Passive wireless communication device and transceiver system

Abstract

A passive wireless communication device includes a receiver portion, a processing portion, and a storage portion. The passive wireless communication device may be configured to receive, at the receiver portion, a first wireless transmission from a first transceiver device, wherein the first wireless transmission may include a first timestamp. The passive wireless communication device may also be configured to detect, by the processing portion, a first timestamp in the first wireless transmission, and store the first timestamp in the storage portion. If the passive wireless communication device also receives a further wireless transmission from the first transceiver, the device is configured to detect a further timestamp by the processing portion. The passive wireless communication device may update the first timestamp to a further timestamp for pairing the passive wireless communication device with the first transceiver device. The disclosure also relates to a transceiver system for use with such an apparatus.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a passive wireless communication device and transceiver system. Specifically, this disclosure relates to a passive wireless communication device and transceiver system configured to enable pairing of the passive wireless communication device with the transceiver device of the transceiver system. Background Technology

[0002] Future networks are expected to host a significant number of passive wireless communication devices that store and / or collect data that should be uploaded infrequently or in small amounts via the network. Efficient management of data communications from such devices within the network is essential.

[0003] For example, 3GPP recently published a study on ambient power-enabled IoT devices in Technical Recommendation 3GPP TR 22.840. This document discloses the use cases and requirements for ambient power-enabled IoT devices (hereinafter also referred to as ambient IoT devices), which are battery-free devices with limited energy storage capacity (which may include capacitors), where energy is provided by harvesting radio waves, light, motion, heat, or any other suitable power source. Therefore, energy is a very scarce resource in this context, and its use is preferably optimized by limiting the number and size of computational and / or exchanged messages. Additionally, ambient IoT devices can remain passive for extended periods before receiving a wake-up signal and beginning to transmit data.

[0004] Environmental IoT devices also have limited capabilities, such as a lack of tracking and scanning capabilities, and the ability to select appropriate transceiver devices for communication within a network. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The inventors have recognized that the lack of capabilities of passive wireless communication devices, such as environmental IoT devices, can lead to data redundancy, such as duplication, in the network. If a device is within range of multiple transceiver devices in the network, these devices can respond to wake-up signals or data collection requests from each of these transceiver devices, potentially resulting in redundant transmissions from these devices. While data collection entities, for example, within or behind the network, can detect data redundancy (e.g., using device identifiers transmitted with the data), this does not prevent unnecessary network load. This unnecessary network load can be problematic because a particular area of ​​the network may contain a significant number of passive wireless communication devices.

[0006] One aspect of this disclosure relates to a passive wireless communication device, including a receiver section, a processing section, and a storage section. The passive wireless communication device can be configured to receive a first wireless transmission from a first transceiver device at the receiver section, wherein the first wireless transmission optionally activates the passive wireless communication device. The first wireless transmission may include a first timestamp. The passive wireless communication device can also be configured to detect the first timestamp in the first wireless transmission through the processing section and store the first timestamp in the storage section. If the passive wireless communication device also receives another wireless transmission from the first transceiver device, the passive wireless communication device can be optionally configured to be activated by the other wireless transmission. The passive wireless communication device is configured to detect another timestamp through the processing section. The passive wireless communication device can update the first timestamp to an additional timestamp for pairing the passive wireless communication device with the first transceiver device.

[0007] The disclosed passive wireless communication device enables pairing with a preferred single transceiver device, such that acknowledgment messages and / or data transmitted by the passive wireless communication device are directed only to that transceiver device, resulting in a single transmission of acknowledgment messages or data to the transceiver device and a single forwarding from the transceiver device to the network behind the transceiver device, thereby reducing network load.

[0008] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a transceiver system comprising one or more transceiver devices, each of which is configured to transmit a plurality of wireless transmissions. The transceiver system may be configured such that each of the wireless transmissions includes a timestamp, such that consecutive wireless transmissions include consecutive timestamps, so that a passive wireless communication device can determine pairing with the transceiver devices based on consecutive timestamps.

[0009] A transceiver system may include a single transceiver device or multiple transceiver devices. Multiple transceiver devices may be interconnected via a network.

[0010] The inventors have considered that while a passive wireless communication device may not be able to track time to determine whether pairing with a transceiver device has timed out, it can detect and store timestamps from one or more wireless transmissions received from one or more transceiver devices. Storing timestamps allows the processing unit to evaluate one or more of the timestamps by the device itself against a time standard to determine, for example, whether pairing with a transceiver device still exists or should be updated, such as when stimulated by a wireless transmission or another external power source. The time standard can also be updated, for example, from the transceiver system. While maintaining pairing as a new time reference for subsequent timestamps in subsequent transmissions, the passive wireless communication device stores the latest timestamp of the wireless transmission (and preferably discards previous timestamps). The pairing status may include storing the identifier of the transceiver device paired with the passive wireless communication device.

[0011] It should be understood that the wireless transmission of the transceiver device may include an identifier of the transceiver device, and the passive wireless communication device may store the identifier in association with one or more timestamps, for example for use during processing in the processing section.

[0012] It should also be noted that wireless transmissions from the transceiver device can power operations related to wireless transmission within the device, and particularly power timestamp-related evaluation and storage. Power can also be obtained from another external power source. Passive wireless communication devices can be configured to obtain this power for their operation.

[0013] It should also be understood that a passive wireless communication device can be uniquely paired with a transceiver device (i.e., one-to-one). In this case, the passive wireless communication device can communicate only with the transceiver device, for example, only participate in data transmission with the transceiver device and ignore other data collection requests. However, it should be understood that a transceiver device can be paired with multiple passive wireless communication devices.

[0014] It should also be understood that timestamps can be used by passive wireless communication devices for one or more other, additional, or alternative purposes besides determining their pairing status. Specifically, timestamps can be used to determine the time-related status of a passive wireless communication device. Some examples include the operation of a passive wireless communication device being based on an evaluation of the timestamp against a time standard. Use cases include, but are not limited to, situations where the data collected by a passive wireless communication device differs based on time (e.g., time of day), or where the device may temporarily store collected data for possible retransmission, thus allowing the device to determine whether the data can be securely deleted based on the received timestamp.

[0015] To this end, a passive wireless communication device including a receiver section, a processing section, and a storage section is disclosed. The passive wireless communication device is configured to receive a first wireless transmission from a first transceiver device at the receiver section, wherein the first wireless transmission includes a first timestamp, and the processing section detects the first timestamp in the first wireless transmission and stores the first timestamp in the storage section. The passive wireless communication device can also be configured to update the first timestamp in the storage section to the additional timestamp detected by the processing section if additional wireless transmission for determining the time-related state of the device is received from the first transceiver device. The time-related state may involve at least one of pairing state, operational state (e.g., data can be discarded, sensor data should be collected and / or stored, etc.). For example, the first wireless transmission may cause data to be stored in the passive wireless communication device, wherein the data is stored in association with the first timestamp. The additional wireless transmission may cause the passive wireless communication device to determine that the data is outdated based on the first timestamp, a second timestamp, and a timing criterion. Then, the additional wireless transmission device may discard the data from the storage section and / or update the data in association with the second timestamp.

[0016] In one embodiment, a passive wireless communication device can be configured to receive a second wireless transmission from a second transceiver device at a receiver portion. Optionally, the second wireless transmission can activate the passive wireless communication device. The second wireless transmission may include a second timestamp. The passive wireless communication device can be configured to detect the second timestamp in the second wireless transmission through a processing portion, and apply a first timestamp or another timestamp from a storage portion and the second timestamp from the second wireless transmission to determine whether to maintain pairing between the passive wireless communication device and the first transceiver device or to pair the passive wireless communication device with the second transceiver device. The passive wireless communication device can also be configured to: if it is determined that pairing with the first transceiver device is maintained, retain the first timestamp or another timestamp in the storage portion, and if it is determined that pairing with the second transceiver device is maintained, store the second timestamp in the storage portion.

[0017] Because the pairing of passive wireless communication devices with transceiver devices is not static, storing timestamps of wireless transmissions from multiple transceiver devices allows the passive device to account for changing environments, including device movement and changes in connection quality, enabling pairing updates—that is, dynamic pairing. Similarly, stored and received timestamps can be evaluated against a time standard to determine pairing.

[0018] Passive wireless devices can evaluate timestamps in different ways based on time standards (or even different time standards represented by different time parameters).

[0019] In one embodiment, the processing portion of the passive wireless communication device may further be configured to calculate the difference between a first timestamp (i.e., the time represented by the first timestamp) of a wireless transmission from the first transceiver device and another timestamp (i.e., the time represented by another timestamp). The passive wireless device may also be configured to compare the difference with a time parameter (such as a threshold time or a time interval) or its derivative to determine pairing between the passive wireless communication device and the first transceiver device. For example, if the difference between the first timestamp and a subsequent timestamp is less than a threshold time or less than a predetermined time interval, the passive wireless communication device may maintain pairing with the first transceiver device. Otherwise, the device may enter a non-paired state or pair with, for example, different transceiver devices in a group of transceiver devices for transmissions with timestamps stored in a storage portion, possibly associated with identifiers of these transceiver devices.

[0020] In one embodiment, the processing portion of the passive wireless communication device may further be configured to calculate the difference between a first timestamp or additional timestamp (i.e., the time represented by the first timestamp or additional timestamp) and a second timestamp (i.e., the time represented by the second timestamp) of the wireless transmissions of the first transceiver device and the second transceiver device, respectively. The device may also be configured to compare this difference with a time parameter such as a threshold time or a time interval or its derivative to determine pairing of the passive wireless communication device with the first transceiver device. For example, if the difference between the first timestamp or additional timestamp and the second timestamp is less than a threshold time or less than a predetermined time interval, the passive wireless communication device may maintain pairing with the first transceiver device. Otherwise, the device may pair with the second transceiver device.

[0021] Optionally, in any of these embodiments, the time parameter may include or has been supplemented with a maximum delay time to detect subsequent reception of timestamped wireless transmissions from the transceiver device, for example, in cases where reception is infrequent.

[0022] In one embodiment, the passive wireless communication device may further include a transmitter section. The passive wireless communication device may be configured to determine a timeout state by applying a first timestamp or additional timestamp from a storage section and a second timestamp from a second wireless transmission, and to transmit a timeout notification to a first transceiver device in response to using the transmitter section and optionally using energy from the second wireless transmission to determine the timeout state. The passive wireless communication device may be configured to maintain pairing with the first transceiver device when it receives additional wireless transmissions from the first transceiver device in response to a timeout notification. The additional wireless transmissions may include additional timestamps, and the passive wireless communication device may be further configured to store the additional timestamps in the storage section.

[0023] Similarly, in one embodiment, the transceiver system may include a first transceiver device and a second transceiver device, wherein the second transceiver device may be configured to transmit a wireless transmission including a second timestamp and optionally to activate a passive wireless communication device. The first transceiver device may be configured to receive a timeout notification from the passive wireless communication device in response to transmitting a wireless transmission from the second transceiver device, and the first transceiver device may also be configured to transmit additional wireless transmissions including additional timestamps in response to receiving a timeout notification.

[0024] This embodiment enables the transceiver device to be notified that its pairing with it is about to expire, and allows the transceiver device to maintain the pairing until it is removed. The transceiver system can be arranged such that it can determine, for example, based on a criterion such as the signal strength of the timeout notification, whether the pairing with the first transceiver device should be maintained before transmitting additional wireless transmissions.

[0025] In one embodiment, a passive wireless communication device is configured to receive wireless transmissions from one or more other transceiver devices at a receiver section, wherein the other wireless transmissions include timestamps and optionally activate the passive wireless communication device. The passive wireless communication device may also be configured to detect timestamps in the other wireless transmissions via a processing section and store the timestamps associated with each wireless transmission in a storage section. The passive wireless communication device may also be configured to pair the passive wireless communication device with one of the other transceiver devices based on the timestamp of the first transceiver device if pairing with the first transceiver device expires. The determination of pairing expiration and which transceiver device should be paired may be based on timestamps associated with a time standard. For example, if the difference between timestamps received in wireless transmissions from the first transceiver device exceeds a threshold time, the processing section may determine that pairing has expired. Successive timestamps of the other transmissions (possibly combined with other standards such as signal strength) can then be used to select another transceiver device.

[0026] This embodiment enables a passive wireless communication device to have a set of transceiver devices with which it can be paired, and to access the timestamp of each of these transceiver devices for further pairing determination. As described above, the device may also store, for example, an identifier of each of these transceiver devices obtained from wireless transmissions containing timestamps.

[0027] In one embodiment, the passive wireless communication device may further include a transmitter portion. The first wireless transmission, additional wireless transmissions, and / or the second wireless transmission may include a data request for collecting data from one or more passive wireless communication devices. The passive wireless communication device may also be configured to, via the transmitter portion, transmit data to a first transceiver device only when paired with a first transceiver device, and transmit data to a second transceiver device only when paired with a second transceiver device, in response to a data request.

[0028] Similarly, in one embodiment, the transceiver system can be configured to transmit a data request containing a timestamp as a wireless transmission to one or more passive wireless communication devices, and to receive data transmissions from one or more passive wireless communication devices.

[0029] The embodiment efficiently combines data requests for data collection from the device with received timestamps to confirm or update the pairing of a passive wireless communication device with an existing response to a new transceiver device, avoiding redundant data transmission. It should be noted that if the transceiver device sends an acknowledgment message to the passive wireless communication device to confirm data reception, that acknowledgment message may also include a timestamp. The passive wireless communication device can then detect and store this timestamp for pairing determination. Furthermore, if the passive wireless communication device receives a negative acknowledgment, that negative acknowledgment may include a timestamp. The passive wireless communication device may then store the timestamp and optionally retransmit the data to its currently paired transceiver device.

[0030] In one embodiment, the passive wireless communication device may further include a transmitter portion. The first wireless transmission, additional wireless transmissions, and / or the second wireless transmission may include polling requests to one or more passive wireless communication devices. The passive wireless communication device may also be configured, via the transmitter portion, to transmit an acknowledgment message only to the first transceiver device when paired with the first transceiver device, and to transmit an acknowledgment message only to the second transceiver device when paired with the second transceiver device, in response to the polling request.

[0031] Similarly, in one embodiment, the transceiver system can be configured to transmit a polling request containing a timestamp as a wireless transmission to one or more passive wireless communication devices, and to receive an acknowledgment message from one or more passive wireless communication devices.

[0032] The embodiments enable passive wireless communication devices to repeatedly (e.g., frequently) evaluate the current pairing, for example, each time a timestamped polling request is received. Examples of polling requests include pilot signals, beacon signals, discovery requests, etc. Such requests may be transmitted periodically or in response to requests from, for example, data collection entities.

[0033] Alternatively, the passive wireless communication device can be configured to ignore data requests from the first or second transceiver device if no polling request is received from the first or second transceiver device. This can indicate that the transmission channel is not robust enough, leading to potential data loss.

[0034] In one embodiment, the transceiver system is configured to determine pairing of one or more passive wireless communication devices based on at least one of data transmission and acknowledgment messages from one or more passive wireless communication devices, and to transmit a pairing instruction to each passive wireless communication device.

[0035] This embodiment facilitates centralized network control for pairing. When deciding on pairing, the network can consider additional data or parameters, such as the distribution of transceiver and communication devices, transceiver / link load and capacity, predictions of future mobility of transceivers or communication devices, or constraints related to the type of transceiver and passive wireless communication device.

[0036] In one embodiment, the transceiver system is configured to receive and process at least one of a data transmission and acknowledgment message from a passive wireless communication device at a single transceiver device of the transceiver system, wherein the passive wireless communication device has been determined to be paired with the single transceiver device.

[0037] This embodiment reduces the duplication of data or acknowledgment messages on the air interface.

[0038] In one embodiment, the transceiver system can be configured to notify the first transceiver device of the transceiver system via a second transceiver device of the transceiver system that the pairing of the passive wireless communication device with the first transceiver device has expired. For example, the first transceiver device may remove the passive wireless communication device from the list of paired devices and stop collecting data from it.

[0039] This embodiment improves network management and transmission over wireless interfaces.

[0040] In one embodiment, the passive wireless communication device is further configured to measure the strength of a first wireless transmission or additional wireless transmission of a first transceiver device and / or a second wireless transmission of a second transceiver device, and to use the transmission strength of the first and second wireless transmissions to determine pairing with the first transceiver device or the second transceiver device.

[0041] The embodiments may use a threshold for the signal strength difference between wireless transmissions or a signal strength threshold for a single signal to determine pairing. Consideration of signal strength enables pairing with transceiver devices that offer appropriate wireless communication options.

[0042] In one embodiment, the transceiver system is further configured to measure the signal strength of at least one of the data transmission and acknowledgment messages from the passive wireless communication device to determine pairing of the passive wireless communication device with a single transceiver device of the transceiver system. The transceiver system can transmit pairing instructions to each of the passive wireless communication devices.

[0043] This embodiment includes an assessment of signal strength in the network, and therefore an assessment of reliable data communication. As mentioned above, other factors may also be considered, such as the distribution of transceiver and communication devices, transceiver / link load and capacity, predictions of future mobility of transceivers or communication devices, or constraints related to the type of transceivers and communication devices.

[0044] In one embodiment, the passive wireless communication device is further configured to receive pairing instructions from one or more transceiver devices to determine pairing with the transceiver devices.

[0045] This embodiment helps the transceiver system to cover the pairing status determined by the passive wireless communication device, or to determine the pairing of the passive wireless communication device in an unpaired state.

[0046] In one embodiment, the transceiver system includes a plurality of transceiver devices, and the system is configured to transmit wireless transmissions using timestamps determined according to a synchronization clock.

[0047] This embodiment helps to compare timestamps of different transceiver devices in passive wireless communication devices.

[0048] In one embodiment, the transceiver system includes a base station for a radio access network of a telecommunications system conforming to 3GPP standards, such as gNb in a 5G telecommunications system. Such base stations are deployed by telecommunications operators providing wide coverage and can provide pairing services as disclosed herein.

[0049] In one embodiment, the passive wireless communication device can be configured such that the processing portion is configured to detect the timestamp of a wireless transmission having the same timestamp format, wherein optionally, the format is a shortened format, wherein seconds, minutes, or hours constitute the minimum time integer of the timestamp.

[0050] In one embodiment, the transceiver system can be configured such that wireless transmissions have the same timestamp format, wherein optionally, the format is a shortened format, wherein seconds, minutes, or hours constitute the minimum time integer of the timestamp.

[0051] Timestamps with the same format facilitate comparisons at passive wireless communication devices. Shorter formats are preferred to account for the bursty nature of wireless transmissions.

[0052] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a method in a passive wireless communication device, the method comprising one or more of the following steps: receiving a first wireless transmission from a first transceiver device and detecting and storing a first timestamp in the first wireless transmission. The method may further comprise the step of updating the first timestamp to an additional timestamp detected in another wireless transmission from the first transceiver device for determining a time-related state of the device, such as pairing the passive wireless communication device with the first transceiver device.

[0053] One aspect of this disclosure also relates to a computer program comprising one or more software code portions configured to perform one or more steps of the method when executed by a passive wireless communication device.

[0054] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a method in a transceiver system, the method comprising one or more steps of transmitting a plurality of wireless transmissions, each wireless transmission including a timestamp, such that consecutive wireless transmissions include consecutive timestamps, enabling a passive wireless communication device to determine time-related states, such as pairing with a transceiver device based on consecutive timestamps.

[0055] One aspect of this disclosure also relates to a computer program comprising one or more software code portions configured to perform one or more steps of the method when executed by a transceiver system.

[0056] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a system including a transceiver system and one or more passive wireless communication devices.

[0057] A transceiver system may include one or more transceiver devices, each of which is configured to transmit multiple wireless transmissions. The transceiver system may be configured such that each of the wireless transmissions includes a timestamp, such that consecutive wireless transmissions include consecutive timestamps, enabling a passive wireless communication device to determine time-related states, such as pairing with the transceiver devices, based on consecutive timestamps.

[0058] A passive wireless communication device can be configured to receive a first wireless transmission from a first transceiver device at a receiver section, wherein the first wireless transmission optionally activates the passive wireless communication device. The first wireless transmission may include a first timestamp. The passive wireless communication device can also be configured to detect the first timestamp in the first wireless transmission through a processing section and store the first timestamp in a storage section. If the passive wireless communication device also receives additional wireless transmissions from the first transceiver device, the passive wireless communication device can be optionally configured to be activated by the additional wireless transmissions. The passive wireless communication device is configured to detect additional timestamps through the processing section. The passive wireless communication device can update the first timestamp to an additional timestamp for determining a time-related state, such as pairing the passive wireless communication device with the first transceiver device.

[0059] The methods, systems, and computer programs may also relate to functions performed by passive wireless communication devices and transceiver systems as disclosed herein, such as those defined in the dependent claims.

[0060] As those skilled in the art will appreciate, aspects of the present invention can be embodied as systems, methods, or computer program products. Therefore, aspects of the present invention can take the form of entirely hardware embodiments, entirely software embodiments (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), or embodiments combining software and hardware aspects, all of which are generally referred to herein as “circuit,” “module,” or “system.” The functionality described in this disclosure can be implemented as algorithms executed by a computer’s processor / microprocessor. Furthermore, aspects of the present invention can take the form of computer program products embodied in one or more computer-readable media, on which computer-readable program code is embodied (e.g., stored).

[0061] Any combination of one or more computer-readable media can be used. A computer-readable medium can be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium. A computer-readable storage medium can be, for example, but not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, devices, or apparatuses, or any suitable combination thereof. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media may include, but are not limited to, electrical connections having one or more wires, portable computer floppy disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fiber, portable optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination thereof. In the context of this invention, a computer-readable storage medium can be any tangible medium that can contain or store a program used by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, device, or apparatus.

[0062] Computer-readable signal media may include propagated data signals containing computer-readable program code, for example, in baseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such propagated signals may take any of a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, electromagnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. A computer-readable signal medium may be any computer-readable medium that is not a computer-readable storage medium and may communicate, propagate, or transmit programs for use by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, device, or apparatus.

[0063] Program code embodied on a computer-readable medium may be transmitted using any suitable medium, including but not limited to wireless, wired, fiber optic, cable, RF, etc., or any suitable combination thereof. Computer program code used to perform operations of various aspects of this invention may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Java, Smalltalk, C++, etc., and conventional procedural programming languages ​​such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages. The program code may be executed entirely on a human computer, partially on a human computer, as a standalone software package, partially on a human computer and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the human computer via any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or may be connected to an external computer (e.g., via the Internet provided by an Internet service provider).

[0064] The invention is described below with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments thereof. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus, particularly a microprocessor or central processing unit (CPU), to produce a machine that causes the instructions, executable via the processor of the computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other means, to create implementations of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams. Figure 1 The component that specifies the function / action in one or more boxes.

[0065] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable medium that directs a computer, other programmable data processing device or other apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable medium produce a manufactured product, including instructions that implement the functions / actions specified in one or more boxes of a flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0066] Computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus or other device to cause a series of operable steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions, which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus, provide a process for implementing the function / action specified in one or more boxes of a flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0067] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each box in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of code comprising one or more executable instructions for implementing one or more specified logical functions. It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions shown in the boxes may not be performed in the order shown in the figures. For example, depending on the functionality involved, two boxes shown consecutively may actually be executed substantially concurrently, or these boxes may sometimes be executed in reverse order. It will also be noted that each box in the block diagram and / or flowchart illustrations, and combinations of boxes in the block diagram and / or flowchart illustrations, may be implemented by a system based on dedicated hardware or a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions that performs the specified functions or actions.

[0068] In addition, a computer program for performing the methods described herein and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for storing the computer program are provided.

[0069] Unless otherwise expressly stated, elements and aspects discussed in connection with a particular embodiment may be suitably combined with elements and aspects of other embodiments. Embodiments of the invention will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which will schematically illustrate embodiments according to the invention. It should be understood that the invention is not limited in any way to these specific embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0070] Aspects of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a communication system that includes multiple passive wireless communication devices. Figure 2A-2C Schematic diagrams are depicted for a transceiver system including a single transceiver device, a transceiver system including multiple transceiver devices, and a passive wireless communication device, respectively. Figure 3A Several steps of an embodiment for receiving timestamps from a transceiver system and evaluating these timestamps according to a time standard are described; Figure 3B Several steps of another embodiment of receiving timestamps from the transceiver device of a transceiver system and evaluating these timestamps according to a time standard are described. Figure 3C Several steps are described in another embodiment of receiving timestamps from the transceiver device of a transceiver system and evaluating these timestamps according to a time standard; Figure 3D Several steps of a centralized pairing embodiment of the transceiver system are described; and Figure 4 An example of a transceiver device according to an embodiment of a central system or a part thereof is depicted. Detailed Implementation

[0071] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a communication system 1 including multiple transceiver devices 10 and multiple passive wireless communication devices 20. The passive wireless communication devices 20 obtain energy by collecting radio waves, light, motion, heat, or any other suitable power source. The passive wireless communication devices 20 will also be referred to as device 20 below.

[0072] Transceiver device 10 can be a base station of a 3GPP-compliant network (such as a 4G, 5G, or 6G network) connected to a core network CN. Data collection entity DCE can be connected to the core network CN via another network NW, such as the Internet. Data collection entity DCE may expect to obtain data from multiple devices 20.

[0073] Figure 1 Two examples are shown of collecting electricity for device 20 to obtain energy for performing actions. Figure 1 The first example shown in the left-hand section is a case where the wake-up source W is configured to excite a nearby device 20, for example, by emitting radio waves, mechanical vibration, or heat. This can provide energy to the device 20, enabling it to transmit data, for example, to one or more transceiver devices 10, as indicated by the arrow for one device 20. Another example is a case where the device 20 is excited by a radio transmission from the same transceiver device 10 used by the device 20 to relay its data, such as... Figure 1 As shown by the double-headed arrows on the right side.

[0074] Typically, when device 20 is within reach of multiple transceiver devices 10 in the network, these devices 20 may respond to wake-up signals or wireless radio transmissions from each of these transceiver devices 10, potentially leading to redundant transmissions from these devices 10. While data collection entities (DCEs) in or behind the network, for example, can detect data redundancy (e.g., using device identifiers transmitted with the data), this does not prevent unnecessary load on the core network CN, as indicated by the two arrows in the core network CN for a single device 20. This unnecessary network load can be problematic because a particular area of ​​the network may contain a considerable number of passive wireless communication devices. Figure 1 Some of the devices 20 have been colored gray to indicate that, due to their proximity to multiple transceiver devices 10, data transmitted by these devices 20 can be received by the multiple transceiver devices 10 when powered on by any wake-up source W.

[0075] Figure 2A and Figure 2B A transceiver system 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0076] exist Figure 2A In this transceiver system 10, a single transceiver device 10 has a processor 11 and at least one radio interface 12 for wireless transmission to, and preferably also from, one or more devices 20 within its coverage area. These wireless transmissions, indicated by the bidirectional arrows, can be used to activate the devices 20 within coverage and / or for wireless transmissions including a timestamp T and for receiving data. For example, the transceiver system 10 may also have a storage device 13 storing program code for performing the disclosed methods. An example of the method involves transmitting a timestamp T in continuous wireless transmissions over the radio interface 12. The storage device 13 may also include a list of devices 20 paired with the transceiver device 10.

[0077] The transceiver system 10 can be a standalone transceiver device or, for example, a base station of a telecommunications network. Operators can employ multiple transceiver devices 10.

[0078] Transceiver system 10 may have another interface 14 for relaying data to a network, such as an enterprise network or a telecommunications operator's network, such as Figure 1 The core network CN is shown in the diagram.

[0079] Figure 2B This is a schematic diagram of a transceiver system 10 having multiple transceiver devices 10A, 10B, and 10C. The transceiver devices 10A, 10B, and 10C are interconnected via a network, which can also be as follows: Figure 1The core network CN shown is used to facilitate coordination, such as coordinating which devices 20 are paired with which transceiver devices 10A, 10B, and 10C.

[0080] Figure 2C This is a schematic diagram of a passive wireless communication device 20. The passive wireless transmission device 20 is a power-constrained device, such as an ambient power-enabled IoT device. Such a device may also be referred to as a passive IoT device or an ambient IoT device. Such a device can be a battery-free device with limited energy storage capacity (which may include capacitors), where energy is provided by harvesting radio waves, light, motion, heat, or any other suitable power source. Therefore, energy is a very scarce resource in this case, and its use is preferably optimized by limiting the number and size of computations and / or exchanged messages. Additionally, the passive wireless communication device can remain passive for an extended period of time before receiving a wake-up signal and beginning to transmit data.

[0081] The passive wireless communication device 20 can be configured to receive and process wireless transmissions, such as... Figure 2C The device 20 includes a power harvesting section 21, a processing section 22, and a storage section 23 configured to store data, such as one or more timestamps T and / or transceiver device identifiers. Other data that may be stored includes the device identifier of the device 20 and / or sensor data. The device 20 may also include a transmitter section 24 for wireless transmission. The device 20 may include additional parts or functions, such as at least one sensor 25 (or therefore a connector). It should be understood that the device 20 may include multiple sensors 25 or therefore connectors. Examples of sensors include position sensors, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, light sensors, pressure sensors, motion sensors, etc.

[0082] The device 20 is configured to collect power to activate at least the processing section 22 and optionally other sections, such as at least one of the storage section 23, the transmitter section 24, and the sensor 25. The power lines for these sections are supplied by… Figure 2C The solid line in the diagram indicates that the processing section 22 is configured to process wireless transmissions received from one or more transceiver devices 10, for example, to detect timestamp T. Signal lines for such actions are defined by... Figure 2C The dotted line indicator.

[0083] It should be understood that device 20 may include more or fewer parts. Essentially, device 20 is a battery-free device with limited (if any) energy storage capacity. In one embodiment, when device 20 harvests energy from and also communicates via a wireless radio transmission, the energy harvesting section 21 and the transmitter section 24 are at least partially integrated.

[0084] Figure 3A It is a timing diagram of several steps of the operation of the transceiver system 10 and the passive wireless communication device 20.

[0085] Steps S1, S3, and S5 describe the wireless transmissions from the transceiver system 10. These wireless transmissions include consecutive timestamps T1, T2, and T3, for example, by encoding these timestamps during the wireless transmission.

[0086] Steps S2, S4, and S6 describe the processing of the wireless transmissions of S1, S3, and S5 by the processing section 22 of device 20, wherein device 20 may also be induced by these transmissions to perform processing and possible other actions. This processing may include detecting timestamps T1, T2, and T3 in the wireless transmission and storing them sequentially in the storage section 23 of device 20. The processing may also include evaluating one or more of timestamps T1 and T2 against a time standard to assess the time-related state of device 20, such as a paired state. For example, the processing may include subtracting the time represented by the consecutive timestamps T and comparing the difference with a time parameter such as a time threshold or time interval ΔT. For example, if the difference between the times represented by timestamps T2 and T1 is less than ΔT, the device may maintain its state and store timestamp T2 as a future reference for evaluation. At this stage, timestamp T1 may or may not be discarded. If the time standard is not met, device 20 may transition to another state. The inventors have found that this relatively simple evaluation can be performed by passive wireless communication devices as disclosed herein. Figure 3A It can be observed that device 20 can maintain its state at least until after receiving a wireless transmission from transceiver system 10 in step S5.

[0087] Various situations may occur that cause device 20 to fail to receive wireless transmissions from transceiver system 10. These situations may include changes in the location of device 20 and variations in connection quality due to interference, signal path interruption, malfunction, etc.

[0088] Step S7 illustrates a wireless transmission from transceiver system 10 including a timestamp T4 that was not received by device 20. However, device 20 can receive a further transmission with a timestamp T5 again in step S8. Step S9 illustrates detecting timestamp T5 from the wireless transmission in step S8, possibly also stimulating device 20, and estimating the time represented by timestamp T5 relative to the last stored timestamp T3. For example, the processing portion 22 of device 20 can compare the time difference represented by these timestamps T5-T3, for example, with the time interval ΔT, and find that a time standard is met. Therefore, device 20 does not need to change its state and store timestamp T5.

[0089] In steps S10 and S11, wireless transmissions from transceiver system 10, including timestamps T6 and T7 respectively, fail to reach device 20 for any reason. Device 20 receives a wireless transmission with timestamp T8 in step S12, and processing unit 22 detects timestamp T8 in step S13. In step S13, device 20 may again evaluate the time represented by timestamp T8 and the time represented by the last stored timestamp T5 relative to a time standard, and find that the time difference exceeds ΔT, and therefore change the time-related state of device 20. As an example, device 20 may transition to a state where it is no longer paired with transceiver device 10. In this case, device 20 may not update timestamp T5 and may not store timestamp T8.

[0090] As described above, the timestamp T can be used to determine the time-related state of the passive wireless communication device 20. Some examples include the operation of the passive wireless communication device 20 being based on an evaluation of the timestamp against a time standard. One possibility is that the device 20 determines a pairing state. Other use cases include, but are not limited to, situations where the data collected by the passive wireless communication device 20 differs based on time (e.g., time of day), or situations where the device 20 can temporarily store the collected data for possible retransmission, allowing the device to determine, based on the received timestamp, that the data can be safely deleted.

[0091] Figure 3B This is a timeline of device 20 under the coverage of two transceiver devices 10A and 10B in transceiver system 10. Transceiver device 10A behaves as follows in steps S1-S12: Figure 3A The transceiver system 10, now denoted as S1A-S12A using extension A, and the corresponding timestamps T1-T8, now also denoted as T1A-T8A using extension A. Processing steps S2, S4, S6, and S9 are not shown, but can still be performed by device 20 to detect timestamps T1A-T3A, T5A, and T8A and evaluate these timestamps against a time standard. The excitation of device 20 to perform receive, process, and / or store operations can again be achieved from the transceiver device or from an external source (such as... Figure 1 The wake-up source (W) receives wireless transmissions.

[0092] Transceiver device 10B also provides wireless transmission to device 20, as shown in steps S1B-S9B, with consecutive timestamps T1B-T9B. For clarity, Figure 3B The processing of wireless transmissions S1B-S6B is not shown, including the detection of timestamps T1B-T6B, the evaluation of the time represented by these timestamps, and the storage or ignoring operation.

[0093] The timestamps T1A-T8A and T1B-T9B of wireless transmissions from transceiver devices 10A and 10B can have the same format to facilitate processing by the processing section 22 of device 20. In one embodiment, the timestamp format does not need to be a full-time representation format, but can be a shortened format, such as having minutes, hours, or even longer time units as the shortest time integer, to reduce the processing load in device 20. The timestamps of transceiver devices 10A and 10B are also preferably synchronized, for example, derived from a network clock, to facilitate timestamp evaluation. Figure 3B In this context, timestamp T1B can, for example, represent a later point in time than timestamp T1A.

[0094] In one embodiment, processing in the passive wireless communication device 20 involves detecting timestamps T in wireless transmissions from both transceiver device 10A and transceiver device 10B. For example, if device 20 has already stored a timestamp T1A of a wireless transmission from transceiver device 10A in step S1A, device 20 can subsequently detect a timestamp T1B of a wireless transmission from transceiver device 10B in step S1B. The time represented by these timestamps T1A and T1B, such as the difference between the times represented by these timestamps, can be evaluated according to a time standard such as a time interval ΔT. If the time standard is met, device 20 further ignores timestamp T1B. When the next wireless transmission with timestamp T2A is received from transceiver device 10A in step S2A, the time represented by timestamps T1A and T2A is evaluated according to the time standard. If the standard is met, device 20 stores timestamp T2A for future evaluation and may discard timestamp T1A. Similarly, the time represented by timestamps T4B and T3A can be evaluated relative to a time standard. Since timestamp T4A is not stored and is found to meet the time standard, timestamp T3A is stored in the storage device. When a wireless transmission for transceiver device 10A is received in step S8A, timestamp T5A can be used to update timestamp T3A.

[0095] For example, when a time criterion is met (i.e., the time difference represented by the timestamp is less than a time threshold or time interval), the storage decision can be based on the transceiver device's identifier. If the received transceiver device identifier with timestamp T is the same as the identifier associated with the stored timestamp and the time criterion is met, the stored timestamp can be updated to the received timestamp as an indication of maintaining time-related states (such as pairing with transceiver device 10A). In this case, the older timestamp can be discarded. If the identifiers are different but the time criterion is met, the timestamp is not updated, and the later received timestamp can be ignored. If the time criterion is not met and the transceiver device identifiers are different, the device can store the transceiver device's timestamp along with the new identifier, as will be explained now.

[0096] Because in Figure 3B In steps S10A and S10B, device 20 does not receive wireless transmissions, so storage section 23 still stores timestamp T5A. Therefore, device 20, which evaluates the timestamps T5A and T7B generated by the wireless conversion of transceiver device 10B in step S7B according to the time standard, can find that the time standard ΔT is no longer satisfied (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 3B The time interval ΔT is shown. Device 20 can now store a timestamp T7B as an indication that device 20 is now paired with the new transceiver device 10B, as shown. Figure 3B As shown in step S14, the pairing state can be stored in device 20 by replacing the identifier of the previous transceiver device 10A with the identifier of the new transceiver device 10B (which may be associated with one or more timestamps of the new transceiver device 10B).

[0097] In alternative embodiments, although Figure 3B Device 20 now receives wireless transmissions with associated timestamps T1B-T9B in steps S1B-S9B, but the operation of device 20 will be related to... Figure 3A The process continues in the same manner until step S13. (See reference...) Figure 3A As described, Figure 3A Each evaluation in steps S2, S4, S6, and S9 results in determining compliance with the time standard and updating the timestamp in the storage device, thus preserving the time-related state of device 20. Timestamp T in wireless transmissions from transceiver device 10B is ignored as long as the time standard is met.

[0098] Only in step S15 does the device 20 determine that the time represented by timestamps T5A and T8A no longer meets the time standard, as referenced Figure 3A The explanation given. And... Figure 3A The situations are different. Figure 3BThe device 20 also receives a timestamp T from the transceiver device 10B, and when the timestamp T9B is detected from the wireless transmission in step S9B, it decides to store the timestamp T9B and use it as a reference for future evaluation of the device's state against a time standard. For example, the device 20 can now be considered to be paired with the transceiver device 10B.

[0099] From Figure 3A The transceiver system 10 and Figure 3B One or more of the wireless transmissions containing a timestamp T from transceiver devices 10A and 10B in device 20 may include a data request for collecting data from device 20. Such data may be obtained, for example, from sensor 25 and stored in storage section 23, or other data, such as the device identifier of device 20, may be obtained from storage section 23. Passive wireless communication device 20 may perform data transmission via transmitter section 24 in response to a data request. This data transmission may be directed to the currently paired transceiver devices 10A, 10B, and 10C of device 20 (e.g., by including their identifiers or addresses in the transmission), so that only the paired transceiver devices forward data to the system, while other transceiver devices ignore the transmission, reducing redundant data transmission. For example, if wireless transmission S8A is a data request, device 20 will direct a response with data to transceiver device 10A. If the wireless transmission in step S7B is a data request, device 20 will transmit data to transceiver device 10B.

[0100] Therefore, this embodiment combines a data request for collecting data from device 20 with a received timestamp T to confirm or update the pairing status of device 20, thus avoiding redundant data transmission. Note that if transceiver devices 10A, 10B, and 10C send an acknowledgment message to device 20, this acknowledgment message may also include the timestamp T. Device 20 can then detect and process the timestamp T to determine the pairing status. Furthermore, if device 20 receives a negative acknowledgment, this negative acknowledgment may include the timestamp T. Device 20 may then store the timestamp T and optionally resend the data to the currently paired transceiver device. For example, in Figure 3B In this context, wireless transmission S3A can be a data request, and wireless transmission S5A can be a positive or negative acknowledgment containing a timestamp T3A.

[0101] In another embodiment, polling requests can be used to repeatedly (e.g., frequently) evaluate the time-related state of the device. In this embodiment, Figure 3A The wireless transmission of the transceiver system 10 and from Figure 3BThe wireless transmissions of transceiver devices 10A and 10B in the diagram consist of polling requests containing a timestamp T. Examples of polling requests include pilot signals, beacon signals, etc. Such polling requests can be transmitted periodically or based on, for example... Figure 1 The data collection entity (DCE) sends a request for data collection. Device 20 can also be configured to, in response to a polling request, send an acknowledgment message only to its paired transceiver device via transmitter section 24. For example, in... Figure 3A In step S8, device 20 can transmit the response to the polling request to transceiver system 10; Figure 3B In step S8A, the response to the polling request will be directed to transceiver device 10A. Polling requests in steps S1B-S6B will be ignored, i.e., not responded to, because device 20 is not paired with transceiver device 10B at this stage. Similarly, the polling request from transceiver device 10A in step S12A will not trigger a response from device 20, because device 20 is in an unpaired state with transceiver device 10A at this stage.

[0102] In one embodiment, device 20 may be configured to detect and store the timestamps T of both transceiver devices 10A and 10B. The timestamps may be stored in association with identifiers of transceiver devices 10A and 10B. Device 20 may determine the time-related state by evaluating the timestamps T against one or more time-related criteria, for example, for each transceiver device. In one embodiment, passive wireless communication device 20 may also be configured to pair with one of the other transceiver devices based on the timestamp T of the other transceiver device if pairing with the first transceiver device expires. The determination of pairing expiration and which transceiver devices 10A and 10B should be paired may be based on timestamps associated with time criteria. For example, if the difference between timestamps T received in a wireless transmission from the first transceiver device 10A exceeds a threshold time, processing unit 22 may determine that pairing has expired. The subsequent consecutive timestamps from further transmissions can then be used to select another transceiver device.

[0103] This embodiment enables device 20 to have a set of transceiver devices 10A, 10B, which can be paired with these transceiver devices 10A, 10B, and to access the timestamp T of each of these transceiver devices 10A, 10B for further pairing determination. As described above, device 20 may also store, for example, an identifier of each of these transceiver devices obtained from a wireless transmission containing timestamps.

[0104] like Figure 3BAs shown, transceiver devices 10A and 10B can interact with each other to coordinate their actions. For example, when device 20 first transmits a message to transceiver device 10B (e.g., a response to a polling request or data transmission), transceiver device 10B can notify its transceiver device 10A using the system message SYS. Both transceiver devices 10A and 10B, or the system 10 to which they may belong, can maintain a list of their current pairings, and notification helps keep that list up-to-date. It should be noted that the system message SYS can occur immediately after transceiver device 10B becomes aware of the changed pairings, or at some later time, such as... Figure 3B As shown. Instead of a pairing list at each transceiver device, or in addition to a pairing list at each transceiver device, this interaction and coordination within the system of transceiver devices may also involve a central registry or database to maintain the current pairings between transceiver devices and passive wireless communication devices.

[0105] Figure 3C Further timing diagrams are shown illustrating another embodiment of a transceiver system 10 including transceiver devices 10A, 10B and a passive wireless communication device 20.

[0106] In step S6, device 20 detects that the time represented by the timestamp T from transceiver device 10A no longer satisfies the conditions described above. Figure 3B The time standard ΔT in one of the explained embodiments. Figure 3C In some embodiments, step S6 may further include determining a timeout state. This determination may be based on applying a timestamp T1A from the storage portion 23 and a timestamp T3B from the wireless transmission S3B. Step S6 may cause device 20 to transmit a timeout notification TIME-OUT to transceiver device 10A in response to determining the timeout state, such as... Figure 3C As shown. Notifications can be transmitted using transmitter section 24, possibly using energy from wireless transmissions from transceiver device 10B in S3B.

[0107] Transceiver device 10A is configured to receive a timeout notification (TIME-OUT) from device 20, and may also be configured to transmit an additional wireless transmission, including a timestamp T4A, in step S7A in response to receiving the timeout notification. For example, the additional wireless transmission may increase its transmission power relative to the transmissions in steps S3A and S5A to increase the probability of good reception at device 20. For example, transceiver device 10A may consider the signal strength of the timeout notification to determine whether transmitting the wireless transmission is meaningful, and may optionally use this to determine the amount of power increase required.

[0108] Device 20 can be configured to maintain pairing with transceiver device 10A when it receives a wireless transmission with timestamp T4A from transceiver device 10A in step S7A in response to a timeout notification (TIME-OUT). In step S8, device 20 can also be configured to store the timestamp T4A in a storage portion. As long as device 20 continues to receive transmissions from transceiver device 10A in a timely manner, such as... Figure 3C As shown, device 20 can maintain its pairing with transceiver device 10A.

[0109] Figure 3C The embodiments enable the transceiver device to be notified that its pairing is about to expire and allows the transceiver device to maintain the pairing until it is removed. The transceiver system can be arranged such that it can determine, for example, based on a criterion such as the signal strength of the timeout notification, that it should first maintain the pairing with the first transceiver device before transmitting additional wireless transmissions.

[0110] Figure 3D This is yet another embodiment of some steps for determining the time-related state of device 20, including the operation of a transceiver system 10 comprising multiple transceiver devices 10A, ..., 10N.

[0111] The transceiver system 10 is configured to determine pairing of one or more passive wireless communication devices 20 based on wireless transmissions (such as data transmissions and / or acknowledgment messages of these devices 20), and to transmit a pairing instruction PAIR (pairing) to the devices 20, such as... Figure 3D As shown. This embodiment facilitates centralized network control of pairing. Device 20 is configured to receive a pairing instruction PAIR from transceiver system 10 to determine pairing with the transceiver device. This embodiment allows the transceiver system to update or override the pairing status determined by the passive wireless communication device 20, or to determine pairing of the passive wireless communication device in an unpaired state.

[0112] When deciding on a pairing, the network may consider one or more of the following data or parameters: transceiver devices and device distribution, transceiver / link load and capacity, predictions of future mobility of transceiver or device 20, or constraints related to the type of transceiver device 10A, ..., 10N and device 20.

[0113] For this purpose, transceiver system 10 may include a central component CENTR, but communication between transceiver devices 10A, ..., 10N may also be organized as a mesh network or a ring network or any other organization that allows direct communication between two or more transceiver devices 10A, ..., 10N.

[0114] exist Figure 3DIn this embodiment, the transceiver system 10 is also configured to measure the signal strength of wireless transmissions from the passive wireless communication device 20 to determine the pairing of the passive wireless communication device 20 with a single transceiver device 10A of the transceiver system 10. This embodiment includes an assessment of signal strength in the network, and therefore an assessment of reliable data communication. As mentioned above, other factors may also be considered.

[0115] Specifically, in Figure 3D Once device 20 has determined that the current pairing of the transceiver devices is no longer valid (unpaired state), device 20 can respond to wireless transmissions, such as polling messages, from multiple transceiver devices 10A, ..., 10N. In steps S20 and S21, device 20, for example, receives and processes wireless transmissions from transceiver devices 10A, ..., 10N. These transmissions may or may not include a timestamp T. The processing of device 20 may involve detecting the unpaired state and / or, when an unpaired state is detected, responding to wireless transmissions from steps S20 and S21 to the corresponding transceiver devices 10A, ..., 10N in steps S22 and S23, respectively. Device 20 does not consider new pairings at this stage. Wireless transmissions from device 20 may include acknowledgment messages in response to polling messages.

[0116] In step S24, transceiver device 10N processes the wireless transmission received from step S22. Similarly, in step S25, transceiver device 10A processes the wireless transmission received from step S23.

[0117] Based on the received wireless transmissions, transceiver devices 10A, ..., 10N can, for example, measure signal strength to measure link robustness and distance to device 20. Then, in steps S26 and S27, the transceiver devices can send the acquired information to a centralized entity CENTR, which can then consider this information (measurement information from device 20 and / or other information related to determining pairing) to establish pairing. In step S28, the centralized entity CENTR notifies transceiver device 10A that it has been selected as the paired device.

[0118] Alternatively or additionally, the transceiver devices 10A, ..., 10N of the transceiver system 10 can interact, as indicated by arrow INT, to jointly establish a pair, while optionally taking other constraints and parameters into account. The centralized entity CENTR used to make the decision can also be an entity that provides time synchronization for all gateways to generate timestamps, or it can be another entity.

[0119] In step S29, the transceiver device 10A sends a pairing command (PAIR) to instruct device 20 to pair with it. In step S30, device 20 sends an acknowledgment of the command and transitions to the paired state. From this point onward, device 20 can respond to signals from... Figure 3B Other wireless transmissions from the transceiver device 10A shown are ignored, while wireless transmissions from one or more other transceiver devices 10N that are not paired with it are ignored. This is in Figure 3D China responded to Figure 3D Steps S31 and S32 of step S33 are shown.

[0120] This embodiment allows for more optimized selection of the next paired transceiver device through a centralized control plane, while taking into account additional parameters that provide a complete view of the network. Additionally, it reduces signaling messages because devices 20 only respond to radio transmissions from unpaired transceiver devices 10N when they seek to establish a new pairing. Since devices 20 respond to radio transmissions from their paired transceiver devices 10A, transceiver devices 10A can share pairing and location information with the network, allowing a global view of all devices within the network to be built with only a small number of exchanged messages.

[0121] While in the above embodiments, the evaluation of time-related states, such as pairing status, is primarily based on timestamp T, it should be recognized that other parameters can be considered. In one embodiment, device 20 may be configured, for example, to measure the strength of wireless transmissions from one or more transceiver devices and also to use these signal strengths of the wireless transmissions to determine pairing with a transceiver device. This can be determined during processing by the processing section 22 of device 20. Embodiments may use a threshold for the difference in signal strength between wireless transmissions or a signal strength threshold for a single signal to determine pairing. Considering signal strength enables pairing with transceiver devices that provide appropriate wireless communication options.

[0122] Figure 4 A block diagram illustrating an exemplary processing system according to a disclosed embodiment is depicted, such as a portion of a transceiver system 10 as described above for use in a passive wireless communication system. Figure 4 As shown, the processing system 40 may include at least one processor 41 coupled to the memory element 42 via a system bus 43. In this way, the processing system can store program code within the memory element 42. Furthermore, the processor 41 can execute program code accessed from the memory element 42 via the system bus 43. In one aspect, the processing system may be implemented as a computer system suitable for storing and / or executing program code. However, it should be understood that the processing system 40 may be implemented in the form of any system including a processor and memory capable of performing the functions described herein.

[0123] Memory element 42 may include one or more physical memory devices, such as local memory 44 and one or more mass storage devices 45. Local memory may refer to random access memory or one or more other non-persistent memory devices typically used during the actual execution of the program code. Mass storage devices may be implemented as hard disk drives or other persistent data storage devices. Processing system 40 may also include one or more cache memories (not shown) that provide temporary storage for at least some of the program code to reduce the number of times the program code must be retrieved from mass storage device 45 during execution.

[0124] The input / output (I / O) devices, depicted as input device 46 and output device 47, may optionally be coupled to the processing system. Examples of input devices may include, but are not limited to, a spatial access keyboard, a pointing device such as a mouse, etc. Examples of output devices may include, but are not limited to, a monitor or display, a speaker, etc. The input and / or output devices may be coupled to the processing system directly or through an intermediate I / O controller.

[0125] In embodiments, the input device and the output device can be implemented as a combined input / output device (in... Figure 4 As shown in the diagram, the dashed lines surround the input device 46 and the output device 47. An example of such a combined device is a touch-sensitive display, sometimes referred to as a "touchscreen display" or simply a "touchscreen," which can be provided with the UE. In such an embodiment, input to the device can be provided by moving a physical object (such as a stylus or a human finger) on or near the touchscreen display.

[0126] Network adapter 48 may also be coupled to the processing system to enable it to couple to other systems, computer systems, remote network devices, and / or remote storage devices via an intermediate private or public network. The network adapter may include a data receiver for receiving data transmitted to the processing system 40 from the systems, devices, and / or networks, and a data transmitter for transmitting data from the processing system 40 to the systems, devices, and / or networks. Modems, cable modems, and Ethernet cards are examples of different types of network adapters that can be used with the processing system 40.

[0127] like Figure 4 As shown, memory element 42 can store application 49. In various embodiments, application 49 can be stored in local memory 44, one or more mass storage devices 45, or separately from local memory and mass storage devices. It should be understood that processing system 40 can also execute an operating system that can facilitate the execution of application 49. Figure 4(Not shown in the document). The application 49, implemented as executable program code, can be executed by the processing system 40 (e.g., by the processor 41). In response to executing the application, the processing system 40 can be configured to perform one or more operational or method steps described herein.

[0128] In one aspect of the invention, one or more components of a base station selection support system as disclosed herein and / or a user device used with such a base station selection support system may represent the processing system 40 as described herein.

[0129] Various embodiments of the present invention can be implemented as a program product for use with a computer system, wherein one or more programs of the program product define the functionality of the embodiments (including the methods described herein). In one embodiment, one or more programs may be contained on a variety of non-transitory computer-readable storage media, wherein, as used herein, the expression “non-transitory computer-readable storage media” includes all computer-readable media, with the sole exception of transient propagation signals. In another embodiment, one or more programs may be contained on a variety of transient computer-readable storage media. Illustrative computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to: (i) non-writable storage media that permanently store information (e.g., read-only memory devices within a computer, such as CD-ROM discs readable by a CD-ROM drive, ROM chip, or any type of solid-state non-volatile semiconductor memory); and (ii) writable storage media that store changeable information (e.g., flash memory, floppy disks or hard disk drives within a floppy disk drive, or any type of solid-state random access semiconductor memory). The computer program may run on the processor 41 described herein.

[0130] The technical terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprising” and / or “including” as used in this specification specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0131] All components or steps plus functional elements in the appended claims are intended to include any structure, material, action, and equivalent for performing functions in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. Descriptions of embodiments of the invention have been presented for illustrative purposes but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to implementations of the disclosed forms. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the claims. The embodiments were chosen and described to best explain the principles of the invention and some practical applications, and to enable others skilled in the art to understand the various embodiments of the invention, with various modifications suitable for the particular intended use.

Claims

1. A passive wireless communication device, comprising a receiver section, a processing section, and a storage section, wherein the passive wireless communication device is configured to: At the receiver portion, a first wireless transmission is received from a first transceiver device, wherein the first wireless transmission includes a first timestamp; The processing unit detects the first timestamp in the first wireless transmission and stores the first timestamp in the storage unit; and If additional wireless transmissions for pairing the passive wireless communication device with the first transceiver device are received from the first transceiver device, the first timestamp in the storage portion is updated to an additional timestamp detected by the processing portion.

2. The passive wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein, The passive wireless communication device is configured to: At the receiver portion, a second wireless transmission is received from a second transceiver device, wherein the second wireless transmission includes a second timestamp; The processing unit detects and applies the second timestamp in the second wireless transmission: The first timestamp or another timestamp from the storage portion, and The second timestamp from the second wireless transmission, To determine whether to maintain the pairing of the passive wireless communication device with the first transceiver device or to pair the passive wireless communication device with the second transceiver device; If it is determined that the pairing with the first transceiver device is maintained, the first timestamp or another timestamp is retained in the storage portion; If pairing with the second transceiver device is determined, the second timestamp is stored in the storage portion.

3. The passive wireless communication device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The processing section is also configured to calculate the difference between the following: The first timestamp and the other timestamp according to claim 1; The first timestamp or the other timestamp and the second timestamp according to claim 2; And the difference is compared with a time parameter such as a threshold time or a time interval or its derivative to determine the pairing of the passive wireless communication devices; and Optionally, the time parameter includes the maximum delay time for detecting subsequent reception of a timestamped wireless transmission from the first transceiver device.

4. The passive wireless communication device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The passive wireless communication device further includes a transmitter section, and wherein the passive wireless communication device is further configured to: The timeout status is determined by applying the first timestamp or another timestamp from the storage portion and the second timestamp from the second wireless transmission; In response to using the transmitter portion and optionally using energy from the second wireless transmission to determine the timeout state, a timeout notification is transmitted to the first transceiver device; When an additional wireless transmission is received from the first transceiver device in response to the timeout notification, pairing with the first transceiver device is maintained, the additional wireless transmission includes an additional timestamp, and the additional timestamp is stored in the storage portion.

5. The passive wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein, The passive wireless communication device is configured to: At the receiver section, wireless transmissions are received from one or more additional transceiver devices, each of which includes a timestamp. The processing unit detects the timestamp in the additional wireless transmission and stores the timestamp in the storage unit; If pairing with the first transceiver device expires, the passive wireless device is paired with one of the other transceiver devices based on the timestamp of the first transceiver device.

6. The passive wireless communication device according to one or more of claims 2-5, wherein, The passive wireless communication device further includes a transmitter portion, and wherein the first wireless transmission, the additional wireless transmission, and the second wireless transmission include at least one of a data request and a polling request, and wherein the passive communication device is configured to transmit at least one of the following via the transmitter portion: In response to the data request, data transmission is sent only to the first transceiver device when paired with the first transceiver device, and data transmission is sent only to the second transceiver device when paired with the second transceiver device. In response to the polling request, an acknowledgment message is sent only to the first transceiver device when paired with the first transceiver device, and an acknowledgment message is sent only to the second transceiver device when paired with the second transceiver device. Optionally, the passive wireless communication device is configured to ignore the data request from the first transceiver device or the second transceiver device if the polling request is not received from either the first transceiver device or the second transceiver device.

7. The passive wireless communication device according to claim 2, wherein, The passive wireless communication device is also configured to measure the strength of the first wireless transmission or another wireless transmission and the second wireless transmission, and to use the transmission strength of the first wireless transmission and the second wireless transmission to determine pairing with the first transceiver device or the second transceiver device.

8. The passive wireless communication device according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein, The passive wireless communication device is also configured to receive pairing instructions from one or more transceiver devices to determine pairing with the transceiver devices.

9. A transceiver system comprising one or more transceiver devices, each of the one or more transceiver devices being configured to transmit a plurality of wireless transmissions, each of the wireless transmissions including a timestamp such that consecutive wireless transmissions include consecutive timestamps, enabling the passive wireless communication device to determine pairing with the transceiver device based on consecutive timestamps.

10. The transceiver system according to claim 9, wherein, The system includes multiple transceiver devices and is configured to transmit the wireless transmission using timestamps determined according to a synchronization clock.

11. The transceiver system according to claim 9 or 10, wherein, The transceiver system includes a first transceiver unit and a second transceiver unit, wherein: The second transceiver device is configured to transmit wireless transmissions, optionally to activate a passive wireless communication device; The first transceiver device is configured to receive a timeout notification from the passive wireless communication device in response to transmitting the wireless transmission; The first transceiver device is configured to transmit additional wireless transmissions, including additional timestamps, in response to receiving the timeout notification. Optionally, the transceiver system is also configured to determine that it should maintain pairing with the first transceiver device before transmitting the additional wireless transmission.

12. The transceiver system according to one or more of claims 9-11, wherein, The transceiver system is configured to transmit at least one of the following as a wireless transmission: A data request containing the timestamp, the data request being directed to one or more of the passive wireless communication devices, and for receiving data transmission from the one or more passive wireless communication devices; A polling request containing the timestamp, the polling request being directed to one or more passive wireless communication devices, and used to receive an acknowledgment message from the one or more passive wireless communication devices.

13. The transceiver system according to claim 12, wherein, The transceiver system is configured to be at least one of the following: The pairing of the one or more passive wireless communication devices is determined based on at least one of the data transmission and acknowledgment messages of the one or more passive wireless communication devices, and a pairing instruction is transmitted to each of the passive wireless communication devices; At a single transceiver device in the transceiver system, at least one of a data transmission and acknowledgment message from a passive wireless communication device is received and processed, wherein the passive wireless communication device has been determined to be paired with the single transceiver device. The second transceiver device of the transceiver system notifies the first transceiver device of the transceiver system that the pairing with the passive wireless communication device of the first transceiver device has expired.

14. The transceiver system according to claim 12 or 13, wherein, The transceiver system is also configured to measure the signal strength of at least one of the data transmission and acknowledgment messages from the passive wireless communication device to determine the pairing of the passive wireless communication device with a single transceiver device of the transceiver system.

15. The transceiver system according to one or more of claims 9-14, wherein, One or more transceiver devices of the transceiver system include base stations of radio access networks for telecommunications systems conforming to 3GPP standards, such as gNb for 5G telecommunications systems.

16. The passive wireless communication device according to one or more of claims 1-8 and / or the transceiver system according to one or more of claims 9-15, wherein at least one of the following is used: The timestamps of the wireless transmissions have the same timestamp format, wherein optionally, the format is a shortened format, wherein seconds, minutes, or hours constitute the smallest time integer of the timestamp. Wireless transmissions from the transceiver system and received by the passive wireless communication device are configured to excite the passive wireless communication device for its operation.

Images