Method and apparatus for single-frequency activation or dual-frequency activation of A-IoT system

Abstract

Indication of a single-frequency activation signal or a dual-frequency activation signal for an A-IoT system. This specification describes systems, methods, and apparatus for an environmental Internet of Things (A-IoT) system. According to a first aspect of the present specification, there is described an apparatus comprising means for, in response to determining an occurrence of a triggering condition, switching the apparatus between a first receiving mode in which the triggering condition is activated and a second receiving mode in which the triggering condition is activated. In a first reception mode, the apparatus is configured to receive a first type signal comprising a backscatter signal from the passive device using a first modulation type at a first frequency, and in a second reception mode, the apparatus is configured to receive a second type signal comprising a backscatter signal from the passive device using a second modulation type at a second frequency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification describes systems, methods, and apparatus for use in environmental Internet of Things (A-IoT) systems. Background Technology

[0002] The number of Internet of Things (IoT) connections has grown rapidly in recent years and is projected to reach hundreds of billions by 2030. A typical IoT device may consume tens or hundreds of milliwatts of power during transmission and reception, while the cost of such a device may be around a few dollars. As more and more things are expected to be interconnected, the resource consumption of IoT devices (e.g., in terms of power consumption, component usage, maintenance requirements, size, cost, etc.) can be expected to increase. For example, regular battery replacements for IoT devices may become impractical due to the significant consumption of materials and manpower. Therefore, in some cases, IoT devices powered by energy harvested from the environment may be used (e.g., for self-sustaining communication, such as in applications with a large number of devices (e.g., ID tags and sensors)). Thus, as the number of IoT devices and their connections increases (e.g., with progress toward the so-called "Internet of Everything"), it may be desirable to provide IoT devices with lower power consumption (e.g., ten or even one hundred times) and lower costs (e.g., by reducing the number of required components, etc.). This is especially true for applications that require battery-free devices.

[0003] Technologies supporting battery-free devices include Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). RFID uses techniques such as envelope detection for downlink data reception and backscatter communication for uplink data transmission. In some cases, the power consumption of commercial passive RFID tags can be as low as, for example, 1 microwatt. However, RFID is designed for short-range communication, with a typical effective range of, for example, less than 10 meters. Furthermore, the relatively simple transmission scheme of RFID can limit link budgets and the ability to support scalable networks. Other low-power (e.g., a few microwatts or tens of microwatts) backscatter techniques based on, for example, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, UWB, and LoRa have also been proposed, but these are typically focused on separate, detailed techniques for specific optimization objectives. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In a first aspect, this specification relates to a method comprising: in response to determining that a trigger condition has occurred, switching a device between a first receiving mode and a second receiving mode, wherein in the first receiving mode, the device is configured to receive from a passive device a first type of signal including a backscattered signal, the first type of signal including a backscattered signal using a first modulation type at a first frequency, and in the second receiving mode, the device is configured to receive from a passive device a second type of signal including a backscattered signal, the second type of signal including a backscattered signal using a second modulation type at a second frequency.

[0005] In some examples, the first modulation type includes an on-off keying (OOK) modulation type, and the second modulation type includes a binary phase shift keying (BPSK) modulation type.

[0006] In some examples, the method further includes: in response to determining that a triggering condition has occurred, switching the activator device between a first transmission mode and a second transmission mode, wherein in the first transmission mode the activator device transmits a single-frequency activation signal to a passive device, and in the second transmission mode the activator device transmits a dual-frequency activation signal to a passive device.

[0007] In some examples, switching the device between a first receiving mode and a second receiving mode in response to determining that a trigger condition has occurred includes: determining an expected signal that a first type of signal has not yet been received from a passive device or a signal that a first type of signal with a signal strength below a first threshold signal strength has already been received from a passive device; transmitting a first request message, the first request message including a request for the device to switch from the first receiving mode to the second receiving mode; and switching from the first receiving mode to the second receiving mode in response to receiving a configuration message that responds to the first request message for switching from the first receiving mode to the second receiving mode.

[0008] In some examples, switching the device between a first receiving mode and a second receiving mode in response to determining that a triggering condition has occurred includes: determining that a signal of a second type of signal with a signal strength higher than a second threshold signal strength has been received from a passive device; transmitting a second request message including a request for the device to switch from the second receiving mode to the first receiving mode; and switching from the second receiving mode to the first receiving mode in response to receiving a configuration message that responds to the second request message for switching from the second receiving mode to the first receiving mode.

[0009] In some examples, the method further includes: receiving data from a passive device indicating the passive device's ability to operate in a first mode and / or a second mode, the first mode corresponding to a first receiving mode and the second mode corresponding to a second receiving mode.

[0010] In a second aspect, this specification relates to a method comprising: in response to determining the occurrence of a triggering condition, transmitting a configuration message to switch a reader device between a first receiving mode and a second receiving mode, wherein in the first receiving mode, the reader device is configured to receive a first type signal from a passive device, the first type signal comprising a backscattered signal using a first modulation type at a first frequency, and in the second receiving mode, the reader device is configured to receive a second type signal from a passive device, the second type signal comprising a backscattered signal using a second modulation type at a second frequency.

[0011] In some examples, the method further includes: in response to determining that a triggering condition has occurred, transmitting a configuration message to switch the activator device between a first transmission mode and a second transmission mode, wherein in the first transmission mode the activator device transmits a single-frequency activation signal to a passive device, and in the second transmission mode the activator device transmits a dual-frequency activation signal to a passive device.

[0012] In some examples, switching the reader device between a first receiving mode and a second receiving mode in response to determining that a trigger condition has occurred includes: receiving a signal indicating that the reader device has not yet received a received first type of signal from a passive device or that the reader device has received a first type of signal with a signal strength lower than a first threshold signal strength from a passive device; and transmitting a configuration message to switch the reader device from the first receiving mode to the second receiving mode.

[0013] In some examples, the method further includes: in response to receiving a communication indicating that the reader device has not yet received a first type signal from the passive device or that the reader device has received a first type signal with a signal strength below a first threshold signal strength from the passive device, transmitting a configuration message to switch the activator device from a first transmission mode to a second transmission mode, in which the activator device transmits a single-frequency activation signal and in the second transmission mode, the activator device transmits a dual-frequency activation signal.

[0014] In some examples, switching the reader device between a first receiving mode and a second receiving mode in response to determining that a trigger condition has occurred includes: receiving a communication indicating that the reader device has received a second type of signal with a signal strength higher than a second threshold signal strength from a passive device; and transmitting a configuration message to switch the reader device from the second receiving mode to the first receiving mode.

[0015] In some examples, the method further includes: in response to receiving a communication indicating that the reader device has received a second type of signal with a signal strength higher than a second threshold signal strength from a passive device, transmitting a configuration message to switch the activator device from a second transmission mode to a first transmission mode, in which the activator device transmits a dual-frequency activation signal and in the first transmission mode, the activator device transmits a single-frequency activation signal.

[0016] In some examples, the method further includes: initially configuring the reader device to operate in a first receiving mode and / or initially configuring the activator device to operate in a first transmitting mode.

[0017] In some examples, the method further includes receiving data indicating that the passive device supports operation in a first mode and / or a second mode, the first mode corresponding to a first receiving mode and the second mode corresponding to a second receiving mode.

[0018] In a third aspect, this specification relates to a method comprising: in response to determining a switch between a first transmission mode and a second transmission mode, causing a device to switch between the first transmission mode and the second transmission mode, wherein in the first transmission mode the device transmits a first type of activation signal to a passive device, and in the second transmission mode the device transmits a second type of activation signal to a passive device.

[0019] In some examples, the first type of activation signal includes a single-frequency activation signal and / or a first state indication, and the second type of activation signal includes a dual-frequency activation signal and / or a second state indication, wherein the first state indication causes the passive device to operate in a first mode, and the second state indication causes the passive device to operate in a second mode, the first mode corresponding to a first transmission mode, and the second mode corresponding to a second transmission mode.

[0020] In some examples, switching the device between the first transmission mode and the second transmission mode in response to determining a switch between the first transmission mode and the second transmission mode includes: switching from the first transmission mode to the second transmission mode in response to receiving a configuration message.

[0021] In some examples, switching the device between the first and second transmission modes in response to determining a switch between the first and second transmission modes includes: switching from the second transmission mode to the first transmission mode in response to receiving a configuration message.

[0022] In some instances, the method further includes: transmitting a request for providing data to a passive device indicating the ability of the passive device to operate in a first mode and / or a second mode, the first mode corresponding to a first transmission mode and the second mode corresponding to a second transmission mode.

[0023] In a fourth aspect, this specification relates to a method comprising: reflecting a backscattered signal having a first modulation type at a first frequency in response to receiving an activation signal including a first state indication; and reflecting a backscattered signal having a second modulation type at a second frequency in response to receiving an activation signal including a second state indication.

[0024] According to another aspect of this specification, an apparatus is described, comprising components for performing the method of any one of the first to fourth aspects.

[0025] According to another aspect of this specification, an apparatus is described, comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform any of the methods described herein.

[0026] According to another aspect of this specification, a computer program product / non-transitory computer-readable medium is described that stores computer-readable instructions that, when executed by a computer (such as a network node), cause the computer to perform any or more of the methods described herein. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Exemplary embodiments will now be described by way of non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 An example of an A-IoT system is shown; Figure 2 Example backscattering operations of two types of passive devices are shown; Figure 3A and Figure 3B An example message stream sequence is shown; Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating example methods for operating various devices in an A-IoT system is shown. Figure 7 An apparatus according to some example embodiments is shown, which can form at least a part of an A-IoT system; and Figure 8 A non-transient medium according to some embodiments is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0028] In the following description and accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals always refer to the same elements.

[0029] When providing passive devices in a network (e.g., a cellular network), the power that can be generated using energy harvesting may be limited by the (limited) size of such devices. For example, a typical cellular device may consume tens or even hundreds of milliwatts of power for transceiver processing. For instance, using a narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) module as an example, the typical current consumption for receive processing could be around 60 mA at a supply voltage above 3.1 V. For transmit processing, the current consumption could be around 70 mA for transmit power at 0 dBm. Furthermore, the output power provided by a typical energy harvester (considering the small size of a few square centimeters for an actual device) could be less than 1 milliwatt. Since the available power is less than the consumed power in this case, directly powering the cellular device via energy harvesting may be impractical.

[0030] One possible solution to this problem is to integrate energy harvesting with rechargeable batteries or supercapacitors. However, in practice, both rechargeable batteries and supercapacitors may suffer from shortened lifespans. For example, it may be difficult to provide a constant charging current or voltage through energy harvesting, and long periods of continuous charging are required due to the relatively small power output obtainable from energy harvesting. Furthermore, both inconsistent charging current and long periods of continuous charging are detrimental to battery life.

[0031] Furthermore, since small-sized (e.g., button) batteries typically provide only tens of milliamps of current, much larger batteries (e.g., AA batteries) can be used instead to power cellular devices. Such larger batteries can even be larger than the module itself. Similarly, to store energy for a suitable operating duration (e.g., one second), a supercapacitor may require a capacitance of approximately one hundred millifarads. Such a supercapacitor can also be larger than the NB-IoT module. Third, both rechargeable batteries and supercapacitors can be more expensive than the module itself.

[0032] Therefore, it may be desirable to provide passive devices and technologies related to the use of such passive devices, which enable A-IoT systems to be used in a variety of applications, such as cellular networks.

[0033] The implementations described herein relate to the operation of an IoT system including IoT devices that can be powered using energy harvested from the environment (otherwise referred to as passive devices, passive radios, environmental devices, A-IoT devices, A-IoT tags, etc.). That is, a passive device can utilize energy from wireless signals transmitted on a specific carrier and / or bandwidth to charge a simple circuit system, which, once activated, will transmit / reflect signals encoded at least to the ID of the passive radio (and in some cases, capability information, sensor data, etc., as described herein). Such IoT systems may be referred to as A-IoT systems. Some specific implementations involve the use of such A-IoT systems with networks (e.g., cellular networks, such as those associated with 3GPP technologies).

[0034] Go to Figure 1 This describes an example of an A-IoT system. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the IoT system may include one or more of the following: a session control unit 110 (also known as a session control device), an activator 120 (also known as an activator device), a reader 130 (also known as a reader device), and a passive device 140.

[0035] As described herein, passive device 140 may be able to harness energy and listen for activation signals within a certain frequency range. Once an activation signal is detected, the passive device can transmit / reflect a signal that may include data specific to passive device 140 (e.g., an identification (ID) number or string), and in some implementations, such as capability information, sensor data, etc., as described herein.

[0036] Passive devices can be provided in a variety of forms. For example, a completely passive device may be entirely battery-free and have no energy storage capacity whatsoever. Such devices may be entirely dependent on the availability of an external power source. Semi-passive devices may include limited energy storage capacity that does not require manual replacement or recharging. Similarly, some devices may include components for active transmission (e.g., active RF components for transmission), while others may include components solely for passive transmission (e.g., backscatter transmission). The peak power availability of a passive device may be based on, for example, its form factor (which may be determined by the intended use case of the device), its power source, etc.

[0037] As an example, Type A passive devices can have a relatively simple level of design complexity (e.g., comparable to UHF RFID) and may not include energy storage devices or components for independent signal generation or amplification. Instead, Type A passive devices may include components for backscatter transmission.

[0038] As another example, a Type B passive device may also exclude components for independent signal generation and thus utilize components for backscatter transmission. However, a Type B passive device can have a higher level of design complexity than a Type A passive device and may include energy storage devices and components for amplifying the reflected signal. A Type B device can provide lower backscatter reflection loss (e.g., compared to a Type A device) by utilizing its stored energy reserves. Therefore, a Type B device can provide increased coverage (e.g., compared to a Type A device).

[0039] As another example, Type-C passive devices can still have a higher level of design complexity (however, still several orders of magnitude lower than, for example, NB-IoT modules). For instance, Type-C devices may include energy storage devices and components for independent signal generation (e.g., active RF components for transmission).

[0040] Type A devices are expected to consume up to approximately 10 microwatts. Type C devices are expected to consume up to approximately 1 milliwatt. Type B devices are expected to consume power somewhere between the power consumed by Type A devices and the power consumed by Type C devices.

[0041] Since Type A devices do not include energy storage, they can charge an activation signal to wake up and initiate ID / data modulated backscatter. To maintain backscatter transmission, Type A devices can use on / off keying (OOK) modulation. For example, modulation can include switching the antenna load between two states: a matched state X0 for energy absorption charging and an unmatched (or otherwise referred to as misaligned) reflection state. Because Type A devices can effectively reflect the activation signal for only half the time, the backscatter modulation factor M can be calculated as:

[0042] Where X0=0 and X1=1.

[0043] As described herein, a Type B device may include an energy storage device that is filled with energy pre-collected (e.g., prior to any backscattering). Therefore, a Type B device may not need to collect energy from the activation signal while modulating the backscattering. Thus, a Type B device can always be reflection-activated while performing modulation (e.g., BPSK or any other phase modulation) between two or more reflection states. Therefore, the backscattering modulation factor M can be calculated as:

[0044] Where X0 = -1 and X1 = 1.

[0045] For example, briefly turn Figure 2 This describes example backscattering operations of two different types of passive devices.

[0046] like Figure 2 As indicated by line 210, at T0, activator 120 may not transmit an activation signal. Also as shown by line 210, at T1, activator 120 may begin transmitting an activation signal.

[0047] As indicated by line 220, Type A device 140A within the range of activator 120 may not receive the activation signal between T0 and T1. Between T1 and T2, Type A device 140A may receive the activation signal and thus charge its circuitry. This time period indicated by arrow 222 may be referred to as the initial charging time of the Type A device. From T2, Type A device 140A may begin reflecting backscattered signals (e.g., using OOK). For example, Type A device 140A may switch antenna load between a mismatched state S1 (e.g., during the reflection duration) and a matched state S2 (e.g., during the charging duration).

[0048] As indicated by line 230, Type B device 140 B within the range of activator 120 may not receive the activation signal between T0 and T1. Between T1 and T2, Type B device 140 A may receive the activation signal. As described herein, Type B devices include their own energy storage devices (which can be charged by means other than the activation signal and / or at another time). This time period indicated by arrow 232 may be referred to as the initial charging time of the Type B device. In some cases, the Type B device may not begin backscattering until T2, in which case it can be assumed that the Type B device has already completed pre-energy harvesting when needed, depending on the current level of its energy storage device. In some other cases, if the energy storage device of Type B device 140 B is fully charged, Type B device 140 B may immediately begin backscattering the activation signal (e.g., at T1), making the initial charging time shorter or completely eliminated. For example, in some cases, the initial charging / activation time of type B device 140 B can be shorter than the initial charging time of type A device 140 A, for example, if type B device 140 B has already harvested energy before the activation signal has begun to be transmitted, and in other cases, the initial charging / activation time of type B device 140 B can be greater than the initial charging time of type A device 140 A, for example, if type B device 140 B needs to be charged before backscattering (because type B device 140 B needs energy for the full BPSK modulation duration). Figure 2 In an example embodiment, from T2, Type B device 140 A can begin reflecting backscattered signals (e.g., using BPSK). For example, Type B device 140 B can switch antenna loads between mismatched phase 1 state S1 and mismatched phase 2 state S3. Because the activation signal is constantly reflected (e.g., because of the use of BPSK), the activation signal cannot be used to charge the device in mismatched phase 1 state S1 and mismatched phase 2 state S3. Instead, as described herein, other means must be used.

[0049] As can be seen from the above, Type A devices may be advantageous because they do not require "pre-harvest energy" (e.g., because they do not include energy storage devices), which may require additional resources (or alternative harvesting technologies such as solar, kinetic, etc.), and therefore can be accessed at any point in time when within the range of activator 120 (e.g., and reader). On the other hand, Type B devices may be advantageous because they offer relatively better coverage (e.g., by using amplification) and can use modulation techniques with lower error rates (e.g., BPSK instead of OOK).

[0050] The implementations described herein generally relate to aspects of an A-IoT system involving a type A device that can use phase modulation (e.g., BPSK) when activated with a dual-frequency activation signal and can use different modulation techniques (e.g., OOK) when activated with a single-frequency activation signal. For example, when a dual-frequency activation signal is received, such a device can use a first activation frequency for constant charging. Such a device can also use BPSK modulation for backscattering on a second activation frequency. When a single-frequency signal is received, such a device can perform OOK modulation on the first activation frequency. Such a device may not necessarily be able to detect whether the activation signal is single-frequency or dual-frequency, and therefore may not be able to determine which modulation type to use in the absence of the techniques described herein. Furthermore, such a device may not necessarily be able to perform two modulation types simultaneously at different activation frequencies.

[0051] Using a dual-band activation signal can result in increased coverage of the link between the passive device and the reader (e.g., due to the increased modulation gain of BPSK compared to OOK). However, dual-band activation signals require increased resource allocation. Therefore, it may be beneficial to activate the use of the dual-band activation signal only when needed. Therefore, the implementation described herein relates to enabling the passive device to be aware of the state of the configured activation signal, thereby using the desired modulation scheme.

[0052] Although this document generally describes the implementation in relation to Type A devices, it should be understood that the operations described herein can be used with other devices. For example, the operations can be used with Type B or Type C devices (e.g., when operating in resource-saving mode).

[0053] Now back Figure 1 The A-IoT system 100 may include a session control unit (SCU) 110. The SCU 110 can typically control the A-IoT system 100 by transmitting configuration signals to one or more other devices of the A-IoT system 100, such as activator 120 or reader 130. The SCU 110 may be provided as a standalone unit, as a separate unit implemented in any device or node connected to a network (e.g., a cellular network, such as a 3GPP-compliant network), such as a gNB, UE, LMF, etc., integrated with activator 120 and / or reader 130, etc. In some cases, the session control unit may be omitted, where the various communications described herein are redirected accordingly (e.g., activator 120 and reader 130 may communicate directly with each other).

[0054] SCU 110 can store capability information corresponding to passive device 140. For example, the capability information can indicate the passive device's ability to support single-frequency activation (e.g., for OOK modulation) and dual-frequency modulation (e.g., for BPSK modulation). As described herein, BPSK modulation can be used to add passive device 140 to the coverage of reader 130 because BPSK modulation can provide a 6dB gain advantage over OOK (e.g., because BPSK can provide a modulation factor of M=1, while OOK can provide a modulation factor of M=0.25). Although implementations are generally described with respect to OOK and BPSK, it should be understood that any suitable modulation technique can be used.

[0055] Capability information can be associated with a specific type of passive device 140 (e.g., manufacturer, model, etc.), a unique ID associated with passive device 140, etc. In some implementations, capability information can be hard-coded or programmed into the memory of SCU 110 (e.g., by the manufacturer, installer, end user, updates received via SCU 110, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, capability information can be dynamically obtained by SCU 110, for example, by requesting a passive device capability report for newly discovered passive devices in the A-IoT network, as described herein.

[0056] For example Figure 1 As shown, the A-IoT system 100 includes an activator 120. As described herein, the activator 120 may be a device that sends an activation signal aimed at waking up the passive device 140.

[0057] For example Figure 1 As shown, the A-IoT system 100 includes a reader 130. The reader 130 may be a device that listens for and detects passive radio signals (e.g., backscattered signals) from a passive device 140. In some embodiments, the reader 130 may be juxtaposed with an activator 120.

[0058] Despite Figure 1 Only a single instance of activator 120, reader 130, and passive device 140 is shown in this illustration; however, it should be understood that this is for illustrative purposes only and is by no means limiting. For example, A-IoT system 100 may include any number of activators 120, readers 130, and passive devices 140, which can be controlled consistently, independently, etc. As an example, multiple passive devices 140 may exist in A-IoT system 100 (e.g., 2, 10, 100, 1000, etc.).

[0059] The A-IoT system 100 described herein can be used in any suitable application or deployment scenario. For example, the A-IoT system 100 can be used in indoor or outdoor environments. In some implementations, the A-IoT system 100 can be used in conjunction with a base station (e.g., a macro / micro / pec-based deployment). In some implementations, the A-IoT system 100 can be configured to work with one or more connectivity topologies, including, for example, which nodes (e.g., base stations, UEs, relays, repeaters, etc.) can communicate with the target device. In some implementations, the A-IoT system 100 can be configured to work with different wireless technologies, such as TDD, FDD, and frequency bands in licensed or unlicensed spectrum. In some implementations, the A-IoT system can be configured to coexist with UEs and infrastructure in existing technology (e.g., existing 3GPP technologies) frequency bands. In some implementations, the A-IoT system can be configured to operate under device-initiated and / or device-terminating traffic assumptions.

[0060] Turn Figure 3A and Figure 3B This describes an example message stream sequence in the A-IoT system 100.

[0061] At operation 301, SCU 110 initializes / configures the device as activator 120 in the A-IoT session (e.g., by sending an initialization message to activator 120). For example, a device configured to act as activator 120 may be determined to be compatible as an activator (e.g., a 3GPP-compliant device).

[0062] At operation 302, SCU 110 initializes / configures the device as reader 130 in the A-IoT session (e.g., by sending an initialization message to reader 130). For example, a device configured to act as reader 130 can be determined to be compatible as a reader (e.g., a 3GPP-compliant device).

[0063] At operation 303, SCU 110 initially configures activator 120 for single-frequency activation. This can be performed as single-frequency activation and may require fewer uplink resources (e.g., compared to dual-frequency activation). Similarly, at operation 304, SCU 110 initially configures reader 130 for OOK modulation on a first frequency.

[0064] In some implementations, SCU 110 can request OOK and BPSK modulation capability reports for all newly discovered passive devices 140 in the network. The received passive device capability reports are provided as an indication of BPSK modulation support when exposed with a dual-frequency activation signal. For example, the capability report can be implemented with a simple and / or normalized code sequence following the ID of passive device 140 (e.g., received from passive device 140). A response from a passive device 140 with missing information showing dual modulation support can be interpreted as passive device 140 supporting only OOK modulation.

[0065] For example, at operation 305, activator 120 may issue a passive device capability report request. The capability report request may initially be sent as a single-frequency activation signal for OOK modulation (e.g., via passive device 140). SCU 110 may additionally or alternatively send the capability report request (e.g., via activator 120), in an example embodiment, which may be a dual-frequency activation signal for BPSK modulation (e.g., via passive device 140) in case the passive device is outside the coverage area of ​​reader 130 when OOK modulation is used.

[0066] At operation 306, passive device 140 is within range and has an understanding of the capability report request, and the backscatter has a response to the capability report (e.g., a standardized code indicating the passive device's capability to support OOK and / or BPSK modulation). Reader 130 can receive the capability report from the passive device.

[0067] At operation 307, the SCU (e.g., via reader 130) receives a passive device capability report. The SCU 110 can therefore store the received capability report.

[0068] At operation 308, activator 120 sends a single-frequency activation signal with an indication of a first state or configuration for passive device 140. The indication of the passive device state can be implemented by including data indicating the first state in the activation signal. For example, a simple code sequence of several bits can be embedded in the activation signal. The data (e.g., the code sequence) can have a predetermined meaning (e.g., and therefore can be interpreted by passive device 140 according to that predetermined meaning).

[0069] At operation 309, passive device 140 backscatters in a first state. Specifically, passive device 140 backscatters a signal modulated with OOK at a first frequency. Passive device 140 can backscatter in the first state in response to receiving a first state indication. The backscattered signal 130 can be received by reader 130.

[0070] At operation 310, one or more expected passive device backscattered signals are not received (e.g., during a threshold time period) or are received with a signal strength below a threshold signal strength. In an example embodiment, the number and / or identification of passive devices 140 operating in A-IoT system 100 may be known (e.g., based on network topology information stored by SCU 110 or reader 130). If the number of received signals from passive devices 140 is less than the number of passive devices 140 operating in A-IoT system 100 or the threshold number, and / or if no signal is received from passive devices 140 known to be operating in A-IoT system 100, it can be determined that the expected signal has not been received. The threshold signal strength may be based on the sensitivity level of reader 130 (e.g., if the signal strength is close to the sensitivity level of reader 130, it can be assumed that the corresponding passive device may soon be out of range). As an example, the threshold signal strength may differ from the sensitivity level of reader 130 by +3 dB.

[0071] In some implementations, determining whether one or more expected passive device backscattered signals are not received or are received with a signal strength below a threshold signal strength may be based solely on passive devices 140 known to support BPSK modulation when activated with a dual-frequency activation signal (e.g., based on capability information stored in SCU 110). That is, for example, if at least a threshold number of passive devices 140 that do support BPSK modulation when activated with a dual-frequency activation signal are still in range (e.g., based on received signal strength), single-frequency activation can be maintained even when other passive devices 140 operating in the A-IoT system 100 (e.g., those passive devices that do not support BPSK modulation when activated with a dual-frequency activation signal) are out of range (or nearly out of range). (e.g., switching to dual-frequency activation for the A-IoT system 100 can be bypassed.) In some additional or alternative examples, for instance, if at least a threshold number of passive devices 140 that do support BPSK modulation when activated with a dual-frequency activation signal are out of range (or nearly out of range), for example, based on the received signal strength, a switch from single-frequency activation to dual-frequency activation can be performed even when other passive devices 140 operating in the A-IoT system 100 (e.g., those passive devices that do not support BPSK modulation when activated with a dual-frequency activation signal) are still within range. It can be assumed that passive devices 140 that do not support BPSK modulation when activated with a dual-frequency activation signal will continue to operate with OOK modulation on one frequency of the dual-frequency activation signal when the dual-frequency activation signal is provided. That is, it can be assumed that by providing passive devices 140 that do not support BPSK modulation with a dual-frequency activation signal, no additional range can be expected. In this way, resources that would otherwise be consumed when providing a dual-frequency activation signal can be saved.

[0072] At operation 311, reader 130 requests (e.g., via SCU 110) activator 120 to switch to provide a dual-frequency activation signal and / or reader 130 switches to a configuration for receiving BPSK backscattered signals on a second frequency. In some embodiments, reader 130 may send an explicit request for this purpose. Additionally or alternatively, reader 130 may report that one or more expected passive device backscattered signals were not received or were received with a signal strength below a threshold signal strength. Additionally or alternatively, SCU 110 may determine that one or more expected passive device backscattered signals were not received or were received with a signal strength below a threshold signal strength (e.g., based on the signal / signal strength or its absence reported from reader 130).

[0073] At operation 312, SCU 110 configures activator 120 for dual-frequency activation (e.g., via the transmission of configuration messages). Similarly, at operation 313, SCU 110 configures reader 130 to receive BPSK backscatter signals at a second frequency. In some embodiments, reader 130 may be configured to also receive OOK backscatter signals at a first (and / or second) frequency (e.g., from passive devices that do not support BPSK backscatter in response to the dual-frequency activation signal). This may be the case, for example, when it is known (e.g., based on information accessible to the SCU) that a passive device that does not support BPSK backscatter in response to the dual-frequency activation signal is participating in an A-IoT system. Therefore, at operation 314, activator 120 transmits a dual-frequency signal with an indication of a second state / configuration. The second state indication may be implemented, for example, in a manner similar to that described with respect to the first state indication.

[0074] At operation 315, passive device 140 backscatters in a second state. Specifically, passive device 140 backscatters a signal modulated using BPSK at a second frequency. Passive device 140 can backscatter in the second state based on receiving a second state indication.

[0075] At operation 316, all (or at least a threshold number of) expected passive device backscattered signals are received with a signal strength higher than a threshold signal strength. The threshold signal strength can be based on the sensitivity level of reader 130. For example, since the gain between OOK and BPSK is 6 dB, the threshold signal strength can be 9 dB higher than the sensitivity level of reader 130. In some specific implementations, determining whether all (or at least a threshold number of) expected passive device backscattered signals with a signal strength higher than the threshold signal strength is received may be based solely on passive devices 140 known to support BPSK modulation when activated with a dual-frequency activation signal (e.g., based on capability information stored in SCU 110). In other words, even if other passive devices 140 operating in the A-IoT system 100 (e.g., those passive devices that do not support BPSK modulation when activated with a dual-frequency activation signal) are close to being out of range, a switch to single-frequency activation of the A-IoT system 100 may occur (e.g., when at least a threshold number of expected passive device backscattered signals are received, the signal strength from a passive device supporting BPSK modulation is higher than the threshold signal strength when activated with dual-frequency activation). In some additional or alternative examples, even if other passive devices 140 operating in the A-IoT system 100 (e.g., those passive devices that do not support BPSK modulation when activated with a dual-frequency activation signal) are received with a signal strength higher than the threshold signal strength, dual-frequency activation can still be maintained (e.g., when at least a threshold number of expected passive device backscattered signals are received, the signal strength from a passive device supporting BPSK modulation is not higher than the threshold signal strength when activated with dual-frequency activation). It can be assumed that the passive device 140, which does not support BPSK modulation when activated by the dual-frequency activation signal, will continue to operate at one frequency of the dual-frequency activation signal with OOK modulation when the dual-frequency activation signal is provided. In other words, it can be assumed that by continuing to provide the passive device 140, which does not support BPSK modulation with the dual-frequency activation signal, no additional range is expected. In this way, resources that would otherwise be consumed when the dual-frequency activation signal is continuously provided can be saved.

[0076] At operation 317, reader 130 requests activator 120 to switch to a single-frequency activation signal (e.g., via SCU 110), and / or reader 130 switches to a configuration for receiving the OOK signal at a first frequency. In some embodiments, reader 130 may send an explicit request for this purpose. Additionally or alternatively, reader 130 may report that all expected passive device backscattered signals have been received with at least a threshold signal strength. Additionally or alternatively, SCU 110 may determine that all expected passive device backscattered signals have been received with at least a threshold signal strength (e.g., based on the signal / signal strength reported from reader 130 or its absence).

[0077] At operation 318, SCU 110 can return to operation 303, thereby configuring activator 120 for single-frequency passive device activation, and subsequently configuring reader 130 to receive the OOK backscatter signal at the first frequency, at which point the process can restart. However, since it can be assumed that the capability of passive device 140 is known (and if there is no indication of the presence of a newly added passive device), operations 305, 306, and 307 can be omitted.

[0078] In this way, the operation described herein can provide resource optimization (e.g., by dynamically allocating resources for a single or dual-frequency active signal) while effectively increasing the coverage of the link between passive device 140 and reader 130. For example, the coverage can be increased by a factor of 2 due to the 6 dB modulation gain added by BPSK compared to OOK. In some cases, for example, the increase in coverage can be less than 2 due to the implementation loss of the ability to switch between OOK and BPSK at the passive device. For example, assuming an implementation loss of less than 0.5 dB, which is equal to a modulation factor of 0.89, a modulation gain of 5.5 dB can be expected.

[0079] Go to Figure 4 It describes the operation of A-IoT systems (e.g., Figure 1 A flowchart of an example method for a device (e.g., a reader device) in an A-IoT system 100.

[0080] At operation S4.1, the occurrence of the triggering condition can be determined (e.g., as per [reference to...]). Figure 3A and Figure 3B (As described in one or more of operations 310, 311, 313, 316, 317, and 318). For example, the determination of the occurrence of the triggering condition may be based on the signal strength of a signal received from a passive device, or on communication received from another device (e.g., a session control device).

[0081] At operation S4.2, in response to determining that a trigger condition has occurred, a switch is initiated between the first reception mode and the second reception mode (e.g., as per [reference to...]). Figure 3A and 3B(As described in one or more of operations 311, 313, 317, and 318). In a first receiving mode, the device is configured to receive from a passive device a first type of signal including a backscattered signal using a first modulation type (e.g., OOK modulation) at a first frequency. In a second receiving mode, the device is configured to receive from a passive device a second type of signal including a backscattered signal using a second modulation type (e.g., BPSK modulation) at a second frequency. In some implementations, in the second receiving mode, the device may be configured to also receive a first type of signal (e.g., from a passive device that does not support BPSK backscattering in response to a dual-frequency activation signal). This may be the case, for example, when it is known (e.g., based on information accessible to the SCU) that a passive device that does not support BPSK backscattering in response to a dual-frequency activation signal is participating in an A-IoT system.

[0082] For example, it can be determined whether a signal of the first type has not yet been received from a passive device or a signal of the first type with a signal strength below a first threshold has already been received from a passive device (e.g., as per [reference to...]). Figure 3A (As described in operation 310). In response, a first request message may be transmitted (e.g., to a session control device) including a request for the device to switch from a first receiving mode to a second receiving mode. In response to receiving (e.g., from the session control device) a configuration message responding to the request to switch from the first receiving mode to the second receiving mode, the device may switch from the first receiving mode to the second receiving mode.

[0083] Additionally or alternatively, it can be determined that a signal of the second type has been received from a passive device with a signal strength exceeding the second threshold signal strength (e.g., as per [reference]). Figure 3B (As described in operation 316). In response, a second request message may be transmitted (e.g., to a session control device) including a request for the device to switch from a second receiving mode to a first receiving mode. In response to receiving (e.g., from the session control device) a configuration message responding to the request to switch from the second receiving mode to the first receiving mode, the device may switch from the second receiving mode to the first receiving mode.

[0084] In some implementations... Figure 4 Example methods may also include: in response to determining that a triggering condition has occurred, switching the activator device between a first transmission mode and a second transmission mode (e.g., as per [reference to...]). Figure 3A and Figure 3B(As described in one or more of operations 310, 311, 312, 316, 317, and 318). For example, the device can transmit a message (e.g., a request) to cause the activator device to switch from a first transmission mode to a second transmission mode (or vice versa). The device can transmit messages to the activator device (e.g., via a session control unit). For example, the device can send a message to the session control unit, which can respond by transmitting a corresponding configuration message to the activator device. In response to receiving a configuration message, the activator device can switch between transmission modes.

[0085] In the first transmission mode, the activator device can be configured to transmit a first type of activation signal to a passive device (e.g., as per [reference to...]). Figure 3A (As described in operation 308). For example, the first type of activation signal may include a single-frequency activation signal and / or a first state indication. The first state indication may enable the passive device to operate in a first mode corresponding to the first transmission mode and the first reception mode upon receiving the first state indication (e.g., as per [reference to...]). Figure 3A (As described in operation 309). In the second transmission mode, the activator device can be configured to transmit a second type of activation signal to the passive device. For example, the second type of activation signal may include a dual-frequency activation signal and / or a second status indication. The second status indication enables the passive device to operate in a second mode corresponding to the second transmission mode and the second reception mode (e.g., as per [reference to...]). Figure 3B (as described in operation 315).

[0086] For example, referring to a previous example in which a signal is determined to be an expected signal for which a first type of signal has not yet been received from a passive device, or a signal for which a first type of signal with a signal strength below a first threshold has already been received from a passive device, the first request message may further include a request for the activator device to switch from a first transmission mode to a second transmission mode. Upon receiving the first request message, the session control device may transmit a configuration message. Upon receiving the configuration message by the activator device, the activator device switches from the first transmission mode to the second transmission mode (e.g., as per [reference to...]). Figure 3A (As described in operations 310, 311 and 312).

[0087] Additionally or alternatively, referring to a previous example in which it is determined that a second type of signal has been received from a passive device with a signal strength exceeding a second threshold signal strength, the second request message may further include a request for the activator device to switch from a second transmission mode to a first transmission mode. Upon receiving the second request message, the session control device may transmit a configuration message to the activator device. Upon receiving the configuration message, the activator device switches from the second transmission mode to the first transmission mode (e.g., as per [reference to...]). Figure 3A and Figure 3B(As described in operations 316, 317, 318 and 303).

[0088] In some implementations... Figure 4 Example methods may include receiving an initial configuration message (e.g., from a session control device) to cause the device to operate in a first receive mode (e.g., as per [the relevant information]). Figure 3A Operation 304 is described.

[0089] In some embodiments, Figure 4 Example methods may include receiving data from a passive device indicating the passive device's ability to operate in a first mode and / or a second mode (e.g., regarding...). Figure 3A As described in operation 306, the first mode corresponds to the first receiving mode, and the second mode corresponds to the second receiving mode. The device can responsively transmit capability information to the session control device.

[0090] Go to Figure 5 It describes the operation of A-IoT systems (e.g., Figure 1 A flowchart of an example method for a device (e.g., session control device 110) in an A-IoT system 100.

[0091] In operation S5.1, the occurrence of the trigger condition is determined. For example, the determination of the occurrence of the trigger condition may be based on information from another device (e.g., a reader device, as per [reference to...]). Figure 3A and Figure 3B (As described in operations 311 and 317) received communication. The communication may, for example, indicate that the signal strength of a signal received by the reader device from the passive device is below or above a threshold signal strength.

[0092] At operation S5.2, in response to determining that a trigger condition has occurred, a configuration message is transmitted to the reader device to cause the reader device to switch between a first receiving mode and a second receiving mode (e.g., as per the description of...). Figure 3A and 3B (As described in one or more of operations 311, 313, 317, 318, and 304). In a first receiving mode, the reader device is configured to receive a first type of signal from a passive device, the first type of signal comprising a backscattered signal using a first modulation type (e.g., OOK modulation) at a first frequency. In a second receiving mode, the reader device is configured to receive a second type of signal from a passive device, the second type of signal comprising a backscattered signal using a second modulation type (e.g., BPSK modulation) at a second frequency.

[0093] In some implementations... Figure 5Example methods may include operation S5.3. At operation S5.3, in response to determining that a triggering condition has occurred, a configuration message may be transmitted to the activator device to cause the activator device to switch between a first transmission mode and a second transmission mode (e.g., as per [reference to...]). Figure 3A and Figure 3B (As described in one or more of operations 312, 318 and 303).

[0094] In the first transmission mode, the activator device can be configured to transmit a first type of activation signal to a passive device (e.g., as per [reference to...]). Figure 3A (As described in operation 308). For example, the first type of activation signal may include a single-frequency activation signal and / or a first state indication. The first state indication may enable the passive device to operate in a first mode corresponding to the first transmission mode and the first reception mode upon receiving the first state indication (e.g., as per [reference to...]). Figure 3A (As described in operation 309). In the second transmission mode, the activator device can be configured to transmit a second type of activation signal to the passive device. For example, the second type of activation signal may include a dual-frequency activation signal and / or a second status indication. The second status indication enables the passive device to operate in a second mode corresponding to the second transmission mode and the second reception mode (e.g., as per [reference to...]). Figure 3B (as described in operation 315).

[0095] In an example embodiment, communication may be received (e.g., from the reader device) indicating an expected signal that a first-type signal has not yet been received from the passive device (e.g., via the reader device) or (e.g., by the reader device) indicating that a first-type signal with a signal strength below a first threshold signal strength has been received from the passive device (e.g., as per the reader device). Figure 3A (As described in operations 310 and 311). In response, a configuration message may be transmitted (e.g., to the reader device) to cause the reader device to switch from a first receiving mode to a second receiving mode. Additionally or alternatively, a configuration message may be transmitted (e.g., to the activator device) to cause the activator device to switch from a first transmission mode to a second transmission mode.

[0096] Additionally or alternatively, it may (e.g., from the reader device) receive communication indicating that a second type of signal with a signal strength higher than the second threshold signal strength has been received from the passive device (e.g., as per [reference to a second threshold signal strength]). Figure 3B (As described in operations 316 and 317). In response, a configuration message may be transmitted (e.g., to the reader device) to cause the reader device to switch from a second receiving mode to a first receiving mode. Additionally or alternatively, a configuration message may be transmitted (e.g., to the activator device) to cause the activator device to switch from a second transmission mode to a second transmission mode.

[0097] In some implementations, an initial configuration message may be sent to the reader device to cause the reader device to initially operate in a first receive mode (e.g., as per [reference to...]). Figure 3A (As described in operation 304). Additionally or alternatively, an initial configuration message may be sent to the activator device to cause the activator device to initially operate in a first transmission mode (e.g., as per [reference to...]). Figure 3A Operation 303 is described.

[0098] In some embodiments, communication indicative of the passive device's ability to operate in a first mode and / or a second mode may be received (e.g., via a reader device from a passive device). Figure 3A (As described in operations 306 and 307), the first mode corresponds to the first receiving mode, and the second mode corresponds to the second receiving mode. Communication can be received in response to a capability request signal transmitted by the activator device. The activator device can send a capability request signal, for example, via an initial configuration message. The capability of the passive device can be stored together with the identification information of the passive device (e.g., a unique identifier).

[0099] Go to Figure 6 It describes the operation of A-IoT systems (e.g., Figure 1 A flowchart of an example method for a device (e.g., activator device 120) in an A-IoT system 100.

[0100] At operation S6.1, a switch between the first transmission mode and the second transmission mode is determined. For example, this determination may be based on, for example, communication received from the session control device or via the session control device from the reader device (e.g., regarding...). Figure 3A and Figure 3B (As described in operations 311, 312, 317, 318, and 303). For example, communication can indicate that the signal strength of a signal received from a passive device is below or above a signal strength threshold.

[0101] At operation S6.2, in response to determining a switch between the first transmission mode and the second transmission mode, a switch between the first transmission mode and the second transmission mode is initiated. In the first transmission mode, the device can be configured to transmit a first type of activation signal to a passive device (e.g., as per [reference to...]). Figure 3A (As described in operation 308). For example, the first type of activation signal may include a single-frequency activation signal and / or a first state indication. The first state indication may enable the passive device to operate in a first mode corresponding to the first transmission mode upon receiving the first state indication (e.g., as per [reference to...]). Figure 3A(As described in operation 309). In the second transmission mode, the device can be configured to transmit a second type of activation signal to the passive device. For example, the second type of activation signal may include a dual-frequency activation signal and / or a second status indication. The second status indication enables the passive device to operate in a second mode corresponding to the second transmission mode (e.g., as per [reference to...]). Figure 3B (as described in operation 315).

[0102] In some implementations, an initial configuration message may be received (e.g., from a session control device) to cause the device to initially operate in a first transmission mode (e.g., as per the context of...). Figure 3A Operation 303 is described.

[0103] In some implementations, a switch from a first transmission mode to a second transmission mode can be triggered in response to receiving a configuration message (e.g., from a session control device). Figure 3A (As described in operations 311 and 312). For example, a configuration message may be received in response to (e.g., by the reader device and / or the session control device) determining that the expected signal has not yet been received from the passive device (e.g., by the reader device) or that a signal with a signal strength below a first threshold signal strength has been received from the passive device (e.g., by the reader device).

[0104] Additionally or alternatively, a switch from a second transmission mode to a first transmission mode may be initiated in response to receiving a configuration message (e.g., from a session control device). For example, the configuration message may be received in response to determining (e.g., by a reader device and / or a session control device) that a signal with a signal strength higher than a second threshold signal strength has been received from a passive device (e.g., by a reader device).

[0105] In some embodiments, a request may be sent to the passive device to provide data indicating that the passive device supports operation in a first mode and / or a second mode, the first mode corresponding to a first transmission mode and the second mode corresponding to a second transmission mode. The passive device may respond using its capabilities, and its response may be received by the reader device and stored by the session control device.

[0106] Figure 7An apparatus according to some example embodiments is shown, which can form at least a portion of a user equipment or network node. The apparatus can be configured to perform the operations described herein, such as those described with reference to any disclosed process. The apparatus includes at least one processor 700 and at least one memory 701 directly or closely connected to the processor. The memory 701 includes at least one random access memory (RAM) 701A and / or at least one read-only memory (ROM) 701B. Processor instructions (software) 705 are stored in the ROM 701B. The apparatus can be connected to a transmitter (TX) and a receiver (RX). The apparatus can optionally be connected to a user interface (UI) for indicating the apparatus and / or for outputting data. At least one processor 700 having at least one memory 701 and instructions 705 is arranged to cause the apparatus to perform at least one method or a portion thereof according to any of the foregoing processes, such as those disclosed with reference to the flowcharts and their related features.

[0107] Figure 8 A non-transitory medium 800 is illustrated according to some embodiments. The non-transitory medium 800 is a computer-readable storage medium. It may be, for example, a CD, DVD, USB flash drive, Blu-ray disc, etc. The non-transitory medium 800 stores instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause a device to perform any of the aforementioned processes, such as those disclosed with respect to the flowcharts and their related features.

[0108] The names of network elements, protocols, and methods are based on current standards. In other versions or other technologies, the names of these network elements and / or protocols and / or methods may differ, as long as they provide the corresponding functionality. For example, embodiments can be deployed in 2G / 3G / 4G / 5G networks and next-generation 3GPP networks, as well as in non-3GPP radio networks such as Wi-Fi.

[0109] The memory can be volatile or non-volatile. It can be, for example, RAM, SRAM, flash memory, FPGA block RAM, DCD, CD, USB flash drive, and Blu-ray disc.

[0110] Unless otherwise stated or clearly understood from the context, two entities being distinct statements means that they perform different functions. It does not necessarily mean they are based on different hardware. That is, each entity described in this specification may be based on different hardware, or some or all entities may be based on the same hardware. It does not necessarily mean they are based on different software. That is, each entity described in this specification may be based on different software, or some or all entities may be based on the same software. Each entity described in this specification may be embodied in the cloud.

[0111] As a non-limiting example, implementations of any of the foregoing boxes, devices, systems, techniques, or methods include implementations as hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuitry or logic, general-purpose hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or some combination thereof. Some embodiments can be implemented in the cloud.

[0112] It should be understood that the above content is what is currently considered to be the preferred embodiment. However, it should be noted that the description of the preferred embodiment is given by way of example only, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising: A component for switching the device between a first receiving mode and a second receiving mode in response to the occurrence of a determined triggering condition, wherein in the first receiving mode, the device is configured to receive a first type of signal from a passive device, the first type of signal comprising a backscattered signal using a first modulation type at a first frequency, and in the second receiving mode, the device is configured to receive a second type of signal from the passive device, the second type of signal comprising a backscattered signal using a second modulation type at a second frequency.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first modulation type includes an on / off keying (OOK) modulation type, and the second modulation type includes a binary phase shift keying (BPSK) modulation type.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising: A component for switching the activator device between a first transmission mode and a second transmission mode in response to determining the occurrence of the triggering condition, wherein in the first transmission mode the activator device transmits a single-frequency activation signal to the passive device, and in the second transmission mode the activator device transmits a dual-frequency activation signal to the passive device.

4. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein switching the apparatus between the first receiving mode and the second receiving mode in response to determining the occurrence of the triggering condition comprises: Determine whether a signal of the first type has not yet been received from the passive device or a signal of the first type with a signal strength lower than a first threshold signal strength has already been received from the passive device. Transmit a first request message, the first request message including a request for the device to switch from the first receiving mode to the second receiving mode; as well as In response to receiving a configuration message that responds to the first request message and is used to switch from the first receiving mode to the second receiving mode, the system switches from the first receiving mode to the second receiving mode.

5. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein switching the apparatus between the first receiving mode and the second receiving mode in response to determining the occurrence of the triggering condition comprises: Determine that a signal of the second type with a signal strength higher than the second threshold signal strength has been received from the passive device; Transmit a second request message, the second request message including a request for the device to switch from the second receiving mode to the first receiving mode; as well as In response to receiving a configuration message that responds to the second request message and is used to switch from the second receiving mode to the first receiving mode, the system switches from the second receiving mode to the first receiving mode.

6. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims further comprises: A component for receiving data from the passive device indicating the passive device's ability to operate in a first mode and / or a second mode, the first mode corresponding to a first receiving mode and the second mode corresponding to a second receiving mode.

7. An apparatus comprising: A component for transmitting a configuration message to switch a reader device between a first receiving mode and a second receiving mode in response to the occurrence of a determined trigger condition, wherein in the first receiving mode, the reader device is configured to receive a first type of signal from a passive device, the first type of signal comprising a backscattered signal using a first modulation type at a first frequency, and in the second receiving mode, the reader device is configured to receive a second type of signal from the passive device, the second type of signal comprising a backscattered signal using a second modulation type at a second frequency.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising: A component for transmitting a configuration message in response to determining the occurrence of the triggering condition, causing the activator device to switch between a first transmission mode and a second transmission mode, in the first transmission mode, the activator device transmitting a single-frequency activation signal to the passive device, and in the second transmission mode, the activator device transmitting a dual-frequency activation signal to the passive device.

9. The apparatus of claim 7 or claim 8, wherein switching the reader apparatus between the first receiving mode and the second receiving mode in response to determining the occurrence of the trigger condition comprises: Communication indicating that the reader device has not yet received the received first type signal from the passive device or that the reader device has received the first type signal with a signal strength lower than a first threshold signal strength from the passive device; as well as Transmit a configuration message to switch the reader device from the first receiving mode to the second receiving mode.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising: A component for transmitting a configuration message to cause the activator device to switch from a first transmission mode to a second transmission mode in response to receiving a anticipated signal indicating that the reader device has not yet received the first type of signal from the passive device or that the reader device has received the first type of signal with a signal strength lower than the first threshold signal strength from the passive device. In the first transmission mode, the activator device transmits a single-frequency activation signal, and in the second transmission mode, the activator device transmits a dual-frequency activation signal.

11. The apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein switching the reader apparatus between the first receiving mode and the second receiving mode in response to the occurrence of determining the trigger condition comprises: The reader device receives a communication indicating that it has received a signal of the second type from the passive device, the signal strength of which is higher than the second threshold signal strength. as well as Transmit a configuration message to switch the reader device from the second receiving mode to the first receiving mode.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising: A component for transmitting a configuration message to switch the activator device from a second transmission mode to a first transmission mode in response to receiving a signal indicating that the reader device has received a second type signal with a signal strength higher than the second threshold signal strength from the passive device, wherein the activator device transmits a dual-frequency activation signal in the second transmission mode and a single-frequency activation signal in the first transmission mode.

13. The apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 12, further comprising components for the following operation: The reader device is initially configured to operate in the first receiving mode and / or the activator device is initially configured to operate in the first transmitting mode.

14. The apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 13, further comprising: A component for receiving data indicating the passive device's ability to operate in a first mode and / or a second mode, the first mode corresponding to the first receiving mode and the second mode corresponding to the second receiving mode.

15. An apparatus comprising: A component for switching the device between a first transmission mode and a second transmission mode in response to determining a switch between the two modes, wherein in the first transmission mode the device transmits a first type of activation signal to a passive device, and in the second transmission mode the device transmits a second type of activation signal to the passive device.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the first type of activation signal includes a single-frequency activation signal and / or a first state indication, and wherein the second type of activation signal includes a dual-frequency activation signal and / or a second state indication, wherein the first state indication causes the passive device to operate in a first mode, and the second state indication causes the passive device to operate in a second mode, the first mode corresponding to the first transmission mode, and the second mode corresponding to the second transmission mode.

17. The apparatus of claim 15 or claim 16, wherein switching the apparatus between the first transmission mode and the second transmission mode in response to determining a switch between the first transmission mode and the second transmission mode comprises: In response to receiving a configuration message, switch from the first transmission mode to the second transmission mode.

18. The apparatus of any one of claims 15, 16, or 17, wherein switching the apparatus between the first transmission mode and the second transmission mode in response to determining a switch between the first transmission mode and the second transmission mode comprises: In response to receiving a configuration message, switch from the second transmission mode to the first transmission mode.

19. The apparatus according to any one of claims 15 to 18, further comprising: A component for transmitting a request for data indicating the passive device's ability to operate in a first mode and / or a second mode, the first mode corresponding to a first transmission mode and the second mode corresponding to a second transmission mode.

20. An apparatus comprising: A component for reflecting a backscattered signal having a first modulation type at a first frequency in response to receiving an activation signal including a first state indication; as well as A component for reflecting a backscattered signal having a second modulation type at a second frequency in response to receiving an activation signal including a second state indication.

21. A method performed by a reader device, comprising: In response to the occurrence of a determined trigger condition, the device switches between a first receiving mode and a second receiving mode, wherein in the first receiving mode, the device is configured to receive a first type of signal from a passive device, the first type of signal comprising a backscattered signal using a first modulation type at a first frequency, and in the second receiving mode, the device is configured to receive a second type of signal from the passive device, the second type of signal comprising a backscattered signal using a second modulation type at a second frequency.

22. A method performed by a session control device, comprising: In response to the determination of the occurrence of a triggering condition, a configuration message is transmitted to switch the reader device between a first receiving mode and a second receiving mode, wherein in the first receiving mode, the reader device is configured to receive a first type of signal from a passive device, the first type of signal comprising a backscattered signal using a first modulation type at a first frequency, and in the second receiving mode, the reader device is configured to receive a second type of signal from the passive device, the second type of signal comprising a backscattered signal using a second modulation type at a second frequency.

23. A method performed by an activator device, comprising: In response to determining to switch between a first transmission mode and a second transmission mode, the device switches between the first transmission mode and the second transmission mode, wherein in the first transmission mode, the device transmits a first type of activation signal to a passive device, and in the second transmission mode, the device transmits a second type of activation signal to the passive device.

24. A method performed by a passive device, comprising: In response to receiving an activation signal including a first state indication, a backscattered signal having a first modulation type is reflected at a first frequency; as well as In response to receiving an activation signal including a second state indication, a backscattered signal having a second modulation type is reflected at a second frequency.

25. A computer-readable medium comprising program instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the method according to any one of claims 21 to 24.

26. An apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: In response to the occurrence of a determined trigger condition, the device switches between a first receiving mode and a second receiving mode, wherein in the first receiving mode, the device is configured to receive a first type of signal from a passive device, the first type of signal comprising a backscattered signal using a first modulation type at a first frequency, and in the second receiving mode, the device is configured to receive a second type of signal from the passive device, the second type of signal comprising a backscattered signal using a second modulation type at a second frequency.

27. An apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: In response to the determination of the occurrence of a triggering condition, a configuration message is transmitted to switch the reader device between a first receiving mode and a second receiving mode, wherein in the first receiving mode, the reader device is configured to receive a first type of signal from a passive device, the first type of signal comprising a backscattered signal using a first modulation type at a first frequency, and in the second receiving mode, the reader device is configured to receive a second type of signal from the passive device, the second type of signal comprising a backscattered signal using a second modulation type at a second frequency.

28. An apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: In response to determining to switch between a first transmission mode and a second transmission mode, the device switches between the first transmission mode and the second transmission mode, wherein in the first transmission mode, the device transmits a first type of activation signal to a passive device, and in the second transmission mode, the device transmits a second type of activation signal to the passive device.

29. An apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: A component that, in response to receiving an activation signal including a first state indication, reflects a backscattered signal having a first modulation type at a first frequency; and In response to receiving an activation signal including a second state indication, a backscattered signal having a second modulation type is reflected at a second frequency.

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