy the tag's preferred WPT-RSRP, the serving gNB informs the serving relay UE and the tag signaling of the SL-WPT resources (step 3a). If the serving relay UE does not support WPT or does not have sufficient transmission power for the preferred WPT-RSRP, the serving gNB pages (step 3b) all RRC IDLE / inactive UEs and sends RRC reconfiguration to UEs connected via RRC within the vicinity of the tag's location and preferred WPT-RSRP.

[0185] Step 4. Upon receiving a paging message from an RSRP containing the tag's location and preferred WPT, each neighboring UE calculates the distance to the tag and the required transmission power (e.g., based on free-space path loss). If the required transmission power is supported by each UE, each UE sends an ACK in either a paging response or an RRC reconfiguration complete message.

[0186] Step 5. Upon receiving an ACKed paging response or an RRC reconfiguration complete message, the serving gNB selects a UE (e.g., the UE with the shortest distance to the tag) from the ACKed UEs in its paging response and informs the serving relay UE and the tag signaling of the selected UE as the target relay UE.

[0187] Upon receiving instructions from the serving gNB, the tag can reselect the target relay UE to create a sidelink connection for subsequent WPT services.

[0188] Figure 10 This is a view showing the messages required in SL mode B to support WPT-based triggering for WPT service UE (re)selection.

[0189] exist Figure 10 In the text, the label is an example used for the first terminal device, the SL-WPT serving UE is an example used for the second terminal device, and the target WPT-serving UE is an example used for the third terminal device.

[0190] The prerequisites for the process may include: 1. Environmental IoT tags communicate with SLUUE. 2. WPT service has started and the tag receives “0” WPT power margin.

[0191] In step 0a, the SL-WPT serving UE can provide its WPT Tx power margin to the tag.

[0192] Otherwise, the tag can query the WPT Tx power margin in step 0b, and then the SL-WPT serving UE responds to the tag with the WPT Tx power margin in step 0c.

[0193] Step 1. When the tag's battery power falls below a pre-configured threshold, the tag sends a WPT reselection request to the SL-WPT serving UE. The request message includes the tag's location and preferred WPT-RSRP. The tag may also send an SL measurement report to the SL-WPT serving UE, including the tag's location and preferred WPT-RSRP.

[0194] Step 2. The UE verifies the tag SL-RSRP, UE WPT power margin, and tag preference WPT-RSRP. If the SL-WPT serving UE does not have sufficient transmission power for the preference WPT-RSRP, the UE notifies all UEs in the vicinity of the tag's location and the preference WPT-RSRP.

[0195] Step 3. Upon receiving an RSRP announcement including the tag's location and preferred WPT, each neighboring UE calculates the distance to the tag and the required transmission power (e.g., based on free-space path loss). If the required transmission power is supported by each UE, each UE sends an ACK in the announcement response.

[0196] Step 4. Upon receiving an ACKed notification response, the SL-WPT serving UE can determine the target WPT-serving UE (e.g., the UE with the shortest distance to the tag) from among the UEs whose notification response was ACKed, and inform the tag signaling about the selected UE.

[0197] When a tag receives an instruction from a Serving SL UE, it can reselect the UE that has been signaled to create a sidelink connection for subsequent WPT services.

[0198] Figure 11 This is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary structure for a first terminal device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0199] like Figure 11 As shown, the first terminal device 110 includes a component 1100 configured to: send a request for WPT to a second terminal device; and receive a response from the second terminal device, the response indicating the target service device for WPT.

[0200] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, component 1100 is also configured to perform a method according to any of the above embodiments, such as shown in FIG3.

[0201] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, component 1100 includes: at least one processor 1102; and at least one memory 1104, which stores instructions that, when executed by at least one processor 1102, cause the execution of the first terminal device 110.

[0202] Figure 12 This is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary structure for a second terminal device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0203] like Figure 12 As shown, the second terminal device 120 includes a component 1200 configured to: receive a request for wireless power transfer (WPT) from the first terminal device; and send a response to the first terminal device, the response indicating a target service device for WPT.

[0204] In exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, component 1200 is also configured to perform methods according to any of the above embodiments, such as Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 4C As shown in the image.

[0205] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, component 1200 includes: at least one processor 1202; and at least one memory 1204, which stores instructions that, when executed by at least one processor 1202, cause the execution of the second terminal device 120.

[0206] Figure 13 This is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary structure for a third network node according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0207] like Figure 13 As shown, the third terminal device 130 includes a component 1300 configured to: receive a message from a second terminal device or a network device, the message including a request for wireless power transfer (WPT) for the first terminal device, the request including at least one of the first terminal device's requirements for WPT and location information; and send an acknowledgment to the second terminal device or the network device.

[0208] In exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, component 1300 is also configured to perform methods according to any of the above embodiments, such as Figure 5A , Figure 5B As shown in the image.

[0209] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, component 1300 includes: at least one processor 1302; and at least one memory 1304, which stores instructions that, when executed by at least one processor 1302, cause execution of a third terminal device 130.

[0210] Figure 14 This is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary structure for a network device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0211] like Figure 14 As shown, network device 140 includes component 1400 configured to: receive a first message from a second terminal device, the first message including a request for wireless power transfer (WPT) for the first terminal device, the request including at least one of the first terminal device's requirements for WPT and location information; determine a target serving device for WPT based at least on the request; and send a response to the second terminal device indicating the target serving device for WPT.

[0212] In exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, component 1400 is also configured to perform methods according to any of the above embodiments, such as Figure 6A , Figure 6B As shown in the image.

[0213] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, component 1400 includes: at least one processor 1402; and at least one memory 1404 storing instructions that, when executed by at least one processor 1402, cause the network device 140 to perform.

[0214] Processors 1102, 1202, 1302, and 1402 can be any type of processing component, such as one or more microprocessors or microcontrollers, as well as other digital hardware, which may include digital signal processors (DSPs) and dedicated digital logic, etc. Memory 1104, 1204, 1304, and 1404 can be any type of storage component, such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory, cache memory, flash memory, optical storage, etc.

[0215] Figure 15 This is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus / computer-readable storage medium according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0216] like Figure 15 As shown, computer-readable storage medium 150 stores instructions 151, which, when executed by at least one processor of a terminal device (such as a first terminal device, a second terminal device, or a third terminal device), cause at least one processor of the terminal device to perform a method according to any of the above embodiments, such as FIG3. Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 4C , Figure 5A , Figure 5B As shown; or when executed by at least one processor of the network device, causing at least one processor of the network device to execute the method according to any of the above embodiments, such as Figure 6A , Figure 6B As shown.

[0217] Furthermore, this disclosure may also provide a carrier containing the computer program / instructions described above. The carrier is an electronic signal, an optical signal, a radio signal, or one of the aforementioned computer-readable storage media. The computer-readable storage medium may be, for example, an optical disc or electronic storage device, such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory), flash memory, magnetic tape, CD-ROM, digital video disc (DVD), and Blu-ray disc, etc.

[0218] Figure 16 This is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary device unit for a first terminal device suitable for performing a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0219] like Figure 16As shown, the first terminal device 160 may include: a sending unit 1606 configured to send a request for WPT to the second terminal device; and a receiving unit 1608 configured to receive a response from the second terminal device, the response indicating the target service device for WPT.

[0220] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first terminal device 160 is further configured to perform the method of any of the above embodiments, as shown in FIG3.

[0221] Figure 17 This is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary device unit for a second terminal device suitable for performing a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0222] like Figure 17 As shown, the second terminal device 170 may include: a receiving unit 1702 configured to receive a request for wireless power transfer (WPT) from the first terminal device; and a sending unit 1704 configured to send a response to the first terminal device, the response indicating a target service device for WPT.

[0223] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the second terminal device 170 is further configured to perform the method of any of the above embodiments, such as Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 4C As shown.

[0224] Figure 18 This is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary device unit for a third terminal device suitable for performing a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0225] like Figure 18 As shown, the third terminal device 180 may include: a receiving unit 1802 configured to receive a message from a second terminal device or a network device, the message including a request for wireless power transfer (WPT) for the first terminal device, the request including at least one of the first terminal device's requirements for WPT and location information; and a sending unit 1806 to send an acknowledgment to the second terminal device or the network device.

[0226] In exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the third terminal device 180 is further configured to perform the method according to any of the above embodiments, for example... Figure 5A , Figure 5B As shown.

[0227] Figure 19 This is a block diagram illustrating exemplary device units for a network device suitable for performing methods according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0228] like Figure 19As shown, network device 190 may include: a receiving unit 1902 configured to receive a first message from a second terminal device, the first message including a request for wireless power transfer (WPT) for the first terminal device, the request including at least one of the first terminal device's requirements for WPT and location information; a determining unit 1904 configured to determine a target serving device for WPT based at least on the request; and a sending unit 1906 configured to send a response to the second terminal device, the response indicating the target serving device for WPT.

[0229] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, network device 190 is also configured to perform the methods of any of the above embodiments, such as Figure 6A , Figure 6B As shown.

[0230] The term “unit” can have a conventional meaning in the field of electronic, electrical and / or electronic equipment, and can include, for example, electrical and / or electronic circuits, devices, modules, processors, memories, logic solid-state and / or discrete devices, computer programs or instructions for performing corresponding tasks, processes, calculations, outputs and / or display functions, such as those described herein.

[0231] As used in this application, the term "circuit" may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) Hardware circuit implementation only (e.g., implemented with purely analog and / or digital circuits) and (b) A combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as (if applicable): (i) A combination of (multiple) analog and / or digital hardware circuits and software / firmware, and (ii) Any part of a hardware processor having software (including (multiple) digital signal processors, software, and (multiple) memories, which work together to enable a device (such as a mobile phone or server) to perform various functions), and (c) The operation requires software (e.g., firmware) for the operation of (multiple) hardware circuits and / or (multiple) processors, such as (multiple) microprocessors or portions of (multiple) microprocessors, but the software may be absent when the operation does not require the software.

[0232] This definition of "circuit" applies to all uses of the term in this disclosure (including any claims). As a further example, as used in this disclosure, the term "circuit" also covers only hardware circuitry or processors (or processors), or portions of hardware circuitry or processors and their accompanying software and / or firmware implementations. For example, where applicable to certain claim elements, the term "circuit" also covers baseband integrated circuits or processor integrated circuits for mobile devices or similar integrated circuits in servers, cellular network devices, or other computing or networking devices.

[0233] Utilizing these units, the device may not require a fixed processor or memory; any type of computing and storage resources can be deployed from at least one network node / device / entity / assembly associated with the communication system. Virtualization and network computing technologies (e.g., cloud computing) can also be introduced to improve the efficiency of network resource utilization and network flexibility.

[0234] The techniques described herein can be implemented by various means, such that means for implementing one or more functions of the corresponding apparatus described in the embodiments include not only prior art means, but also means for implementing one or more functions of the corresponding apparatus described in the embodiments, and may include separate means for each individual function, or means that can be configured to perform two or more functions. For example, these techniques can be implemented in hardware (one or more apparatuses), firmware (one or more apparatuses), software (one or more modules / units), or combinations thereof. For firmware or software, implementation can be achieved by modules (e.g., procedures, functions, etc.) that perform the functions described herein.

[0235] In some embodiments, some or all of the functions described herein may be provided by processing circuitry that executes instructions stored in memory, which in some embodiments may be a computer program product in the form of a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. In alternative embodiments, some or all of the functions may be provided by processing circuitry without executing instructions stored on a separate or discrete device-readable storage medium, such as in a hard-wired manner. In any particular embodiment, the processing circuitry may be configured to perform the described functions regardless of whether instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium are executed. The benefits provided by such functions are not limited to individual processing circuitry or other components of the computing device, but are enjoyed by the computing device as a whole and / or generally by end users and wireless networks.

[0236] As used herein, the term “non-transient” refers to the limitation of the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not signaling), rather than a limitation on the persistence of data storage (e.g., RAM versus ROM).

[0237] As described in the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure above, the embodiments herein offer numerous advantages. According to embodiments of this disclosure, exemplary embodiments propose a mechanism that allows a WPT-consuming device to request (re)select a WPT service device. Better candidates for WPT services can be provided to the WPT-consuming device. Therefore, the operational status of the WPT-consuming device can be better maintained.

[0238] It should be understood that the above embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and not for limitation. This disclosure may be practiced in ways other than those specifically set forth herein without departing from its essential characteristics. All changes to these embodiments without departing from the meaning of the appended claims and their equivalents are intended to be included herein.

[0239] References The following references are included in full in this paper: Theoretical Analysis of RF-DC Conversion Efficiency of Class F Rectifiers, Jiapin Guo et al., *IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Technology*, Vol. 62, No. 4, April 2014 3GPP TR 22.840 V 0.3.0 (2022-11), Third Generation Partnership Project; Technical Specification Group Services and System Architecture; Research on IoT for Ambient Energy Supply (Version 19) RP-223396, 3GPP TSG RAN#98e, Electronic Conference, December 12-16, 2022, SID Revision: Research on Environmental IoT

Claims

1. A method (300) executed by a first terminal device, comprising: Send (S306) a request for wireless power transfer (WPT) to the second terminal device; as well as Receive a response (S308) from the second terminal device, the response indicating the target service device for the WPT.

2. The method (300) according to claim 1, further comprising: Determine (S302) low power state; as well as The request mentioned therein is a selection or reselection request.

3. The method (300) according to claim 1 or 2. The response also indicates the allocation of resources for the WPT.

4. The method (300) according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The request includes at least one of the requirements of the first terminal device and location information; and The requirements mentioned therein include at least one of the following: preferred receive power, preferred duration, preferred transmission frequency or period, and preferred transmission resources for the WPT.

5. The method (300) according to claim 4. When the second terminal device cannot meet the requirements of the first terminal device, the target service device for the WPT is a third terminal device.

6. The method (300) according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The second terminal device is the current service device of the first terminal device for the WPT; and The first terminal device determines that the WPT from the second terminal device does not meet the requirements of the first terminal device based on at least one of the following: the received power from the WPT, the signal received power from the second terminal device, and the transmission power margin of the second terminal device for the WPT.

7. The method (300) according to claim 6. The first terminal device receives a report from the second terminal device, the report including the transmission power margin of the second terminal device for the WPT; and The report is either in a response from the second terminal device to the first terminal device, or in a separate report from the second terminal device to the first terminal device.

8. The method (300) according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The first terminal device communicates with the second terminal device via a side link; and The second terminal device serves as a relay between the first terminal device and the network device, or the first terminal device communicates with the second terminal device when there is no network device.

9. The method (300) according to any one of claims 1 to 8. The WPT is transmitted via multiple side links (SLs).

10. A method (400) performed by a second terminal device, comprising: Receive (S402) a request for wireless power transfer (WPT) from the first terminal device; as well as A (S404) response is sent to the first terminal device, the response indicating the target service device for the WPT.

11. The method (400) according to claim 10. The request mentioned therein is a selection or reselection request.

12. The method (400) according to claim 10 or 11. The response also indicates the allocation of resources for the WPT.

13. The method (400) according to any one of claims 10 to 12. The request includes at least one of the requirements of the first terminal device and location information; and The requirements mentioned therein include at least one of the following: preferred receive power, preferred duration, preferred transmission frequency or period, and preferred transmission resources for the WPT.

14. The method (400) according to any one of claims 10 to 13, further comprising: Send a first message (S406) to the network device, the first message including at least a portion of the request; as well as Receive the response from the network device (S408).

15. The method (400) according to claim 14. The first message also includes the transmission power margin of the second terminal device for the WPT.

16. The method (400) according to any one of claims 10 to 15, further comprising: It is determined (S410) that the second terminal device cannot meet the requirements of the first terminal device; Send (S412) a second message to at least one terminal device, the second message including at least a portion of the request; Receive at least one confirmation from the at least one terminal device (S414); Based at least one confirmation, the target service device for the WPT is selected from the at least one terminal device (S416).

17. The method (400) according to claim 16. The selection of the target service device (S416) is also based on the distance between the target service device and the first terminal device.

18. The method (400) according to claim 16 or 17. When the second terminal device cannot meet the requirements of the first terminal device, the target service device is a third terminal device.

19. The method (400) according to any one of claims 10 to 18. The second terminal device is the current service device of the first terminal device for the WPT.

20. The method (400) according to any one of claims 10 to 19. The first terminal device communicates with the second terminal device via a side link; and The second terminal device serves as a relay between the first terminal device and the network device, or the first terminal device communicates with the second terminal device when there is no network device.

21. The method (400) according to any one of claims 10 to 20. The WPT is transmitted via multiple side links (SLs).

22. A method (500) performed by a third terminal device, comprising: Receive a message (S502) from a second terminal device or network device, the message including a request for wireless power transmission (WPT) for the first terminal device, the WPT being used by the first terminal device, the request including at least one of the first terminal device's requirements for the WPT and location information; as well as Send (S506) confirmation to the second terminal device or the network device.

23. The method (500) according to claim 22. The requirements mentioned therein include at least one of the following: preferred receive power, preferred duration, preferred transmission frequency or period, and preferred transmission resources for the WPT.

24. The method (500) according to any one of claims 22 to 23. The WPT is transmitted via multiple side links (SLs).

25. A method (600) performed by a network device, comprising: (S602) Receive a first message from the second terminal device, the first message including a request for wireless power transfer (WPT) for the first terminal device, the WPT being used by the first terminal device, the request including at least one of the first terminal device's requirements for the WPT and location information; The target service device for the WPT is determined at least based on the request (S604); as well as A (S606) response is sent to the second terminal device, the response indicating the target service device for the WPT.

26. The method (600) according to claim 25. The request mentioned therein is a selection or reselection request.

27. The method (600) according to claim 25 or 26. The requirements mentioned therein include at least one of the following: preferred receive power, preferred duration, preferred transmission frequency or period, and preferred transmission resources for the WPT.

28. The method (600) according to any one of claims 25 to 27. The first message also includes the transmission power margin of the second terminal device for the WPT.

29. The method (600) according to any one of claims 25 to 28. The response also indicates the allocation of resources for the WPT.

30. The method (600) according to any one of claims 25 to 29, further comprising: It is determined (S608) that the second terminal device cannot meet the requirements of the first terminal device; Send (S610) a second message to at least one terminal device, the second message including at least a portion of the request; Receive at least one confirmation from the at least one terminal device (S612); and Based on at least one confirmation, the target service device for the WPT is selected from the at least one terminal device (S614).

31. The method (600) according to claim 30. The selection of the target service device for the WPT is also based on the distance between the target service device and the first terminal device.

32. The method (600) according to any one of claims 25 to 31. When the second terminal device cannot meet the requirements of the first terminal device, the target service device for the WPT is a third terminal device.

33. The method (600) according to any one of claims 25 to 32. The first terminal device communicates with the second terminal device via a side link; and The second terminal device serves as a relay between the first terminal device and the network device.

34. The method (600) according to any one of claims 25 to 33. The WPT is transmitted via multiple side links (SLs).

35. A first terminal device (110), comprising a component (1100) configured to: Send a request for Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) to the second terminal device; and Receive a response from the second terminal device, the response indicating the target service device for the WPT.

36. The first terminal device (110) according to claim 35, wherein the component (1100) is further configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 2 to 9.

37. The first terminal device (110) according to claim 35 or 36, wherein the component (1100) comprises: At least one processor (1102); as well as At least one memory (1104) stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor (1102), cause the first terminal device (110) to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

38. A second terminal device (120) comprising a component (1200) configured to: Receive a request for Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) from the first terminal device; and A response is sent to the first terminal device, the response indicating the target service device for the WPT.

39. The second terminal device (120) according to claim 38, wherein the component (1200) is further configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 11 to 21.

40. The second terminal device (120) according to claim 38 or 39, wherein the component (1200) comprises: At least one processor (1202); as well as At least one memory (1204) stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor (1202), cause the second terminal device (120) to perform the method according to any one of claims 10 to 21.

41. A third terminal device (130) comprising a component (1300) configured to: Receive a message from a second terminal device or network device, the message including a request for Wireless Power Transfer (WPT), the WPT being used by the first terminal device, the request including at least one of the first terminal device's requirements for the WPT and location information; and Send an acknowledgment to the second terminal device or the network device.

42. The third terminal device (130) according to claim 41, wherein the component (1300) is further configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 23 to 24.

43. The third terminal device (130) according to claim 41 or 42, wherein the component (1300) comprises: At least one processor (1302); as well as At least one memory (1304) stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor (1302), cause the third terminal device (130) to perform the method according to any one of claims 22 to 24.

44. A network device (140) including a component (1400) configured to: A first message is received from a second terminal device, the first message including a request for wireless power transfer (WPT), the WPT being used by the first terminal device, the request including at least one of the first terminal device's requirements for the WPT and location information; The target service device for the WPT is determined at least based on the request; as well as A response is sent to the second terminal device, the response indicating the target service device for the WPT.

45. The network device (140) of claim 44, wherein the component (1400) is further configured to perform the method of any one of claims 26 to 34.

46. ​​The network device (140) according to claim 44 or 45, wherein the component (1400) comprises: At least one processor (1402); as well as At least one memory (1404) stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor (1402), cause the network device (140) to perform the method according to any one of claims 25 to 34.

47. A computer-readable storage medium (150) storing instructions (151) that, when executed by at least one processor of a terminal device, cause the at least one processor of the terminal device to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 24, or when executed by at least one processor of a network device, cause the at least one processor of the network device to perform the method according to any one of claims 25 to 34.

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