System and method for environmental Internet of Things (A-IoT) devices

Abstract

Systems and methods for locating environmental Internet of Things (A-IoT) devices are provided. An active wireless communication device (or passive wireless communication device or wireless communication node) can receive configuration information for a reference signal for positioning. An active wireless communication device is capable of performing measurements on a reference signal for positioning. The active wireless communication device can send a report including the measurement result.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to wireless communications, including but not limited to systems and methods for Ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT) devices. Background Technology

[0002] A location server is a physical or logical entity that collects measurements and other location information from devices and base stations, and uses these measurements to estimate characteristics such as its location. A location server can process requests from devices and provide the requested information to the devices. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The exemplary embodiments disclosed herein are intended to address problems related to one or more of the problems presented in the prior art, and provide additional features that will become apparent when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description. Exemplary systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products are disclosed herein according to various embodiments. However, it should be understood that these embodiments are presented by way of example only and are not restrictive, and that various modifications can be made to the disclosed embodiments while remaining within the scope of this disclosure, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art who have read this disclosure.

[0004] At least one aspect relates to a system, method, apparatus, or computer-readable medium. An active wireless communication device (e.g., an active user equipment (UE) or an A-IoT reader) can receive / obtain / acquire / receive configuration information of a reference signal used for positioning. The active wireless communication device can perform / initiate / implement measurements on the reference signal used for positioning. The active wireless communication device can send / transmit / provide / transmit a report including the measurement results.

[0005] In some implementations, the report may include / indicate that an active wireless communication device can forward signals from a passive wireless communication device (e.g., a passive UE or A-IoT tag), along with information related to the reader / writer. In some implementations, configuration information may indicate the presence of a field indicating an active wireless communication device configured to measure signals from a passive wireless communication device.

[0006] In some implementations, the configuration information may indicate that one or more of the reserved bits in the DCI can be used to indicate the operation of an active wireless communication device. In some implementations, the configuration information may indicate that code points from the DCI can be used to indicate the operation of an active wireless communication device.

[0007] In some implementations, the report may include a reader ID attached to the measurement result. In some implementations, the report may include the ID of a passive wireless communication device attached to the measurement result. In some implementations, the report may include the location of an active wireless communication device attached to the measurement result.

[0008] In some embodiments, the step of performing measurements on the reference signal used for positioning may include: the active wireless communication device can simultaneously measure positioning-related information from signals from both the target passive wireless communication device and the reference passive wireless communication device. In some embodiments, the step of performing measurements on the reference signal used for positioning may include: the active wireless communication device can forward / send the group ID of the passive wireless communication device to the wireless communication node by attaching positioning-related information.

[0009] In some implementations, the report may include: when an active wireless communication device forwards a group ID of a passive active wireless communication device, the active wireless communication device may receive multiple group IDs, and then the active wireless communication device may forward all or a subset of the multiple group IDs. In some implementations, the step of performing measurements on a reference signal used for positioning may include: the active wireless communication device adjusting / changing / modifying its transmit power based on the measured RSRP.

[0010] In some embodiments, the step of performing measurements on the reference signal used for positioning may include: the active wireless communication device measuring the wireless signal reflected by the passive wireless communication device, with line-of-sight (LOS) / non-line-of-sight (NLOS) indication. In some embodiments, the step of performing measurements on the reference signal used for positioning may include: the active wireless communication device measuring the angle of arrival (AOA) / RSRP / RSRPP of the wireless signal reflected by the passive wireless communication device.

[0011] At least one aspect relates to a system, method, apparatus, or computer-readable medium. A passive wireless communication device can receive configuration information for a reference signal used for positioning. A passive wireless communication device can perform measurements on the reference signal used for positioning. A passive wireless communication device can transmit a report including the measurement results of the reference signal used for positioning.

[0012] In some implementations, the report may indicate that when a passive wireless communication device receives a group-specific instruction, the passive wireless communication device responds with group-specific feedback. In some implementations, the report may indicate that the passive wireless communication device can reflect signals from the wireless communication node, while also incorporating a time-slot structure.

[0013] In some implementations, the report may indicate that the passive wireless communication device, after modulating a reference signal for positioning, can reflect a signal carrying the tag ID and physical cell ID (PCI). In some implementations, the report may indicate that the group ID of the passive wireless communication device can be fed back by the passive wireless communication device itself.

[0014] In some implementations, configuration information may indicate a location status associated with at least one of the following: symbol ID, slot ID, radio frame ID, super radio frame ID, resource ID, PRS / SRS resource ID, PRS / SRS resource set ID, frequency index, absolute radio frequency channel number (ARFCN), band index, phase index, passive wireless communication device group ID, base station ID (PCI), reader ID, writer ID, UE ID, and / or the charging status of the passive wireless communication device. In some implementations, the report may indicate that the passive wireless communication device can provide feedback on whether the transmit power of the wireless communication node or active wireless communication device is sufficiently high.

[0015] At least one aspect relates to a system, method, apparatus, or computer-readable medium. A wireless communication node (e.g., a base station (BS), gNB, or transmission and reception point (TRP)) can be configured with a reference signal including configuration information for positioning. The wireless communication node can perform measurements on the reference signal for positioning. The wireless communication node can transmit a report including the measurement results of the reference signal for positioning.

[0016] In some implementations, the measurement results may be associated with the ID of a reference passive wireless communication device. In some implementations, the step of performing measurements on a reference signal used for positioning may include: the wireless communication node may simultaneously measure positioning-related information from signals from both the target passive wireless communication device and the reference passive wireless communication device.

[0017] In some implementations, the configuration information may indicate that the wireless communication node can adjust the transmit power of the active wireless communication device based on the measured RSRP. In some implementations, the configuration information may indicate that the wireless communication node can adjust the transmit power of the active wireless communication device based on the RSRP measured or reported by the active wireless communication device.

[0018] In some implementations, the step of performing measurements on a reference signal used for positioning may include: the wireless communication node measuring the wireless signal reflected by a passive wireless communication device, with line-of-sight (LOS) / non-line-of-sight (NLOS) indication.

[0019] The systems and methods presented herein include novel solutions for Ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT) devices. Specifically, the systems and methods presented herein discuss novel solutions for providing location information for A-IoT devices. In some cases, the systems and methods of this technical solution can provide location information using readers and / or writers (of the A-IoT device) with or without a known location. In some cases, the systems and methods of this technical solution can provide location information using reference tags (e.g., reference A-IoT devices) with known locations. In some cases, the systems and methods of this technical solution can provide location-related information via feedback from the A-IoT device (or tag). In some cases, the systems and methods of this technical solution can provide group location information for A-IoT devices (or tags), location status of A-IoT devices (or tags), power control of base stations or readers, and / or virtual base stations (e.g., virtual gNBs) and / or virtual tags. For example, the readers and / or writers of the A-IoT device (e.g., sometimes referred to as A-IoT readers) can provide wireless power to the A-IoT tag. For example, the A-IoT reader can be configured as an exciter or perform exciter features / operations. In another example, an A-IoT reader can receive signals from an A-IoT tag or a BS. In some configurations, the A-IoT reader can be a UE or a repeater. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Various exemplary embodiments of this solution are described in detail below with reference to the following figures or drawings. These figures are provided for illustrative purposes only and depict only exemplary embodiments of this solution to aid the reader's understanding. Therefore, the figures should not be considered as limitations on the breadth, scope, or applicability of this solution. It should be noted that these figures are not necessarily drawn to scale for clarity and ease of explanation.

[0021] Figure 1 An example cellular communication network that implements the techniques disclosed herein is shown according to embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 2 Block diagrams of example base stations and user equipment according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown; Figure 3 Examples of downlink (DL) signaling for measuring reference signals according to some embodiments of this disclosure are shown; Figure 4Examples of uplink (UL) signaling for measuring reference signals according to some embodiments of this disclosure are shown; Figure 5 Example schematic diagrams of a virtual BS relative to a tag and a BS according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown; and Figure 6 A flowchart of an example method for locating an A-IoT device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0022] 1. Mobile communication technology and environment Figure 1 An example wireless communication network and / or system 100 that can implement the techniques disclosed herein is illustrated according to embodiments of this disclosure. In the following discussion, wireless communication network 100 can be any wireless network, such as a cellular network or a narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) network, and is referred to herein as "network 100". This example network 100 includes base stations 102 (hereinafter referred to as "BS 102", also called wireless communication nodes) and user equipment 104 (hereinafter referred to as "UE 104", also called wireless communication devices) that can communicate with each other via communication links 110 (e.g., wireless communication channels), and a cluster of cells 126, 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, and 140 covering a geographic area 101. Figure 1 In this context, BS 102 and UE 104 are included within the corresponding geographical boundaries of cell 126. Each of the other cells 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, and 140 may include at least one base station operating on its allocated bandwidth to provide sufficient radio coverage to the intended users of that cell.

[0023] For example, BS 102 can operate on the allocated channel transmission bandwidth to provide sufficient coverage to UE 104. BS 102 and UE 104 can communicate via downlink radio frame 118 and uplink radio frame 124, respectively. Each radio frame 118 / 124 can also be divided into subframes 120 / 127, which can include data symbols 122 / 128. In this disclosure, BS 102 and UE 104 are generally described herein as non-limiting examples of "communication nodes" that can practice the methods disclosed herein. According to various embodiments of this solution, such communication nodes may be capable of wireless and / or wired communication.

[0024] Figure 2A block diagram of an example wireless communication system 200 for transmitting and receiving wireless communication signals (e.g., OFDM / OFDMA signals) according to some embodiments of this solution is shown. System 200 may include components and elements configured to support known or conventional operating characteristics that do not need to be described in detail herein. In one illustrative embodiment, system 200 may be used in wireless communication environments (such as those described above) Figure 1 In a wireless communication environment 100, data symbols are transmitted (e.g., sent and received).

[0025] System 200 typically includes base station 202 (hereinafter referred to as "BS 202") and user equipment 204 (hereinafter referred to as "UE 204"). BS 202 includes BS (base station) transceiver module 210 (hereinafter also referred to as transceiver module 210, transceiver 210 or base station transceiver 210), BS antenna 212 (hereinafter also referred to as antenna 212, downlink antenna 212 or RF antenna arrangement 212), BS processor module 214 (hereinafter also referred to as processor module 214), BS memory module 216 (hereinafter also referred to as memory module 216) and network communication module 218, each module being coupled and interconnected with each other as needed via data communication bus 220. UE 204 includes a UE (User Equipment) transceiver module 230 (hereinafter also referred to as UE transceiver 230, transceiver module 230, or transceiver 230), a UE antenna 232 (hereinafter also referred to as antenna 232, uplink antenna 232, or RF antenna arrangement 232), a UE memory module 234 (hereinafter also referred to as memory module 234), and a UE processor module 236 (hereinafter also referred to as processor module 236). Each module is coupled to and interconnected with each other as needed via a data communication bus 240. BS 202 communicates with UE 204 via a communication channel 250 (hereinafter also referred to as: wireless transmission link 250, wireless data communication link 250), which may be any wireless channel or other medium suitable for the data transmission described herein.

[0026] As those skilled in the art will understand, system 200 may also include, in addition to Figure 2Any number of modules other than those shown herein. Those skilled in the art will understand that the various illustrative blocks, modules, circuits, and processing logic described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in hardware, computer-readable software, firmware, or any practical combination thereof. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability and compatibility of hardware, firmware, and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps are described in general terms of their functionality. Whether this functionality is implemented as hardware, firmware, or software may depend on the specific application and design constraints imposed on the system as a whole. Those skilled in the art can implement this functionality appropriately for each specific application; however, such implementation decisions should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure.

[0027] According to some embodiments, UE transceiver 230 may be referred to herein as an "uplink" transceiver 230 including a radio frequency (RF) transmitter and an RF receiver, each RF transmitter and RF receiver including circuitry coupled to antenna 232. A duplex switch (not shown) may alternately couple the uplink transmitter or receiver to the uplink antenna in a time-duplex manner. Similarly, according to some embodiments, BS transceiver 210 may be referred herein as a "downlink" transceiver 210 including an RF transmitter and an RF receiver, each RF transmitter and RF receiver including circuitry coupled to antenna 212. A downlink duplex switch may alternatively couple the downlink transmitter or receiver to downlink antenna 212 in a time-division duplex manner. The operation of the two transceiver modules 210 and 230 may be time-coordinated such that while the downlink transmitter is coupled to downlink antenna 212, the uplink receiver circuitry is coupled to uplink antenna 232 to receive transmissions via wireless transmission link 250. Conversely, the operation of the two transceivers 210 and 230 can be coordinated in time, such that while the uplink transmitter is coupled to the uplink antenna 232, the downlink receiver is coupled to the downlink antenna 212 to receive transmissions via the wireless transmission link 250. In some embodiments, there is tight time synchronization with a minimum guard time between changes in the duplex direction.

[0028] UE transceiver 230 and base transceiver 210 are configured to communicate via wireless data communication link 250 and cooperate with RF antenna arrangements 212 / 232 appropriately configured to support specific wireless communication protocols and modulation schemes. In some illustrative embodiments, UE transceiver 210 and base transceiver 210 are configured to support industry standards such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) and emerging 5G standards. However, it should be understood that this disclosure is not necessarily limited to application to specific standards and associated protocols. Rather, UE transceiver 230 and base transceiver 210 may be configured to support alternative or additional wireless data communication protocols (including future standards or variations thereof).

[0029] According to various embodiments, BS 202 may be, for example, an evolved NodeB (eNB), a serving eNB, a target eNB, a femto station, or a pico station. In some embodiments, UE 204 may be implemented in various types of user equipment, such as mobile phones, smartphones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablets, laptops, wearable computing devices, etc. Processor modules 214 and 236 may be implemented or realized using a general-purpose processor, content-addressable memory, digital signal processor, application-specific integrated circuit, field-programmable gate array, any suitable programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof, designed to perform the functions described herein. The processor may be implemented in this way as a microprocessor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine, etc. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of multiple computing devices, such as a combination of a digital signal processor and a microprocessor, a combination of multiple microprocessors, a combination of one or more microprocessors incorporating a digital signal processor core, or any other combination of such configurations.

[0030] Furthermore, the steps of the methods or algorithms described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be directly implemented in hardware, firmware, software modules executed by processor modules 214 and 236 respectively, or any practical combination thereof. Memory modules 216 and 234 can be implemented as RAM, flash memory, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, registers, hard disk, removable disk, CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. In this regard, memory modules 216 and 234 can be coupled to processor modules 210 and 230 respectively, such that processor modules 210 and 230 can read information from and write information to memory modules 216 and 234 respectively. Memory modules 216 and 234 can also be integrated into their respective processor modules 210 and 230. In some embodiments, memory modules 216 and 234 may each include cache memory for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during the execution of instructions to be executed by processor modules 210 and 230 respectively. Memory modules 216 and 234 may each include non-volatile memory for storing instructions to be executed by processor modules 210 and 230, respectively.

[0031] Network communication module 218 broadly represents the hardware, software, firmware, processing logic, and / or other components of base station 202 that enable bidirectional communication between base station transceiver 210 and other network components and communication nodes configured to communicate with base station 202. For example, network communication module 218 may be configured to support Internet or WiMAX (World Interoperability for Microwave Access) services. In a typical but non-limiting deployment, network communication module 218 provides an 802.3 Ethernet interface, allowing base station transceiver 210 to communicate with traditional Ethernet-based computer networks. In this way, network communication module 218 may include a physical interface for connecting to a computer network (e.g., a Mobile Switching Center (MSC)). The terms “configured for,” “configured to,” and their various variations used in this document in relation to a specified operation or function refer to devices, components, circuits, structures, machines, signals, etc., that are physically constructed, programmed, formatted, and / or arranged to perform the specified operation or function.

[0032] The Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model (referred to herein as the "OSI model") is a conceptual and logical layout that defines network communications used by systems (e.g., wireless communication devices, wireless communication nodes) for interconnecting and communicating with other systems. The model is divided into seven sub-components or layers, each representing a conceptual set of services provided to its upper and lower layers. The OSI model also defines logical networks and efficiently describes computer packet transmission using different layer protocols. The OSI model may also be referred to as the seven-layer OSI model or the seven-layer model. In some embodiments, the first layer may be the physical layer. In some embodiments, the second layer may be the Medium Access Control (MAC) layer. In some embodiments, the third layer may be the Radio Link Control (RLC) layer. In some embodiments, the fourth layer may be the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer. In some embodiments, the fifth layer may be the Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer. In some embodiments, the sixth layer may be a Non-Access Stratum (NAS) or Internet Protocol (IP) layer, and the seventh layer is other layers.

[0033] Various exemplary embodiments of this solution are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings to enable those skilled in the art to create and use this solution. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, various changes or modifications can be made to the examples described herein without departing from the scope of this solution after reading this disclosure. Therefore, this solution is not limited to the exemplary embodiments and applications described and illustrated herein. Furthermore, the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the methods disclosed herein is merely exemplary. Based on design preferences, the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the disclosed methods or processes can be rearranged while remaining within the scope of this solution. Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that the methods and techniques disclosed herein present various steps or actions in an exemplary order, and unless otherwise expressly stated, this solution is not limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

[0034] 2. Systems and methods for locating Ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT) devices In certain scenarios, such as indoor locations or environments, many devices (e.g., components, products, or items) may be stored or placed in various corners of the indoor location. In some environments, searches can be performed to confirm device availability, such as whether the device is located indoors, its relative position within the indoor location, etc. In some systems, tags can be embedded, attached, coupled, or provided to the device to locate it. In such systems, the tag can be a battery-free environmental wireless tag configured for wireless communication. However, locating environmental Internet of Things (A-IoT) devices without batteries or with relatively low battery power can be challenging. In this case, A-IoT devices may experience certain limitations or difficulties when performing relatively normal communication operations / functions compared to other (e.g., relatively normal) UEs (e.g., UE 104), thus preventing A-IoT devices from using certain positioning technologies / methods. In some aspects, A-IoT devices may include, correspond to, or be referred to as simplified UEs (e.g., UE 104 with relatively reduced or diminished features and / or capabilities). Therefore, the systems and methods of the technical solutions discussed in this paper can provide the technology, operation, or functionality for locating A-IoT devices.

[0035] refer to Figure 3 The diagram illustrates an example 300 of downlink (DL) signaling for measuring a reference signal. In the DL, one or more BS 102s (e.g., gNB or TRP) can transmit / send / transmit / signalize notifications / provide a PRS to UE 104. As described herein, UE 104 can be a capability-limited UE (e.g., a UE 104 with a single antenna and relatively low frequency bandwidth capability / support). A capability-reduced UE can be referred to as a simplified UE. UE 104 can measure the PRS from BS 102, or measure the PRS from multiple BS 102s. Subsequently, UE 104 can report / notify / transmit / send / provide one or more measurements of one or more PRSs to the network (e.g., Location Management Function (LMF) 302 in the Core Network (CN)). In various arrangements, network elements may include at least one of BS 102, UE 104, and / or CN, etc.

[0036] Figure 4Example 400 of uplink (UL) signaling for measuring reference signals is shown. In the UL, UE 104 can transmit the SRS to one or more BS 102s. One or more BS 102s can measure the SRS of UE 104. Subsequently, the BS 102s can report one or more measurement results to the network (e.g., LMF 302). In some cases, the transmission, reception, and / or communication of PRS and / or SRS used to locate UE 104 may be affected by the wireless propagation environment (e.g., fading, distortion, interference, congestion, etc.), thereby limiting, reducing, or degrading the positioning accuracy, or causing the positioning accuracy to reach its upper limit.

[0037] The systems and methods of the technical solutions discussed herein can provide A-IoT devices (or A-IoT tags) that receive wireless signals (e.g., reference signals). The A-IoT device can be a simplified UE or a reduced-capability UE. The A-IoT device can reflect modulated or unmodulated signals. The A-IoT device can transmit / provide / send / transmit wireless signals with reduced capabilities. In some embodiments, the A-IoT reader (e.g., an A-IoT reader or active wireless communication device) can provide wireless power to the A-IoT tag (e.g., a passive wireless communication device). For example, the A-IoT reader can perform features / operations similar to an exciter. The A-IoT reader can receive / acquire / obtain signals from the A-IoT tag and / or BS 102. In some cases, the A-IoT reader can be UE 104 or a repeater. For the sake of illustration, the A-IoT reader may be referred to as, but is not limited to, UE 104. In various embodiments, the systems and methods of the technical solutions discussed herein can provide a positioning method for the A-IoT device (e.g., UE 104) that achieves at least the required accuracy.

[0038] Example Implementation 1: Location using a reader or writer with or without a known location In various implementations, an A-IoT reader (e.g., UE 104) can forward or transmit signals reflected from an A-IoT tag. For example, the A-IoT reader can perform features or operations similar to a repeater. Additionally or alternatively, the A-IoT reader can forward signals from an A-IoT tag along with additional or other information (e.g., signals other than those from the A-IoT tag, or signals different from those from the A-IoT tag). In some cases, the A-IoT reader can forward signals from an A-IoT tag with additional reader-related information (e.g., reader location, reader coordinates, reader ID, etc.). When forwarding signals from an A-IoT tag, the frequency or bandwidth of the signal forwarded by the A-IoT reader may differ from the frequency or bandwidth of the signal transmitted by the A-IoT tag. In some cases, the signal forwarded by the A-IoT reader may include or be part of a report, which may include, for example, measurements of signals from the A-IoT tag (e.g., reference signals, reflected signals, etc.).

[0039] BS 102 (e.g., gNB or TRP) can transmit downlink control information (DCI) to indicate one or more operations to be performed by the A-IoT reader. The DCI may include, correspond to, or be part of configuration information from BS 102 for reference signals used for positioning. The DCI may indicate an presence field to indicate that the A-IoT reader (e.g., an active wireless communication device) is configured to measure signals transmitted / provided / forwarded / reflected / from the A-IoT tag (e.g., a passive wireless communication device). For example, the DCI may include at least one field (e.g., a one-bit such as "1") to indicate that the A-IoT reader transmits an excitation signal (e.g., providing wireless power / energy to the A-IoT tag). In some cases, the DCI may include a field (e.g., a one-bit such as "1") to indicate that the A-IoT reader receives signals from the A-IoT tag. In this case, the signal from the A-IoT tag may include or correspond to a signal reflected by the A-IoT tag.

[0040] In some configurations, the DCI may include fields (e.g., a single bit such as "1") to instruct the A-IoT reader to measure signals (e.g., reference signals) from A-IoT tags. Signal measurements may include time-related measurements (e.g., relative time of arrival (RTOA), reference signal time difference (RSTD), time difference of arrival (TDOA), round-trip time (RTT), transmission-to-reception time difference, and / or received-to-transmission time difference, etc.), carrier phase-related data, reference signal received power (RSRP), reference signal received path power (RSRPP), etc. In some cases, the information included / contained in the measurement results may be indicated, configured, or provided by the DCI. In various aspects, the location (e.g., coordinates or position) of the tag (e.g., an A-IoT tag) may be determined, calculated, or identified by the A-IoT reader or LMF302.

[0041] In some implementations, after a successful reading of an A-IoT tag (e.g., a signal from the A-IoT tag), the A-IoT tag can be written to, modified, or indicated by a tag / indicator / flag (e.g., "completed," "read," such as the "1" bit). For example, if a component with an A-IoT tag (e.g., a box, device, or item) is moved to a different location (e.g., removed from a first location (e.g., inventory)), the location status of the A-IoT tag (e.g., inventory status) can change from "at the first location" to "outside the first location" (e.g., from "in inventory" to "outside inventory"). In some configurations, one or more reserved bits in the DCI (e.g., from BS 102) can be used to indicate the operation of the reader (e.g., the A-IoT device or UE 104). In this case, the one or more bits can be part of the configuration information. For example, one or more reserved bits in the DCI can be reinterpreted as indicators of the reader's operation (e.g., sending an excitation signal, measuring a signal from the A-IoT tag, etc.).

[0042] For example, code points from the DCI (e.g., indicated by configuration information) used to indicate the operation of the reader may include, but are not limited to, the following example Table 1.

[0043] Table 1

[0044] A-IoT readers can report measurement results of signals reflected / transmitted by A-IoT tags. For example, when an A-IoT reader reports measurement results, the reader ID can be appended to the measurement results. In some cases, when the reader reports measurement results, the A-IoT tag ID can be appended to the measurement results.

[0045] In some configurations, the reader's location (e.g., coordinates) can be appended to the measurement results when the reader reports them. In some cases, after successfully reading an A-IoT tag, the reader's location (e.g., coordinates) can be appended to the measurement results when reporting them. The reader may include or be referred to as UE 104. In this case, if the A-IoT tag is relatively close to the reader (e.g., within a certain distance of the reader or within a predetermined distance), the A-IoT tag's location can be relatively accurate (e.g., within a predetermined distance or location relative to the result). In this case, the A-IoT tag can be located with a relatively desired accuracy.

[0046] Example Implementation Method 2: Location Utilization with Known Reference Tags In various implementations, certain devices (e.g., components, products, or articles) may be tagged or labeled with A-IoT tags (e.g., sometimes referred to as reference tags or reference A-IoT devices). In some cases, another A-IoT tag with a (relatively) fixed (or known) location may be tagged on the object or location associated with these devices (e.g., the box, shelf, or storage container carrying the device). A reference A-IoT tag (e.g., a reference label) may be a tag with a known (or predetermined) location. In some implementations, the reference tag may be UE 104 (or UE 104 tagged with an A-IoT tag).

[0047] Reference tags can be used for group positioning (e.g., a group of tags with similar locations). When an A-IoT tag (e.g., a reference tag) receives a group-specific indication (e.g., a signal at a specific frequency), the A-IoT tag can respond / reply / signal with group-specific feedback (e.g., reflecting a signal with a modulated phase at another specific frequency, etc.). A BS 102 (e.g., a gNB or TRP) or a reader (e.g., an A-IoT reader or UE 104) can receive responses or feedback from the A-IoT tags. In some cases, the BS 102 can measure the received response (e.g., the received signal). The BS 102 can then report the measurement results to the network (e.g., LMF 302). In some cases, the report of the measurement results may include the ID of the reference tag (e.g., sometimes referred to as the tag ID or reference tag ID). With this report, the network (e.g., LMF 302) can detect or determine the approximate location of a group of A-IoT tags.

[0048] In some implementations, the reference tag can simultaneously reflect wireless signals from BS 102 (or a reader) along with another A-IoT tag (e.g., at a different frequency or with a different modulation phase). In this case, synchronous measurements (e.g., carrier phase, differential carrier phase, TOA, RTOA, TDOA) can be performed (e.g., activated or enabled synchronous measurements) on the signals from the target A-IoT tag (e.g., the tag to be located) and the reference tag. Additionally or alternatively, BS 102 (e.g., gNB or TRP) or the reader (e.g., UE 104) can (simultaneously) measure location-related information (e.g., carrier phase, differential carrier phase, TOA, RTOA, TDOA, RTT, RSRP, RSRPP) from the signals from the target A-IoT tag / device and the reference A-IoT tag / device. In this case, the A-IoT tag can be located with a relatively desired accuracy by means of the reference tag.

[0049] Example Implementation Method 3: Location-related information is fed back through A-IoT devices (or A-IoT tags). In various implementations, A-IoT devices (or A-IoT tags) can feed back or transmit location-related information. For example, an A-IoT device can reflect signals from a BS 102 (e.g., a gNB or TRP) or a reader in a phase-modulated manner. In another example, an A-IoT device can reflect signals from a BS 102 (e.g., a gNB or TRP) or a reader in a frequency-shifted manner.

[0050] A-IoT tags can reflect signals from BS 102 on one or more symbols / slots / frames in a modulated phase and / or frequency-shifted manner. In some cases, when a slot with a SlotID satisfies or corresponds to mod(TagID, M) = SlotID, an A-IoT tag can reflect signals from BS 102 on one or more symbols within the slot. mod() can represent a modulo operation. TagID can represent or represent the tag ID of the A-IoT tag. M can represent or represent the number of slots within a radio frame (e.g., sometimes called a frame) (e.g., for a 15 kHz sub-carrier spacing (SCS), M = 10). SlotID can represent the slot ID within a radio frame (e.g., sometimes called a frame).

[0051] In some cases, A-IoT tags can reflect signals from BS 102 on various time slots within a radio frame, for example, when a radio frame with a FrameID satisfies or corresponds to a condition such as mod(TagID, P) = FrameID. In this case, P can represent or represent an integer (e.g., P = 20, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, when there is a superframe with a SuperFrameID that satisfies mod(TagID, Q) = SuperFrameID, A-IoT tags can reflect signals from BS 102 on various frames within the superframe. In this case, Q can represent or represent an integer (e.g., Q = 100, etc.).

[0052] In some implementations, the A-IoT tag can reflect signals from BS 102 over R symbols within a time slot, wherein the reflected signals carry a Physical Cell ID (PCI) with R bits (e.g., R=10). The R symbols can be consecutive or non-consecutive (e.g., every two symbols, an even number of symbols, receiving one symbol first and then reflecting it on the next symbol, etc.). R can represent a predetermined value.

[0053] In some configurations, A-IoT tags can reflect signals from the BS 102, along with a time-slot structure. For example, for a time slot of S=14 symbols, the reflection structure may include XXXDRDRDRDRDRX. Symbol X may represent or indicate a symbol unavailable for the A-IoT tag (e.g., containing DCI for the reader). Symbol D may indicate a symbol for transmissions from the BS 102 and / or the reader. Symbol R may indicate a symbol for the reflected / transmission from the A-IoT tag. In some cases, to represent a PCI of R=10 bits, two (consecutive) time slots may be used, for example, where the first time slot may begin from an odd number of time slots within the radio frame. To reflect the PCI bits, a phase-modulated signal may be applied (e.g., 0 phase for bit "1"; +π phase for bit "0"; or in some configurations, the reverse). The reflection structures discussed herein can eliminate, minimize, or avoid potential interference between the BS 102 and the A-IoT tag.

[0054] In another example, for a time slot of S = 14 symbols, the reflection structure could include XXXXRRRRRRRRRRX. In this case, the symbol R could represent that the A-IoT tag receives a signal from the BS 102 and / or the reader, and reflects the received signal in a modulated manner. There may be a time delay between reception and reflection (e.g., depending on the distance between devices or components). To reflect the PCI bits, a frequency-shifted signal can be applied (e.g., for bit "0", the frequency is f0–Δf, for bit "1", the frequency is f0+Δf, and vice versa, where f0 is the frequency of the received signal, and Δf is a constant, such as, but not limited to, 15 kHz). The reflection structure discussed herein is capable of eliminating interference between the BS 102 and the A-IoT tag.

[0055] Additionally or alternatively, the A-IoT tag may reflect a signal carrying the tag ID along with the PCI of the (serving) cell. In some cases, the A-IoT tag may reflect a signal carrying the tag ID along with the PCI of the (serving) cell after modulating a signal received from the BS 102 and / or the reader. In some cases, the tag ID may be located after the PCI. For example, the A-IoT tag may reflect the PCI during a specific time period (e.g., a first time period) and the tag ID during another time period (e.g., a second time period). For example, the A-IoT tag may reflect the PCI in a specific frequency band (e.g., a first frequency band) and the tag ID in another frequency band (e.g., a second frequency band).

[0056] In some configurations, A-IoT tags can reflect signals in different beam directions across different time slots (or different frequencies, different resources, different resource sets, different beams, and / or different frequency bands, all of which can be pre-configured). For example, in a first time slot, an A-IoT tag can reflect signals in a first beam direction (e.g., +30 degrees, for a first PRS resource and / or PRS resource set ID with a resource ID), and in a second time slot, an A-IoT tag can reflect signals in a second beam direction (e.g., +90 degrees, etc.). In this configuration, the A-IoT tag can be located with a relatively desired accuracy (e.g., within a cell with PCI).

[0057] Example Implementation 4: Group Location of Multiple A-IoT Devices (or Multiple Tags) In various implementations, a group of A-IoT tags can be set up or configured together, where the locations of these tags can be similar to each other (e.g., close to each other). Group positioning can be applied to these tags (e.g., A-IoT tags).

[0058] For example, the group ID of an A-IoT tag can be fed back by the A-IoT tag (e.g., via / through reflecting a series of phase-modulated signals, as described in the examples above). The group ID of an A-IoT tag can be (pre-)configured (e.g., the tag can be written to the group ID before repositioning or relocating to another location). In some cases, the group ID of an A-IoT tag can be a part of the tag ID (e.g., the first 3 bits of the tag ID, or other bits of the tag ID, etc.). In this configuration, for example, with the help of the group ID, the network (e.g., LMF 302) can determine, identify, or detect the location of the A-IoT tag without reflecting / transmitting any signals.

[0059] In some cases, the reader can forward the group ID of the A-IoT tag to BS 102 (e.g., gNB or TRP). In other cases, the reader (or UE 104) can forward the group ID of the A-IoT tag to BS 102 by attaching (or including) additional location-related information (e.g., the location / coordinates of the reader (or UE 104), reader ID, UE ID, PCI, PRS resource ID, PRS resource set ID, SRS resource ID and / or SRS resource set ID, etc.).

[0060] In some implementations, when the reader or UE 104 forwards the group ID of an A-IoT tag, it may receive multiple group IDs (e.g., from at least one adjacent A-IoT tag, which may not be the target A-IoT tag). For example, adjacent A-IoT tags may represent tags near the UE 104 (or the reader) and / or the target A-IoT tag. Subsequently, the reader or UE 104 may forward individual group IDs and / or subsets of multiple group IDs (e.g., the group ID of the target A-IoT tag). In some cases, the reader or UE 104 may not forward any group IDs (e.g., no report is provided). In this case, the A-IoT tag can be located with the desired accuracy (e.g., within the tag group).

[0061] Example Implementation 5: Location Status of A-IoT Devices (or Tags) In various implementations, for different positioning purposes (e.g., relatively high accuracy and energy saving), the A-IoT tag may have or include multiple positioning states. For example, a first positioning state (e.g., a default state) may include or indicate that the A-IoT tag can reflect wireless signals from BS 102, the reader, and / or UE 104. In some configurations, the A-IoT tag in the first state may be restricted or constrained to have characteristics other than reflecting wireless signals. A second state may indicate that the A-IoT tag can modulate wireless signals and subsequently reflect the modulated wireless signals. A third state may indicate that the A-IoT tag can modulate wireless signals with specific information (e.g., PCI, group ID, tag ID, etc.) and reflect the modulated wireless signals. Additionally or alternatively, the A-IoT tag may be in an idle state (e.g., energy-saving mode, waiting state, or may be unable to perform specific features / operations).

[0062] Within a time period (e.g., a symbol, a time slot, a radio frame, a super radio frame, a frequency, a frequency band, and / or a phase), an A-IoT tag can be in at least one location state (e.g., in a first, second, or third location state). Additionally or alternatively, at least one location state can be associated with a symbol ID (e.g., time slot ID, radio frame ID, super radio frame ID, resource ID, PRS / SRS resource ID, PRS / SRS resource set ID, frequency index, absolute radio channel number, absolute radio channel number (ARFCN), frequency band index, phase index, etc.). The symbol ID within a time slot can include 0, 1, 2, ..., 13, etc. For example, for SCS=15kHz, the time slot ID can include 0, 1, 2, ..., 9, etc.

[0063] In some implementations, at least one location state may be associated with the A-IoT tag's group ID. Additionally or alternatively, a location state may be associated with a BS ID (e.g., PCI), reader ID, writer ID, and / or UE ID, etc. In some cases, at least one location state may be associated with the A-IoT tag's charging state. For example, if the A-IoT tag is charged (e.g., fully charged) or has at least a predetermined amount of energy, the A-IoT tag may be in a third location state. If the A-IoT tag's power is relatively low (e.g., low energy state), such as below a predetermined amount of energy, the A-IoT tag may be in a first location state. Additionally or alternatively, the A-IoT tag may indicate its charging state (e.g., remaining power or energy) by modulating and reflecting wireless signals. In some cases, the A-IoT tag may indicate its charging state by reflecting or transmitting specific types of wireless signals. The types of wireless signals may include, for example, at least one of the following: (with different frequencies) a sine wave at frequency f0 and / or a sine wave at frequency f0+ offset, (with different signs) a wireless signal at sign 0 and / or a wireless signal at sign 1, and (with different phases) a sine wave with zero phase and / or a sine wave with phase π (or 180 degrees).

[0064] In this scenario, A-IoT tags can be located with a relatively desired accuracy (e.g., using different location states, such as cell ID, group location, single tag location, etc.).

[0065] Example Implementation 6: Power Control of BS and / or Reader In some configurations, the transmit power of the BS 102 (e.g., gNB or TRP), reader, and / or UE 104 is sufficient (e.g., reaching or exceeding a predetermined threshold amount) to drive, power, or support the operation of A-IoT tags. However, excessive transmit power may not be desirable (e.g., it may lead to excess or wasted energy). In such cases, the systems and methods of the technical solutions can provide or apply transmit power control to the BS 102, reader, and / or UE 104.

[0066] In various implementations, BS 102, the reader, and / or UE 104 can measure the RSRP of the wireless signal reflected or forwarded by the A-IoT tag (e.g., this may include configuration information or be part of the configuration information). BS 102, the reader, and / or UE 104 can adjust / change / configure their transmit power based on the measured RSRP. For example, if the transmit power of BS 102, the reader, and / or UE 104 is greater than (or equal to) a threshold indicated by the RSRP, BS 102, the reader, and / or UE 104 can reduce their transmit power.

[0067] In some cases, the reader and / or UE 104 can measure the RSRP of the wireless signal reflected from the A-IoT tag. In this case, the reader and / or UE 104 can report the measured RSRP to BS 102 (e.g., the BS 102 it serves). BS 102 can adjust its transmit power based on the RSRP measured or reported by the reader and / or UE 104.

[0068] In some implementations, the A-IoT tag can provide feedback (e.g., report) on whether the transmit power of BS 102, the reader, and / or UE 104 is sufficient (e.g., within a predetermined range or above a minimum / lower threshold). For example, at least one waveform (e.g., an ON / OFF keying waveform or a wireless signal, etc.) within at least one time period (e.g., frequency, band, code, sequence, symbol, time slot, radio frame, phase, and / or beam, etc.) can be reflected / transmitted by the A-IoT tag. In various configurations, the A-IoT tag can inform the reader whether the excitation signal has reached or exceeded a desired threshold amount (e.g., within a relatively sufficient range). Additionally or alternatively, if the feedback indicates that the transmit power is relatively excessive (e.g., reaching or exceeding a maximum / upper threshold), BS 102, the reader, and / or UE 104 can reduce their transmit power.

[0069] In some cases, feedback information or reflected signals from the A-IoT tag itself can be considered an indication that the transmit power of BS 102, the reader, and / or UE 104 is too high. In this case, BS 102, the reader, and / or UE 104 can responsively reduce / decrease their transmit power in response to the received (at least one indication) feedback information from the A-IoT tag. In some implementations, if there is no feedback from at least one A-IoT tag (e.g., lack of feedback information), insufficient transmit power (e.g., reaching or falling below a minimum threshold) can be indicated to BS 102, the reader, and / or UE 104. In this case, if there is no feedback, BS 102, the reader, and / or UE 104 can increase the transmit power. For example, after a predetermined period of time starting from the absence of (e.g., expected) feedback information, BS 102, the reader, and / or UE 104 can gradually increase the transmit power or increase it to a predetermined amount.

[0070] In some cases, a modulated phase "0" on the reflected wireless signal from at least one A-IoT tag can indicate insufficient transmit power (e.g., reaching or falling below a minimum threshold). In other cases, a modulated phase "+tag" on the reflected wireless signal from at least one A-IoT tag can indicate excessive transmit power (e.g., reaching or exceeding a maximum threshold). In these cases, interference from one or more neighboring cells, base station 102, reader, and / or UE 104 (e.g., due to excessive transmit power) can be reduced / minimized or mitigated, thereby improving the positioning accuracy of A-IoT devices (e.g., reader, UE 104, and / or A-IoT tag).

[0071] Example Implementation 7: Virtual BS (e.g., gNB or TRP) and Virtual Tags In various implementations, the wireless signal from the A-IoT tag to BS 102 (e.g., gNB or TRP), reader, and / or UE 104 can traverse multiple paths (e.g., via reflection). Reference Figure 5 An example illustration 500 is provided, showing a virtual BS (e.g., labeled "virtual gNB") relative to a tag and BS 102 (e.g., labeled "gNB"). BS 102, the reader, and / or UE 104 can measure the radio signal reflected by the A-IoT tag, along with line-of-sight (LOS) and / or non-line-of-sight (NLOS) indications. BS 102, the reader, and / or UE 104 can then report the measurement results to the network (e.g., LMF 302). In some cases, BS 102, the reader, and / or UE 104 can measure and / or report the radio signal reflected by the A-IoT tag, providing LOS probabilities such as 0.0 to 1.0.

[0072] BS 102, reader, and / or UE 104 can measure / determine the angle of arrival (AOA), RSRP, and / or RSRPP, etc., of the wireless signal reflected by the A-IoT tag (and / or reference tag). Subsequently, BS 102, reader, and / or UE 104 can report the measurement results to the network. For example, in combination, but not limited to... Figure 5 As shown, the network can calculate the location of virtual base stations (or virtual tags). Using multiple virtual base stations, the network can calculate the location of A-IoT tags. In this scenario, BS 102, the reader, and / or UE 104 can calculate / predict the locations of A-IoT tags, reference tags, and other devices.

[0073] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example method 600 for locating A-IoT devices. (Reference) Figure 6Method 600 can be performed by one or more network elements (e.g., at least one UE 104 (e.g., an A-IoT device, tag, or reader), at least one BS 102, gNB, or TRP, and / or at least one LMF 302 / CN). In some arrangements, method 600 may include: configuring a reference signal (at 602). Method 600 may include: receiving configuration information (at 604). Method 600 may include performing measurements (at 606, 610). Method 600 may include sending a report (at 608, 612).

[0074] Still referencing Figure 6 More specifically, at 602, the wireless communication node (e.g., BS, gNB, or TRP) can configure a reference signal (e.g., PRS, SRS, or other types of signal) for positioning. The reference signal may include configuration information. In some cases, the wireless communication node can transmit the configuration information of the reference signal to one or more devices, such as active wireless communication devices (e.g., UE, A-IoT reader, or A-IoT device) and / or passive wireless communication devices (e.g., A-IoT tag or other A-IoT device). In this case, at 604, the active and / or passive wireless communication devices can receive the configuration information of the reference signal for positioning.

[0075] In various implementations, such as for active wireless communication devices, configuration information may indicate the presence of fields (e.g., DCI fields) to indicate an active wireless communication device configured to measure signals transmitted from a passive wireless communication device. For example, since an active wireless communication device (e.g., a reader / writer) may be closer to a passive wireless communication device relative to a wireless communication node, it may be beneficial (e.g., relatively more accurate) for the active wireless communication device to measure signals reflected from the passive wireless communication device (and / or transmit radio waves as an exciter). This operation may be controlled by a DCI field, for example, including one or more fields.

[0076] In some implementations, the configuration information may indicate that one or more of a plurality of reserved bits in the DCI can be used to indicate the operation of an active wireless communication device, such as, but not limited to, transmitting an excitation signal, measuring a signal from a passive wireless communication device, etc. In some implementations, the configuration information may indicate that code points from the DCI can be used to indicate the operation of an active wireless communication device. Examples of code points can be described in conjunction with, but are not limited to, Example Table 1.

[0077] In some arrangements, such as for passive wireless communication devices, configuration information may indicate one (or at least one) of the following associated positioning states: symbol ID, slot ID, radio frame ID, super radio frame ID, resource ID, PRS / SRS resource ID, PRS / SRS resource set ID, frequency index, absolute radio channel number (ARFCN), band index, phase index, passive wireless communication device group ID, base station ID (PCI), reader ID, writer ID, UE ID, and / or the charging status of the passive wireless communication device.

[0078] In some arrangements, such as for wireless communication nodes, configuration information may indicate that the wireless communication node can adjust the transmit power of the active wireless communication device based on the measured RSRP, for example, to reduce power consumption or avoid excessive power consumption. In some implementations, configuration information may indicate that the wireless communication node can adjust the transmit power of the active wireless communication device based on the RSRP measured or reported by the active wireless communication device.

[0079] In sections 606 and 610, using configuration information and / or reference signals, a device (e.g., a wireless communication node, an active wireless communication device, and / or a passive wireless communication device) can perform measurements on the reference signals used for positioning. For example, for measurements performed by an active wireless communication device, the active wireless communication device can simultaneously measure location-related information from signals from a target passive wireless communication device (e.g., a target A-IoT device or tag) and a reference passive wireless communication device (e.g., a reference A-IoT device or tag). For example, simultaneous measurement operations can eliminate or mitigate various errors introduced by certain positioning methods (e.g., timing-related positioning such as TDOA, RTOA, or RSTD, or carrier phase positioning where initial errors between base stations may be included), thereby improving positioning accuracy.

[0080] In some implementations, for the purpose of performing measurements, the active wireless communication device can forward / provide / transmit / send the group ID of the passive wireless communication device to the wireless communication node by adding location-related information (e.g., but not limited to carrier phase, differential carrier phase, TOA, RTOA, TDOA, RTT, RSRP, and / or RSRPP). In some implementations, for the purpose of performing measurements, the active wireless communication device can adjust its transmit power based on the measured RSRP.

[0081] In some embodiments, for performing measurements, the active wireless communication device can measure the wireless signal reflected by the passive wireless communication device, while also including line-of-sight (LOS) and / or non-line-of-sight (NLOS) indications. In some embodiments, for performing measurements, the active wireless communication device can measure the angle of arrival (AOA), RSRP, RSRPP, etc., of the wireless signal reflected by the passive wireless communication device.

[0082] In a further example, when performing measurements, the wireless communication node can simultaneously measure location-related information from signals from both the target passive wireless communication device and the reference passive wireless communication device. In some implementations, when performing measurements, the wireless communication node can measure wireless signals reflected by the passive wireless communication device and provide, for example, line-of-sight (LOS) / non-line-of-sight (NLOS) indications to improve positioning accuracy.

[0083] At 608 and 612, in response to performing a measurement on the reference signal, the wireless communication node, active wireless communication device, and / or wireless communication device performing the measurement may, for example, report the results to the network (e.g., LMF / CN). This reporting may be performed by sending / transmitting / providing / forwarding a report including the measurement results to the network. In some embodiments, the report may be sent to an intermediate device, which then forwards it to the network. For example, a passive wireless communication device may send the report to an active wireless communication device and / or a wireless communication node. An active wireless communication device may send the report to a passive wireless communication device and / or a wireless communication node. For example, in this case, the wireless communication device may forward reports from active and / or passive wireless communication devices to the network.

[0084] In some arrangements, a report from an active wireless communication device may include or indicate that the active wireless communication device may forward a signal from a passive wireless communication device (e.g., a reflected reference signal, a reflection of the reference signal, etc.), along with reader-related information (e.g., information related to the active wireless communication device). For example, from the perspective of a wireless communication node (e.g., a receiver of a BS), the signal reflected by the passive wireless communication device may be relatively weak. When forwarding the signal, the signal may be signed by the reader. In this case, the reader's signature and / or related information may be included in the report. In this implementation, forwarding may enhance the signal with the reader's information.

[0085] In some implementations, the report may include a reader ID attached to the measurement result. For example, the location of the passive wireless communication device may be unknown, while the location of the reader may be known (or unknown). By including the reader ID in the measurement result, the location complexity of group positioning via the reader can be minimized / reduced.

[0086] In some implementations, the report may include the ID of the passive wireless communication device attached to the measurement results. For example, the location of the passive wireless communication device may be unknown. In this case, for example, a positioning end (e.g., a network, wireless communication node, or active wireless communication device) may identify the passive wireless communication device whose location is to be calculated or determined.

[0087] In some implementations, the report may include the location of the active wireless communication device attached to the measurement results. In some implementations, the report may include (e.g., an indication) that when the active wireless communication device forwards the group ID of the passive active wireless communication device, the active wireless communication device may receive multiple group IDs, and then the active wireless communication device may forward all or a subset of the multiple group IDs.

[0088] In some implementations, a report from a passive wireless communication device may include or indicate that, when the passive wireless communication device receives a group-specific indication, it may respond with group-specific feedback, for example, to reduce positioning complexity (by grouping). In some implementations, the report may indicate that the passive wireless communication device may reflect signals from the wireless communication node, accompanied by a time-slot structure. In this case, by using the time-slot structure to determine the behavior of the passive wireless communication device, interference between the transmitter and receiver can be reduced or minimized.

[0089] In some implementations, the report may indicate that the passive wireless communication device, after modulating a reference signal for positioning, can reflect a signal carrying a tag ID and the cell's Physical Cell ID (PCI). The tag ID may indicate the tag (e.g., the passive wireless communication device) reflecting the signal from the cell. In some implementations, the report may indicate that the group ID of the passive wireless communication device can be fed back by the passive wireless communication device itself. In some implementations, the report may indicate that the passive wireless communication device can provide feedback on whether the transmit power of the wireless communication node or active wireless communication device is relatively sufficient or sufficiently high (e.g., reaching or exceeding a predetermined minimum threshold). In this case, potential energy waste can be minimized or avoided.

[0090] In some configurations, for reports from wireless communication nodes, measurement results can be associated with the ID of a reference passive wireless communication device.

[0091] In additional or alternative embodiments, it should be noted that the configuration information received by or configured for a wireless communication node, active wireless communication device, and / or passive wireless communication device may not be limited to a specific device. For example, the configuration information of a wireless communication node, active wireless communication device, and / or passive wireless communication device may be similar, different, or interchangeable with each other, and is not limited to the examples discussed herein. It should be noted that a wireless communication node, active wireless communication device, and / or passive wireless communication device may include or perform features or operations similar to or different from each other, including measuring reference signals, but not limited to the examples provided herein. Furthermore, it should be noted that reports from a wireless communication node, active wireless communication device, and / or passive wireless communication device may contain information similar to or different from each other.

[0092] While various arrangements of the solution have been described above, it should be understood that these embodiments are presented as examples only and not as limitations. Similarly, various diagrams may depict exemplary architectures or configurations provided to enable those skilled in the art to understand exemplary features and functionality of the solution. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the solution is not limited to the illustrated exemplary architectures or configurations, but can be implemented using various alternative architectures and configurations. Furthermore, as those skilled in the art will understand, one or more features of some arrangements may be combined with one or more features of another arrangement described herein. Therefore, the breadth and scope of this disclosure should not be limited to any of the exemplary arrangements described above.

[0093] It should also be understood that any reference to elements in this document using names such as "first," "second," etc., generally does not restrict the number or order of these elements. Rather, these names may simply be used in this document to facilitate the distinction between two or more elements or multiple instances of an element. Therefore, referring to the first element and the second element does not imply that only two elements can be used, or that the first element must precede the second element in some way.

[0094] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that information and signals can be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, and symbols referenced in the above description can be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, light fields or light particles, or any combination thereof.

[0095] Those skilled in the art will further understand that any of the various illustrative logic blocks, modules, processors, means, circuits, methods, and functions described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein can be implemented by electronic hardware (e.g., digital implementation, analog implementation, or a combination of both), firmware, various forms of program or design code in conjunction with instructions (which may be referred to herein as "software" or "software module"), or any combination of these technologies. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware, firmware, and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware, firmware, or software, or a combination of these technologies, depends on the specific application and the design constraints imposed on the system as a whole. Those skilled in the art can implement the described functions in various ways for each specific application, but such implementation will not depart from the scope of this disclosure.

[0096] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that the various illustrative logic blocks, modules, devices, components, and circuits described herein may be implemented within or executed by an integrated circuit (IC), which may include a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, or any combination thereof. Logic blocks, modules, and circuits may also include antennas and / or transceivers for communication with various components within a network or device. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but alternatively, it may be any conventional processor, controller, or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a combination of multiple microprocessors, a combination of one or more microprocessors coupled with a DSP core, or any other suitable configuration for performing the functions described herein.

[0097] If these functions are implemented in software, they can be stored as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Therefore, the steps of the methods or algorithms disclosed herein can be implemented as software stored on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media include computer storage media and communication media, with communication media including any medium that enables the transfer of computer programs or code from one location to another. Storage media can be any available medium accessible to a computer. For example, but not limited to, such computer-readable media can include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disc storage devices, magnetic disk storage devices or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store the required program code in the form of instructions or data structures and is accessible to a computer.

[0098] In this document, the term "module" as used herein refers to software, firmware, hardware, and any combination of such elements for performing the associated functions described herein. Furthermore, for purposes of discussion, various modules are described as separate modules; however, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, two or more modules can be combined to form a single module that performs the associated functions according to the arrangement of this solution.

[0099] Furthermore, memory or other storage devices and communication components may be used in the arrangement of this solution. It should be understood that, for clarity, the above description refers to different functional units and processors in describing the arrangement of this solution. However, it will be apparent that any suitable distribution of functionality among different functional units, processing logic elements, or domains can be used without diminishing the effectiveness of this solution. For example, a function shown to be performed by a separate processing logic element or controller may be performed by the same processing logic element or controller. Therefore, references to specific functional units are merely references to appropriate means of providing said functionality and do not represent a strict logical or physical structure or organization.

[0100] Various modifications to the embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other embodiments without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be given the broadest scope consistent with the novel features and principles disclosed herein as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A wireless communication method, comprising: Active wireless communication devices receive configuration information for reference signals used for positioning; The active wireless communication device performs measurements on the reference signal used for positioning; as well as The active wireless communication device transmits a report including the measurement results.

2. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein, The report includes: the active wireless communication device is capable of forwarding signals from the passive wireless communication device, along with information related to the reader / writer.

3. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein, The configuration information indicates the presence of a field that indicates the active wireless communication device configured to measure signals transmitted from a passive wireless communication device.

4. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein, The configuration information indicates that one or more of the multiple reserved bits in the DCI can be used to indicate the operation of the active wireless communication device.

5. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein, The configuration information indicates that code points from the DCI can be used to indicate the operation of the active wireless communication device.

6. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein, The report includes a reader ID attached to the measurement results.

7. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein, The report includes the ID of the passive wireless communication device attached to the measurement results.

8. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein, The report includes the location of the active wireless communication device attached to the measurement results.

9. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein, The step of performing the measurement on the reference signal used for positioning further includes: The active wireless communication device simultaneously measures positioning-related information from signals from the target passive wireless communication device and the reference passive wireless communication device.

10. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein, The step of performing the measurement on the reference signal used for positioning further includes: The active wireless communication device forwards the group ID of the passive wireless communication device to the wireless communication node by attaching location-related information.

11. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein, The report includes: when the active wireless communication device forwards the group ID of the passive active wireless communication device, the active wireless communication device is able to receive multiple group IDs, and then the active wireless communication device is able to forward all of the multiple group IDs or a subset of the multiple group IDs.

12. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein, The step of performing the measurement on the reference signal used for positioning further includes: The active wireless communication device adjusts its transmit power based on the measured RSRP.

13. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein, The step of performing the measurement on the reference signal used for positioning further includes: The active wireless communication device measures the wireless signal reflected by the passive wireless communication device and includes a line-of-sight (LOS) / non-line-of-sight (NLOS) indication.

14. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein, The step of performing the measurement on the reference signal used for positioning further includes: The active wireless communication device measures the angle of arrival (AOA) / RSRP / RSRPP of the wireless signal reflected by the passive wireless communication device.

15. A wireless communication method, comprising: Passive wireless communication devices receive configuration information for reference signals used for positioning; The passive wireless communication device performs measurements on the reference signal used for positioning; as well as The passive wireless communication device transmits a report including measurement results of the reference signal used for positioning.

16. The wireless communication method according to claim 15, wherein, The report indicates that when the passive wireless communication device receives a group-specific instruction, the passive wireless communication device responds with group-specific feedback.

17. The wireless communication method according to claim 15, wherein, The report indicates that the passive wireless communication device is capable of reflecting signals from wireless communication nodes and also includes a time-slot structure.

18. The wireless communication method according to claim 15, wherein, The report indicates that the passive wireless communication device, after modulating the reference signal used for positioning, is able to reflect a signal carrying the tag ID and the cell's physical cell ID (PCI).

19. The wireless communication method according to claim 15, wherein, The report indicates that the group ID of the passive wireless communication device can be fed back by the passive wireless communication device itself.

20. The wireless communication method according to claim 15, wherein, The configuration information indicates a location status associated with at least one of the following: symbol ID, slot ID, radio frame ID, super radio frame ID, resource ID, PRS / SRS resource ID, PRS / SRS resource set ID, frequency index, absolute radio frequency channel number (ARFCN), band index, phase index, group ID of the passive wireless communication device, base station ID (PCI), reader ID, writer ID, UE ID, or charging status of the passive wireless communication device.

21. The wireless communication method according to claim 15, wherein, The report indicates that the passive wireless communication device can provide feedback on whether the transmission power of the wireless communication node or the active wireless communication device is high enough.

22. A wireless communication method, comprising: The wireless communication node configuration includes reference signals for configuration information used for positioning; The wireless communication node performs measurements on the reference signal used for positioning; as well as The wireless communication node transmits a report including measurement results of the reference signal used for positioning.

23. The wireless communication method according to claim 22, wherein, The measurement results are associated with the ID of a reference passive wireless communication device.

24. The wireless communication method according to claim 22, wherein, The step of performing the measurement on the reference signal used for positioning further includes: The wireless communication node simultaneously measures positioning-related information from signals from the target passive wireless communication device and the reference passive wireless communication device.

25. The wireless communication method according to claim 22, wherein, The configuration information indicates that the wireless communication node can adjust the transmit power of the active wireless communication device according to the measured RSRP.

26. The wireless communication method according to claim 22, wherein, The configuration information indicates that the wireless communication node can adjust the transmit power of the active wireless communication device based on the RSRP measured or reported by the active wireless communication device.

27. The wireless communication method according to claim 22, wherein, The step of performing the measurement on the reference signal used for positioning further includes: The wireless communication node measures the wireless signal reflected by the passive wireless communication device and includes line-of-sight (LOS) / non-line-of-sight (NLOS) indication.

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