Communications device and method

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to devices and methods of communication. Upon determining that a condition for reporting first information of presence or availability or reachability of an A-IoT device is satisfied, the A-IoT device reports the first information to a communication device. Based on the first information, the communication device manages a group of A-IoT devices including the A-IoT device. In this way, reachability management of A-IoT devices can be achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to the telecommunications field, and more specifically to devices and methods for communication used in the management of ambient-Internet of Things (A-IoT) devices. Background Technology

[0002] Conventionally, reachability management is responsible for detecting whether user equipment (UE) is reachable and providing the network with the UE's location so that it can reach the UE. Recently, it has been proposed to integrate A-IoT devices into cellular network communications. In this case, it is necessary to develop how to perform reachability management for A-IoT devices. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Generally, embodiments of this disclosure provide methods, apparatus, and computer storage media for managing A-IoT devices.

[0004] In a first aspect, an A-IoT device is provided. The A-IoT device includes a processor. The processor is configured to cause the A-IoT device to: determine that conditions for reporting first information regarding the presence, availability, or accessibility of the A-IoT device are met; and report the first information to a communication device.

[0005] In a second aspect, a communication device is provided. The communication device includes a processor. The processor is configured to cause the communication device to: receive first information reported by an A-IoT device regarding the presence, availability, or reachability of the A-IoT device; and manage a group of A-IoT devices including the A-IoT device based on the first information.

[0006] In a third aspect, a communication method is provided. The method includes: determining at an A-IoT device that conditions for reporting the presence, availability, or accessibility of the A-IoT device are met; and reporting the first information to a communication device.

[0007] In a fourth aspect, a communication method is provided. The method includes: receiving, at a communication device, first information reported by an A-IoT device regarding the presence, availability, or reachability of the A-IoT device; and managing a group of A-IoT devices, including the A-IoT device, based on the first information.

[0008] In a fifth aspect, a computer-readable medium is provided on which instructions are stored. When executed on at least one processor, these instructions cause the at least one processor to perform the method according to a third or fourth aspect of this disclosure.

[0009] Other features of this disclosure will become readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0010] The above and other objects, features and advantages of this disclosure will become more apparent from a more detailed description of some embodiments thereof in the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 Example communication networks are illustrated, which may implement some embodiments of this disclosure; Figure 2 A signaling diagram illustrating an example process of communication for accessibility management of an A-IoT device according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown. Figure 3A A schematic diagram illustrating an example of the transmission of illustrative tracking information according to an embodiment of this disclosure is provided. Figure 3B A schematic diagram illustrating an example evaluation of exemplary conditions according to an embodiment of this disclosure is provided; Figure 3C A schematic diagram illustrating example group management of an illustrative A-IoT device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 4 Flowcharts illustrating example methods of communication implemented at an A-IoT device according to some embodiments of this disclosure are shown. Figure 5 Flowcharts illustrating example methods of communication implemented at a communication device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown; and Figure 6 A simplified block diagram of an apparatus suitable for implementing embodiments of this disclosure is illustrated.

[0011] Throughout the accompanying drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements. Detailed Implementation

[0012] The principles of this disclosure will now be described with reference to some embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are described for illustrative purposes only and are intended to assist those skilled in the art in understanding and implementing this disclosure, and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. The disclosure described herein can be implemented in various ways other than those described below.

[0013] In the following description and claims, unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

[0014] As used herein, the term "terminal device" refers to any device with wireless or wired communication capabilities. Examples of terminal devices include, but are not limited to: User Equipment (UE); Personal Computers; Desktop Computers; Mobile Phones; Cellular Phones; Smartphones; Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs); Portable Computers; Tablets; Wearable Devices; Internet of Things (IoT) Devices; Ultra-Reliable and Low-Latency Communication (URLLC) Devices; Internet of Everything (IoE) Devices; Machine-Type Communication (MTC) Devices; Devices for V2X communication on vehicles, where X refers to pedestrians, vehicles, or infrastructure / networks; Devices for Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB); Devices for Small Data Transmission (SDT); Mobility Devices; Devices for Multicast and Broadcast Services (MBS); Devices for Location Services; Devices for Dynamic / Flexible Duplex in Commercial Networks; RedCap (Red Cap) Devices; Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs). In a non-terrestrial network, spacecraft or aircraft vehicles are included. These networks include satellites and high-altitude platforms (HAPs) encompassing unmanned aircraft systems (UAS); extended reality (XR) devices that include different types of reality (such as augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), and virtual reality (VR); unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), often referred to as drones (aircraft without any human pilots); equipment on high-speed trains (HSTs); or image capture devices such as digital cameras and sensors; gaming devices; music storage and playback devices; or internet devices that enable wireless or wired internet access and browsing.The "terminal device" may also have "multicast / broadcast" capabilities to support public safety and mission-critical applications, V2X applications, transparent IPv4 / IPv6 multicast delivery, IPTV, smart TV, radio services, wireless software delivery, group communication, and IoT applications. The "terminal device" may also incorporate one or more subscriber identity modules (SIMs), a situation referred to as multi-SIM. The term "terminal device" is used interchangeably with UE, mobile station, subscriber station, mobile terminal, user terminal, or wireless device.

[0015] The term "network device" can refer to core network (CN) equipment or radio access network (RAN) equipment. The term "CN device" refers to any device or entity that provides access and mobility management function (AMF), network exposure function (NEF), authentication server function (AUSF), unified data management (UDM), session management function (SMF), user plane function (UPF), location management function (LMF), etc. In other embodiments, a CN device can be any other suitable device or entity that provides any other suitable functionality.

[0016] As used herein, the term "RAN equipment" refers to equipment capable of providing or hosting a cell or coverage area for terminal equipment to communicate. Examples of RAN equipment include, but are not limited to, satellites, unmanned aerial vehicle system (UAS) platforms, NodeBs (or NBs), evolved NodeBs (eNodeBs or eNBs), next-generation NodeBs (gNBs), transmission reception points (TRPs), remote radio units (RRUs), radio heads (RHs), remote radio heads (RRHs), IAB nodes, low-power nodes (such as femtonodes and piconodes), reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RISs), etc.

[0017] Terminal devices or network devices may have artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning (ML) capabilities. Terminal devices or network devices typically include models that have been trained on specific functions based on large amounts of collected data and can be used to predict some information.

[0018] Terminal or network devices can operate within several frequency ranges, such as FR1 (410MHz to 7125MHz), FR2 (24.25GHz to 71GHz), bands above 100GHz, and terahertz (THz). Terminal or network devices can also operate on licensed / unlicensed / shared spectrum. In MR-DC applications, terminal devices can have more than one connection to network devices. Terminal or network devices can operate in full-duplex, flexible-duplex, and cross-segmented-duplex modes.

[0019] Network devices may have network energy-saving and self-organizing network (SON) / minimization of drive test (MDT) capabilities. Terminals may have power-saving capabilities.

[0020] The embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in test equipment (e.g., signal generator, signal analyzer, spectrum analyzer, network analyzer, test terminal equipment, test network equipment, channel simulator).

[0021] In one embodiment, the terminal device may be connected to a first network device and a second network device. One of the first and second network devices may be a master node, and the other may be a slave node. The first and second network devices may use different radio access technologies (RATs). In one embodiment, the first network device may be a first RAT device, and the second network device may be a second RAT device. In one embodiment, the first RAT device is an eNB, and the second RAT device is a gNB. Information related to different RATs may be sent to the terminal device from at least one of the first or second network devices. In one embodiment, first information may be sent from the first network device to the terminal device, and second information may be sent from the second network device directly or via the first network device to the terminal device. In one embodiment, configuration-related information configured by the second network device for the terminal device may be sent from the second network device via the first network device. Reconfiguration-related information configured by the second network device for the terminal device may be sent from the second network device directly or via the first network device to the terminal device.

[0022] 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. The term “comprising” and its variations should be understood as open terms meaning “including, but not limited to.” The term “based on” should be understood as “at least partially based on.” The terms “one implementation” and “implementation” should be understood as “at least one implementation.” The term “another implementation” should be understood as “at least one other implementation.” The terms “first,” “second,” etc., may refer to different or the same objects. Other explicit and implicit definitions are given below.

[0023] In some examples, values, processes, or devices are referred to as “best,” “lowest,” “highest,” “smallest,” “largest,” etc. It should be understood that such descriptions are intended to indicate that a choice can be made among many alternative functionalities used, and that such a choice is not necessarily better, smaller, higher, or otherwise preferred than other choices.

[0024] In the context of this disclosure, the term "above" is used interchangeably with "above or equal to" or "greater than or equal to". The term "below" is used interchangeably with "below or equal to" or "less than or equal to".

[0025] In the context of this disclosure, the term "A-IoT" is used interchangeably with "passive IoT". The term "A-IoT device" can refer to a device that includes an energy harvesting module and a backscattering module. An A-IoT device can receive power supply signals or commands via the energy harvesting module and backscatter signals via the backscattering module. Some example use cases for A-IoT devices are listed below.

[0026] In the context of this disclosure, the term "command UE" can refer to an end device that sends commands to an A-IoT device to enable selection, inventory checks, or access (e.g., reading and writing) of the A-IoT device. The term "excitation UE" can refer to an end device that provides an excitation signal or energy to the A-IoT device. Upon receiving the excitation signal, the A-IoT device can generate an induced current and then receive and transmit information via energy obtained through the induced current. It should be understood that the names "command UE" and "excitation UE" are merely examples, and any other suitable names are also possible.

[0027] In the context of this disclosure, the term "communication device" may refer to a node (e.g., a terminal device, RAN device, or CN device) that communicates with an A-IoT device. The term "communication device" may be used interchangeably with "node," "management node," or any other suitable name. In some embodiments, the communication device may be a node that provides excitation signals or energy to the A-IoT device (i.e., an energy-providing node or energy resource). In some embodiments, the communication device may be a command UE. In some embodiments, the communication device may be an excitation UE.

[0028] In the context of this disclosure, the term "A-IoT device accessibility management" may refer to a node implementing accessibility status updates, location updates, or presence tracking for A-IoT devices. The term "accessibility management" may be used interchangeably with "presence management" or "mobility management." In the context of this disclosure, the term "power" may be used interchangeably with "energy." The term "unavailability duration" may be used interchangeably with "unavailability period." The term "energy status" may refer to remaining energy storage (in J or mA / h), the operating time supported by current energy storage, or the amount of data that can be transmitted / received under current energy storage. The term "energy status" may be used interchangeably with "power status." The term "presence report" may be used interchangeably with "availability report," "tracking report," or "accessibility report."

[0029] This disclosure provides a communication solution for reachability management of A-IoT devices. In this solution, when conditions for reporting the presence, availability, or reachability of an A-IoT device are met, the A-IoT device reports the first information to a communication device. Based on the first information, the communication device manages a group of A-IoT devices, including the A-IoT device. In this way, presence declaration can be implemented on the A-IoT device side. The management node can detect the reachability of A-IoT devices and track their locations, then manage the presence of A-IoT devices. Therefore, reachability management of A-IoT devices can be achieved.

[0030] The principles and specific implementations of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] Examples of communication networks Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an example communication network 100 in which some embodiments of this disclosure may be implemented is illustrated. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the communication network 100 may include terminal devices 110 and 111 and RAN device 120. In some embodiments, RAN device 120 may provide one or more serving cells (not shown) to serve terminal devices 110 and 111.

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, the communication network 100 may further include one or more A-IoT devices 130 (i.e., a group of A-IoT devices). In some embodiments, the RAN device 120 and each of the one or more A-IoT devices 130 can communicate with each other. In some embodiments, one of the terminal devices 110 and 111 can communicate with each of the one or more A-IoT devices 130. In some embodiments, each of the one or more A-IoT devices 130 can communicate with one of the terminal devices 110 and 111 in the forward link and with the RAN device 120 in the reverse link. In some embodiments, each of the one or more A-IoT devices 130 can communicate with the RAN device 120 in the forward link and with one of the terminal devices 110 and 111 in the reverse link.

[0033] like Figure 1As shown, the communication network 100 may also include a CN device 140 and an A-IoT server 150. In some scenarios, each of the one or more A-IoT devices 130 may communicate with the A-IoT server 150 via a cellular network, which includes terminal devices 110 and / or 111 and / or 112, as well as RAN devices 120 and CN devices 140.

[0034] It should be understood that Figure 1 The number of devices shown is for illustrative purposes only and does not imply any limitation on this disclosure. The communication network 100 may include any suitable number of RAN devices and / or terminal devices and / or A-IoT devices and / or CN devices and / or A-IoT servers suitable for implementing specific embodiments of this disclosure.

[0035] Terminal device 110 can communicate with RAN device 120 via the Uu interface. RAN device 120 can communicate with CN device 140 via the Ng interface. Communication in communication network 100 can conform to any suitable standard, including but not limited to Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE Evolution, LTE-A, New Radio (NR), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), GSM EDGE Radio Access Network (GERAN), Machine Type Communication (MTC), etc. Embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented according to any generation of communication protocols currently known or to be developed in the future. Examples of communication protocols include, but are not limited to, first-generation (1G) communication protocols, second-generation (2G) communication protocols, 2.5G communication protocols, 2.75G communication protocols, third-generation (3G) communication protocols, fourth-generation (4G) communication protocols, 4.5G communication protocols, fifth-generation (5G) communication protocols, 5.5G communication protocols, 5G-Advanced Networks, or sixth-generation (6G) networks.

[0036] In some scenarios, terminal device 110, RAN device 120, or CN device 140 can be used as nodes (also referred to herein as management nodes or communication devices) to manage one or more A-IoT devices 130. The management node may need to detect the reachability of one or more A-IoT devices 130 and track their locations. One or more A-IoT devices 130 may not be able to perform periodic registration area updates or actively perform registration area updates. In this case, the reachability management of one or more A-IoT devices 130 needs to be investigated.

[0037] The embodiments disclosed herein provide a communication solution for reachability management of A-IoT devices. References will be made below. Figures 2 to 3C Provide a detailed description.

[0038] Example of specific implementation of equipment accessibility management Figure 2 A signaling diagram illustrating an example process 200 for reachability management of an A-IoT device according to an embodiment of this disclosure is provided. Process 200 may involve an A-IoT device 201, a communication device 202, and a communication device 203. The A-IoT device 201 may be as follows: Figure 1 Any of the one or more A-IoT devices 130 illustrated, the communication device 202 can be as follows: Figure 1 The illustrated terminal device 110 or 111, RAN device 120 or CN device 140, and communication device 203 can be as follows: Figure 1 The RAN device 120, CN device 140, or A-IoT server 150 are illustrated. It should be understood that... Figure 2 The steps and their order are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the instructions. For example, the order of the steps may be changed. Some steps may be omitted, or any other suitable additional steps may be added.

[0039] like Figure 2 As shown, the communication device 202 can send 210 configuration to the A-IoT device 201 for a report on the presence, availability, or reachability of the A-IoT device 201.

[0040] refer to Figure 2 In some implementations, A-IoT device 201 may send a request 211 to communication device 202 for conditions (also referred to herein as first information) for reporting the presence, availability, or reachability of A-IoT device 201. In some implementations, the request may include one or more desired condition parameters. For example, the request may include a desired value for a difference threshold as described later. In another example, the request may include a desired list of nodes.

[0041] like Figure 2 As shown, communication device 202 can determine the condition 212 based at least on the request. For example, communication device 202 can determine the condition based on at least one of the following: local policy, subscription information, and information provided in the request. Then, communication device 202 can generate and send 213 a configuration including the determined condition.

[0042] In some alternative embodiments, the conditions for reporting the first information may be predefined for the A-IoT device 201 and may not be configured by the communication device 202. In some embodiments, the conditions for reporting the first information may include multiple conditions. Some of the multiple conditions may be predefined for the A-IoT device 201, and others may be configured by the communication device 202. It should be understood that the conditions for reporting the first information may be set differently for different device types or topologies or energy states of the A-IoT device (e.g., high power, low power, with or without energy storage capacity, etc.).

[0043] Continue to refer to Figure 2 The A-IoT device 201 may perform an evaluation of the condition, i.e., determine whether the condition is met. In some implementations, the A-IoT device 201 may perform the evaluation of the condition upon receiving a report on the presence, availability, or accessibility of the A-IoT device 201.

[0044] refer to Figure 2 In some embodiments, the communication device 202 may send an instruction 221 to the A-IoT device 201 to enable a report for the first information. In some embodiments, the instruction to enable the first information report may be included in the configuration of a report for the presence, availability, or reachability of the A-IoT device 201. In some embodiments, the instruction to enable the first information report may be sent separately from the configuration of the report for the presence, availability, or reachability of the A-IoT device 201. The A-IoT device 201 may then perform an evaluation of the condition upon receiving the instruction to enable the first information report.

[0045] Continue to refer to Figure 2 The A-IoT device 201 may receive information (also referred to herein as second information) associated with the report of the first information from the communication device 202. In some embodiments, the A-IoT device 201 may receive the second information periodically. In some embodiments, the A-IoT device 201 may receive the second information based on a request from another communication device for information regarding the presence, availability, or reachability of a group of A-IoT devices. In this manner, the report of the first information may be triggered.

[0046] In some implementations, the A-IoT device 201 may receive second information via signaling. In some implementations, the signaling used for the second information may be a physical layer signal. For example, the physical layer signal may be a reference signal or a sequence. In some implementations, the physical layer signal may be generated based on amplitude shift keying (ASK) waveforms (including on-off keying (OOK)), frequency shift keying (FSK), or phase shift keying (PSK) waveforms. In some implementations, taking into account at least existing signal / channel structures (e.g., channel state information-reference signal (CSI-RS), primary reference signal (PSS), secondary reference signal (SSS), or positioning reference signal (PRS)), the physical layer signal may be a signal / channel based on orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM). For example, the physical layer signal may be a synchronization signal block (SSB) designed for A-IoT communication. In some embodiments, the signaling used for the second information can be a message, a command, or any other form of signaling. In some embodiments, the signaling can be dedicated to the second information. In some embodiments, the second information can be delivered via broadcast. In some embodiments, the second information can be delivered periodically.

[0047] In some implementations, A-IoT device 201 may receive the second information via signaling not dedicated to the second information (i.e., other reference signals, messages, commands, etc.). For example, A-IoT device 201 may receive the second information via signaling used for normal business data (e.g., within other A-IoT commands). In another example, A-IoT device 201 may receive the second information within other reference signals such as a synchronization signal block (SSB).

[0048] In some implementations, the A-IoT device 201 may receive the second information via signaling for energy harvesting. In this case, the A-IoT device 201 may receive the second information from another communication device (e.g., an excitation UE or an energy resource node) that provides the signaling for energy harvesting. It should be understood that the second information can be delivered through any combination of the methods described above.

[0049] refer to Figure 2 Based on the second information, A-IoT device 201 can determine whether the conditions for reporting the first information (223) have been met. In other words, based on the second information, A-IoT device 201 can determine whether to report information regarding the presence, availability, or reachability of A-IoT device 201. The second information may also be referred to herein as tracking information, tracking request, discovery request, or presence detection request.

[0050] In some embodiments, the second information may include time-domain information associated with the second information. In some embodiments, the time-domain information may include, for example, a timestamp associated with the transmission or reception of the second information. For example, the timestamp may be Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), such as 00:00:01. In some embodiments, the time-domain information may include an index of a time unit, such as a frame or subframe number associated with the transmission or reception of the second information.

[0051] In some implementations, this condition may include a difference between the time-domain information and the reference time-domain information that is greater than a difference threshold. That is, if the difference between the time-domain information and the reference time-domain information is greater than the difference threshold, the A-IoT device 201 can determine that the condition for reporting the first information has been met. In this way, the condition for reporting the first information is met when more than a time threshold has elapsed. It should be understood that the difference between the time-domain information and the reference time-domain information described above refers to the absolute value of the difference.

[0052] In some implementations, the initial value of the reference time-domain information may be predefined or may be set by the communication device 202. In some implementations, the reference time-domain information may be updated based on the time of a previous report (e.g., the most recent report) of the first information. In some implementations, if a report of the first information is triggered, the A-IoT device 201 may update the reference time-domain information based on the report time of the first information. In some implementations, if a report of the first information is triggered, the A-IoT device 201 may update the reference time-domain information based on the time-domain information included in the second information.

[0053] For example, the condition could include a difference between the timestamp received in the second information and a reference time that is greater than a difference time threshold. That is, if the difference between the received timestamp and the reference time is greater than the difference time threshold, the A-IoT device 201 can determine that the condition for reporting the first information is met. For example, the timestamp received in the second information and the reference time are UTC times, such as 00:00:01 and 00:00:41. The difference time threshold is 30 seconds. The difference between the timestamp received in the second information and the reference time is greater than the difference time threshold. Therefore, the condition for reporting the first information is met. For example, if a report of the first information is triggered, the reference time can be updated to the time of the most recent report of the first information. For example, the time of report delivery can be calculated based on the time included in the second information (denoted as t herein) and an offset generated based on a processing delay (e.g., based on the sum of time t and the offset). Alternatively, if a report of the first information is triggered, the reference time can be updated to the timestamp indicated in the second information.

[0054] In another example, the condition may include a difference between the index of the received time unit in the second information and the reference index that is higher than a difference index threshold. That is, if the difference between the index of the received time unit and the reference index is higher than the difference index threshold, the A-IoT device 201 can determine that the condition for reporting the first information is met. For example, when reporting the first information, the reference index may be updated to the index of the time unit of the most recent report that delivered the first information. Alternatively, when reporting the first information, the reference index may be updated to the index of the time unit indicated in the second information.

[0055] It should be understood that any other suitable time-domain information associated with the second information and any other conditions used for the time-domain information associated with the second information may also be feasible. It should also be understood that the difference threshold (e.g., difference time threshold or difference index threshold) may be set differently for different device types or topologies or energy states of A-IoT devices (e.g., high power, low power, with or without energy storage capacity, etc.).

[0056] In some embodiments, the second information may include information about the communication device. In some embodiments, the information about the communication device may include the identification (ID) of the communication device. In some embodiments, the information about the communication device may include the type of the communication device. For example, the type of the communication device may indicate at least one of the following: UE, base station, other auxiliary node, energy resource node, network node, non-network node, fixed location node, or non-fixed location node.

[0057] In some implementations, the condition may include the communication device being in a first list of communication devices (e.g., a pre-configured node list 1). In some implementations, if the communication device indicated in the second information is in the first list of communication devices, the A-IoT device 201 may determine that the condition for reporting the first information is met. In this way, reporting of the first information can be supported for pre-configured nodes.

[0058] In some implementations, the condition may include the communication device not being in a second list of communication devices (e.g., a pre-configured node list 2). In some implementations, if the communication device indicated in the second information is not in the second list of communication devices, the A-IoT device 201 may determine that the condition for reporting the first information has been met. In this way, the first information can be reported when the device is removed from the second list. In some implementations, a specific list of tracking areas may be defined for the A-IoT device 201. For example, multiple node lists may be predefined in the A-IoT device 201, and the reporting of the first information may be triggered only when the A-IoT device 201 moves across different node lists within the multiple node lists.

[0059] In some implementations, the condition may include a communication device that is different from a reference communication device. In some implementations, if the communication device indicated in the second information is different from the reference communication device, the A-IoT device 201 may determine that the condition for reporting the first information is met. In this way, the first information can be reported when a node changes.

[0060] In some implementations, the initial communication device of the reference communication device may be predefined or may be set by the communication device 202. In some implementations, the reference communication device may be updated based on the communication device associated with a previous report (e.g., a recent report) of the first information. In some implementations, if a report of the first information is triggered, the A-IoT device 201 may update the reference communication device based on the communication device associated with the report of the first information. In some implementations, if a report of the first information is triggered, the A-IoT device 201 may update the reference communication device based on the communication device indicated in the second information. For example, the A-IoT device 201 may update the reference communication device to the communication device that reported the first information to it. As another example, the A-IoT device 201 may update the reference communication device to a communication device that provides energy resources.

[0061] In some implementations, the condition may include a communication device type different from a reference communication device type. In some implementations, if the type of communication device indicated in the second information is different from the type of reference communication device, the A-IoT device 201 may determine that the condition for reporting the first information is met. For example, if the most recent report of the first information was delivered based on second information from node type 1, the current second information may be transmitted from node type 2. In this way, the first information can be reported when the node type changes.

[0062] It should be understood that any other suitable information about the communication device and any other conditions for the information about the communication device may also be feasible. It should also be understood that the first list and / or the second list may be set differently for different device types or topologies or energy states (e.g., high power, low power, with or without energy storage capacity, etc.) of A-IoT devices.

[0063] In some implementations, the second information may include beam information. In some implementations, the condition may include that the beam information indicated in the second information is different from the reference beam information. In some implementations, if the beam information indicated in the second information is different from the reference beam information, the A-IoT device 201 may determine that the condition for reporting the first information is met. In this way, the first information can be reported when the beam changes.

[0064] In some implementations, the initial beam information of the reference beam information may be predefined or may be set by the communication device 202. In some implementations, the reference beam information may be updated based on beam information associated with a previous report (e.g., a recent report) of the first information. In some implementations, if a report of the first information is triggered, the A-IoT device 201 may update the reference beam information based on the beam information associated with the report of the first information. In some implementations, if a report of the first information is triggered, the A-IoT device 201 may update the reference beam information based on the beam information indicated in the second information.

[0065] In some implementations, the second information may include information to start or stop reporting the first information. In this way, reporting of the first information can be started or stopped.

[0066] In some implementations, the second information may include information for adding or modifying conditions. In some implementations, the information for adding or modifying conditions indicates that reference time domain information will be set or reset. In this way, A-IoT device 201 may update the reference time domain information based on predetermined time domain information (e.g., reset to 0) or time domain information indicated by the second information. In some implementations, the information for adding or modifying conditions indicates that a reference communication device will be set or reset. In this way, A-IoT device 201 may update the reference communication device based on a predetermined communication device (e.g., reset to a communication device from which the second information is provided) or a communication device indicated by the second information.

[0067] In some implementations, the second information may include beam or time information associated with a geographic region. Figure 3A A schematic diagram 300A illustrates an example of the transmission of illustrative tracking information according to an embodiment of this disclosure. For example... Figure 3A As shown, the node can transmit second information for different geographical areas via beams 1 to 6 at different times. In this case, the second information can be associated with a geographical area. In some embodiments, the second information can indicate the beam associated with that geographical area. In some embodiments, the second information can indicate the time corresponding to that beam associated with that geographical area. It should be understood that although the node is shown as a RAN device in this example, the node can be any other suitable type of device, such as a terminal device or a CN device.

[0068] In some implementations where the second information includes beam or time information associated with a geographic area, the A-IoT device 201 may include the beam or time information associated with that geographic area in the first information. That is, the first information may also include beam or time information associated with that geographic area as indicated in recently received tracking information. This allows nodes to achieve more granular tracking.

[0069] In some implementations, the condition may include the received signal strength of the second information being higher than a strength threshold. That is, if the received signal strength of the second information is higher than the strength threshold, the A-IoT device 201 may determine that the condition for reporting the first information is met. In some implementations, the condition may include the received signal quality of the second information being higher than a quality threshold. In some implementations, the condition may include the path loss of the signal being lower than a path loss threshold.

[0070] In some implementations, this condition may include the energy storage of the state-of-energy indicator A-IoT device 201 being higher than a storage threshold (also referred to herein as a first storage threshold for convenience). That is, if the energy storage of the state-of-energy indicator A-IoT device 201 is higher than the first storage threshold, the A-IoT device 201 may determine that the condition for reporting the first information has been met. If the energy storage of the state-of-energy indicator A-IoT device 201 is lower than the first storage threshold, the A-IoT device 201 may determine that the condition for reporting the first information has not been met, and therefore does not report the first information.

[0071] In some implementations, this condition may include receiving a second message more times than a threshold number (also referred to herein as the first count threshold for convenience). In some implementations, if the number of times the second message is received exceeds the first count threshold, the A-IoT device 201 may determine that the condition for reporting the first message is met. In some implementations, if the number of times the second message is received from the communication device 202 exceeds the first count threshold, the A-IoT device 201 may determine that the condition for reporting the first message is met.

[0072] For example, upon receiving N second messages (e.g., N charging signals), the A-IoT device 201 may report the first message. In some implementations, the second messages may not be uniformly distributed in the time domain. In another example, the condition for the number of receptions may be used in conjunction with any other condition. Upon receiving the second message, the A-IoT device 201 may determine whether one or more conditions for reporting the first message have been met. If the A-IoT device 201 determines that one or more conditions have been met, the A-IoT device 201 may respond to the second message and reset the count of second message receptions. If the conditions have not been met, but the count is above a counting threshold, the A-IoT device 201 may still respond to the second message and reset the count of second message receptions.

[0073] In some implementations, the condition may include receiving a second message more than a number of times (also referred to herein as the second number threshold for convenience) and not reporting a first message. In some implementations, if the number of times the second message is received exceeds the second number threshold and the first message does not respond to either of them, the A-IoT device 201 may determine that the condition for reporting the first message is met. In some implementations, if the number of consecutive receptions of the second message exceeds the second number threshold and the first message does not respond to either of them, the A-IoT device 201 may determine that the condition for reporting the first message is met. In some implementations, if the second message is received for the first time, the A-IoT device 201 may determine that the condition for reporting the first message is met. In some implementations, if the second message is received for the first time (e.g., the first reception since the feature was enabled or the first reception in the current node), the A-IoT device 201 may trigger the reporting of the first message without further evaluation of any conditions for reporting the first message. In some implementations, if the second information is received for the first time (e.g., the first reception since the feature was enabled or the first reception in the current node), the A-IoT device 201 may trigger the reporting of the first information without further evaluation of the conditions for reporting the first information.

[0074] In some implementations, if the number of times second information is received from communication device 202 exceeds a second threshold and no first information is reported, A-IoT device 201 can determine that the condition for reporting the first information is met. In some implementations, if the number of consecutive receptions of second information from communication device 202 exceeds a second threshold and no first information is reported, A-IoT device 201 can determine that the condition for reporting the first information is met. In some implementations, if the second information is received for the first time from communication device 202, A-IoT device 201 can determine that the condition for reporting the first information is met. In some implementations, if the second information is received for the first time from communication device 202, A-IoT device 201 can trigger the reporting of the first information without further evaluation of any conditions for reporting the first information.

[0075] In some implementations, the condition may include enabling the reporting of first information. That is, if the reporting of first information is enabled, the A-IoT device 201 may determine that the condition for reporting the first information is met. In some implementations, if the second information is received for the first time since the reporting of first information was enabled, the A-IoT device 201 may trigger the reporting of the first information. In some implementations, the A-IoT device 201 may begin evaluating the conditions for reporting the first information when the reporting of first information is enabled. In some implementations, if the second information is received for the first time since the reporting of first information was enabled, the A-IoT device 201 may trigger the reporting of the first information without further evaluating any conditions for reporting the first information.

[0076] In some implementations, the condition may include the A-IoT device 201 changing from being outside the coverage area of ​​the communication device 202 to being within the coverage area. In some implementations, if the A-IoT device 201 moves outside the coverage area of ​​the communication device 202 and fails to trigger the reporting of the first information, then when the A-IoT device 201 next returns to the coverage area of ​​the communication device 202, the A-IoT device 201 may determine that the condition for reporting the first information has been met.

[0077] In some implementations, the condition may include the A-IoT device 201 entering a predefined state, such as a predefined connected state (e.g., an idle state) or a predefined registered state. In some implementations, if the A-IoT device 201 enters a predefined connected state or registered state, the A-IoT device 201 may determine that the condition for reporting the first information has been met. In some implementations, the A-IoT device 201 may begin evaluating other conditions upon entering a predefined connected state or registered state.

[0078] In some implementations, the condition may include the completion or cancellation of an event that renders the A-IoT device 201 unavailable. That is, once the event is completed or cancelled, the A-IoT device 201 can determine that the condition for reporting the first information has been met and can initiate a report of the first information to declare its presence. For example, if the A-IoT device 201 recovers from a low-energy state (e.g., current energy storage is above a storage threshold), the A-IoT device 201 can initiate a report of the first information. In another example, if the A-IoT device 201 is fully charged, the A-IoT device 201 can initiate a report of the first information.

[0079] It should be understood that any combination of the above conditions may also be feasible, and this disclosure does not impose any limitation in this regard. For illustrative purposes, combinations will be used... Figure 3B Example evaluation describing the conditions. Figure 3BSchematic diagram 300B illustrating an example evaluation of exemplary conditions in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. For purposes of discussion, it is described in connection with the A-IoT device 201 Figure 3B . Assume both a reference time threshold (designated as Tref) and a reference communication device are used. The tracking information from the nodes is periodic. The periodicity of the tracking information is less than the reference time threshold. For example, the reference time threshold may be an integer multiple of the periodicity of the tracking information.

[0080] As Figure 3B shown, the tracking information may be received from node A for the first time at timing T1. In this case, the A-IoT device 201 may respond to the tracking information and set Tref = T1.

[0081] Continuing to refer to Figure 3B , the tracking information may be received from node A again at timing T2. When the tracking information is received from the same node and T2 - Tref < T0 (where T0 designates a difference threshold), the A-IoT device 201 may not respond to the tracking information at timing T2.

[0082] As Figure 3B shown, the tracking information may be received from node A again at timing T3. When the tracking information is received from the same node and T3 - Tref > T0, the A-IoT device 20 may respond to the tracking information at timing T3 and set Tref = T3.

[0083] Continuing to refer to Figure 3B , the tracking information may be received from node A again at timing T4. When the tracking information is received from the same node and T4 - Tref < T0 (where Tref = T3), the A-IoT device 20 may not respond to the tracking information at timing T4.

[0084] Continuing to refer to Figure 3B , the tracking information may be received from node B for the first time at timing T5. When the tracking information is received from a different node, the A-IoT device 201 may respond to the tracking information at timing T5 and set Tref = T5.

[0085] Continuing to refer to Figure 3B , the tracking information may be received from node B again at timings T6 and T7. When the tracking information is received from the same node and T6 - Tref < T0 and T7 - Tref < T0 (where Tref = T5), the A-IoT device 20 may not respond to the tracking information at timings T6 and T7.

[0086] Referring to Figure 3BThe device can receive tracking information from node B again at time T8. When tracking information is received from the same node and T8-Tref>T0 (where Tref=T5), the A-IoT device 201 can respond to the tracking information at time T8.

[0087] It should be understood that Figure 3B This is merely an example and does not limit this disclosure.

[0088] return Figure 2 After determining that the conditions for reporting the first information are met, the A-IoT device 201 may send or report 230 the first information. In some embodiments, the first information may include the location of the A-IoT device 201. In some embodiments, the first information may include the identifier of the A-IoT device 201. In some embodiments, the first information may include information about the operation of the A-IoT device 201 (e.g., providing sensor data, etc.). In some embodiments, the first information may include information about the duration of unavailability of the A-IoT device 201. In some embodiments, the information about the duration of unavailability may include the length of the unavailability duration. In some embodiments, the information about the duration of unavailability may include the starting point of the unavailability duration. In some embodiments, the information about the duration of unavailability may include an indication that the unavailability duration is caused by a power problem (e.g., remaining power storage is below a power threshold). Alternatively or additionally, the first information may include information about the duration of availability of the A-IoT device 201. In some embodiments, the information about the duration of unavailability may be derived from information about the duration of availability. It should be understood that any combination of the first information described above may also be feasible.

[0089] In some implementations, if the energy state indicates that the energy storage of the A-IoT device 201 is below a storage threshold (also referred to herein as a second storage threshold for convenience), the A-IoT device 201 may include information about the duration of its unavailability in the first information.

[0090] In some implementations, if a set of A-IoT operations will be performed simultaneously with reporting first information, A-IoT device 201 can perform the reporting of the first information and the group of A-IoT operations based on the priority of the first information report and the priority of the group of A-IoT operations. For example, A-IoT device 201 can compare the priority values ​​of the group of A-IoT operations and determine the priority order of the first information report if the first information report has a higher priority value than other operations / commands / data / services. In some implementations, the priority value of the first information report can be assigned by communication device 202. In some implementations, the priority value of the first information report can be indicated in the second information. In some implementations, the priority value of the first information report can be predefined. In some implementations, the priority of the first information report can always be lower than the priority of any operation in the group of A-IoT operations. In this way, the behavior of the A-IoT device when handling multiple A-IoT operations can be specified.

[0091] In some implementations, when reporting the first piece of information, the A-IoT device 201 may start a timer or use a counter. During the operation of the timer, or until the counter exceeds a threshold, the A-IoT device 201 may not perform an evaluation of the condition. Alternatively or additionally, the A-IoT device 201 may not receive the second piece of information during the operation of the timer. In this way, after reporting the first piece of information, the node can be aware of the presence of the A-IoT device. Preventing continuous reporting of the first piece of information can benefit power consumption.

[0092] In some implementations, A-IoT device 201 can determine whether second information is received from multiple communication devices within a time period (denoted as T). For example, upon first detection of first information from node A, A-IoT device 201 can extend the monitoring period T. Among all first information received within this time period T, A-IoT device 201 can decide whether to respond or which first information to respond to. In some implementations, A-IoT device 201 can receive second information from multiple communication devices according to a time window. Therefore, second information from multiple communication devices is considered to have been received at the same time. In this case, A-IoT device 201 can identify at least a portion of the multiple communication devices and send the first information to that at least a portion of the multiple communication devices.

[0093] In some implementations, A-IoT device 201 may determine at least a portion of the multiple communication devices based on a list of communication devices (e.g., a pre-configured list of nodes). For example, A-IoT device 201 may select one or more communication devices from the list of multiple communication devices. In some implementations, A-IoT device 201 may determine at least a portion of the multiple communication devices based on measured signal strength or quality or path loss from second information from the multiple communication devices. For example, A-IoT device 201 may perform a sorting of all the multiple communication devices and respond to the top N communication devices. In this way, the A-IoT device can provide information about nearby nodes.

[0094] Continue to refer to Figure 2 Upon receiving first information reported by A-IoT device 201, communication device 202 can manage a group of A-IoT devices, including A-IoT device 201, based on the first information. In other words, A-IoT devices can be grouped, and more than one A-IoT device can be associated with the same group or group ID. Presence management can be performed for this group (i.e., this group of A-IoT devices). In some implementations, this group of A-IoT devices may include only A-IoT device 201.

[0095] In some implementations, communication device 202 may maintain information about the presence, availability, or reachability of the group of A-IoT devices (also referred to herein as third information for convenience). The third information is determined based on the first information. In some implementations, communication device 202 may update the third information of the group of A-IoT devices based on reports of the first information from the A-IoT devices in the group. In some implementations, communication device 202 may update the third information of the group of A-IoT devices based on information provided by other nodes (e.g., per-A-IoT device management at node 1 or per-group management at node 2).

[0096] refer to Figure 2In some implementations, upon receiving the first information, communication device 202 may start or restart timer 241 for the group of A-IoT devices (also referred to herein as the first timer or presence timer). In some implementations, the timer may be started based on a value (e.g., a difference threshold) determined by conditions used to report the first information. In some implementations where communication device 202 is a CN node (e.g., AMF) and communication device 203 is a RAN node, if communication device 202 receives from communication device 203 the elapsed time since the first information was reported by A-IoT device 201, or if A-IoT device 201 enters a predefined state such as a predefined connected state or a predefined registered state, communication device 202 may derive a timer value based on the elapsed time received from communication device 203 and a value (e.g., a difference threshold) determined by conditions used to report the first information. In some implementations, the timer may be started by a value longer than the difference threshold.

[0097] Continue to refer to Figure 2 If the reporting of the first information is disabled (e.g., the tracking function of A-IoT device 201 is disabled) or A-IoT device 201 leaves a predefined connected or registered state, communication device 202 may stop timer 242. In some implementations, if the first timer expires, communication device 202 may determine that the group of A-IoT devices does not exist or is unreachable.

[0098] In some implementations, communication device 202 may use a flag to indicate whether the group of A-IoT devices is reachable for mobile-terminated services (i.e., services initiated via paging). Upon the expiration of the first timer, communication device 202 may set a flag to indicate that the group of A-IoT devices is unreachable. Therefore, paging may not be triggered for the group of A-IoT devices. Communication device 202 may refuse any requests to deliver downlink / forwardlink signaling or data to the group of A-IoT devices.

[0099] Continue to refer to Figure 2 In some implementations, if the first timer expires, the communication device 202 may start an additional timer (also referred to herein as a second timer or deregistration timer). The communication device 202 may send second information 244 a predetermined number of times within a time period during the operation of the second timer. In other words, additional second information may be provided to the A-IoT device 201. For example, the second information may be provided more frequently (e.g., with shorter periods). In this way, a higher probability and less latency in detecting the presence of the A-IoT device can be achieved.

[0100] Continue to refer to Figure 2Communication device 202 may receive first information 245 during the operation of the second timer. In this case, communication device 202 may stop 246 the second timer. In some embodiments, the value of the second timer may be greater than the value of the first timer. Alternatively, the value of the second timer may be less than or equal to the value of the first timer. In some embodiments, if the second timer expires before A-IoT device 201 contacts the network, communication device 202 may deregister A-IoT device 201 247.

[0101] In some implementations, if the communication device 202 stops the second timer and receives the first information, the communication device 202 may consider the A-IoT device 201 to be reachable.

[0102] In this way, setting a timer can prevent nodes from immediately unregistering A-IoT devices if the nodes may not know how long the A-IoT devices need to remain unreachable.

[0103] In some implementations, user consent, authorization, or authentication information for A-IoT device tracking may be stored on the network side (e.g., A-IoT server 150) and may be further provided to the management node (i.e., communication device 202). If A-IoT device tracking is permitted or enabled by user consent, authorization, or authentication information, the management node may only perform A-IoT device tracking.

[0104] In some implementations, if the first information includes information about the duration of unavailability of A-IoT device 201, then the communication device 202 may store the information about the duration of unavailability. In some implementations, if the first information includes information about the duration of unavailability of A-IoT device 201, then the communication device 202 may determine that the group of A-IoT devices including A-IoT device 201 is unreachable during the duration of unavailability. In some implementations, the communication device 202 may be unable to reach the group of A-IoT devices during the duration of unavailability (e.g., to transmit commands or trigger a paging process) or may not be able to reach the group of A-IoT devices until one of the A-IoT devices in the group indicates that it is leaving the unavailability state.

[0105] In some implementations, communication device 202 may determine that the group of A-IoT devices is reachable if the unavailability duration of A-IoT device 201 ends. In some implementations, communication device 202 may start a timer with the value of the unavailability duration upon receiving information about the unavailability duration of A-IoT device 201, and consider the group of A-IoT devices to be reachable when the timer expires.

[0106] In some implementations, if the communication device 202 receives another first message indicating that an event has been completed or canceled in the A-IoT device 201 that renders the A-IoT device 201 unavailable, the communication device 202 may consider the group of A-IoT devices to be reachable.

[0107] In some implementations, the communication device 202 may send an indication to each A-IoT device in the group of A-IoT devices (e.g., each A-IoT device) regarding whether the A-IoT device needs to initiate a report of first information at the end of the A-IoT device's unavailability duration.

[0108] In some implementations, if information about an unavailability duration (also referred to herein as an additional unavailability duration) is received during the initial access or registration of A-IoT device 201 (e.g., during a request for conditions to report first information), communication device 202 may determine the conditions for the group of A-IoT devices to report the first information based on the information about the additional unavailability duration. For example, communication device 202 may provide a difference threshold longer than or equal to a combination of the length of the unavailability duration and the start point of the unavailability duration to avoid interfering with A-IoT device 201 processing events that cause unavailability.

[0109] For illustration, an example of presence management will be described below. Assume one or more A-IoT devices are detected. If one or more A-IoT devices are not included in the list of present A-IoT devices, communication device 202 may include a group of interested A-IoT devices in the list. If one or more A-IoT devices are included in the list, communication device 202 may restart the A-IoT device presence timer. If one or more A-IoT devices indicate cancellation of the first information report, communication device 202 may stop the A-IoT device presence timer and remove the A-IoT device from the list. If one or more A-IoT devices indicate an unavailability duration, communication device 202 may stop the A-IoT device presence timer and start an unavailability duration timer with a value equal to the length of that unavailability duration. When the A-IoT device presence timer expires, communication device 202 may remove the A-IoT device from the list. When the unavailability duration timer expires, communication device 202 may restart the A-IoT device presence timer (e.g., with a shorter value than the normal A-IoT device presence timer).

[0110] The following describes an example of group management. Assume one or more A-IoT devices are detected. If a group ID indicated by one or more A-IoT devices is not included in the list of existing A-IoT device groups, communication device 202 may include that group ID in the list. For each group, a group presence timer may be started. If a group ID indicated by one or more A-IoT devices is not included in the list of existing A-IoT device groups, communication device 202 may restart the group presence timer for that group. If one or more A-IoT devices indicate that the first information report for the group has been cancelled, communication device 202 may stop the group presence timer and remove the group ID from the list of existing A-IoT device groups. If one or more A-IoT devices indicate an unavailability duration for the group, communication device 202 may stop the group presence timer and start an unavailability duration timer with the length of that unavailability duration. When the A-IoT device presence timer expires, communication device 202 may remove the group ID from the list of existing A-IoT device groups. When the unavailability duration timer expires, the communication device 202 may restart the group presence timer (e.g., with a shorter value than the normal group presence timer).

[0111] Continue to refer to Figure 2 In some embodiments, communication device 203 may send a request 248 to communication device 202 for information regarding the presence, availability, or reachability of the group of A-IoT devices (also referred to herein as third information). In some embodiments, communication device 203 may be A-IoT server 150, and communication device 202 may be CN device 140. In some embodiments, communication device 203 may be CN device 140, and communication device 202 may be RAN device 120. In some embodiments, communication device 203 may be either CN device 140 or RAN device 120, and communication device 202 may be terminal device 110.

[0112] In some implementations, a request for third information may direct to a group of A-IoT devices of interest. In some implementations, a request for third information may include a set of A-IoT device IDs. In some implementations, the A-IoT device IDs can uniquely identify A-IoT devices via an NG interface within the RAN node. In some implementations, the A-IoT device IDs can uniquely identify A-IoT devices via an NG interface. In some implementations, if the A-IoT devices are already grouped, the request for third information may include the group ID of that A-IoT device group.

[0113] In some implementations, a request for third information may indicate a set of regions of interest. In some implementations, a request for third information may include a set of IDs for a list of nodes of interest. In some implementations, a request for third information may include a set of IDs for nodes of interest. In some implementations, a request for third information may include a set of geographic regions of interest. Communication device 202 may collect first information about those lists of nodes of interest, nodes of interest, or geographic regions of interest. Based on the first information, communication device 202 may determine the location information of the A-IoT device and determine whether the A-IoT device is in the geographic region of interest.

[0114] In some implementations, a request for third information may indicate the type of reporting for first information. In some implementations, a request for third information may indicate an presence report. In some implementations, a request for third information may indicate reporting a group of existing A-IoT devices. In some implementations, a request for third information may indicate reporting upon a change in serving cell (i.e., requesting communication device 202 to report upon detecting the initial presence of a group of A-IoT devices under the node). In some implementations, a request for third information may indicate reporting the presence of A-IoT devices in a region of interest (i.e., a region of interest may be configured for communication device 202). In some implementations, a request for third information may indicate whether the number of existing A-IoT devices reported exceeds a quantity threshold (i.e., a quantity threshold may be configured for communication device 202). In some implementations, a request for third information may indicate whether the number of existing A-IoT devices in a group of A-IoT devices reported exceeds a quantity threshold. In some implementations, a request for third information may indicate periodically reporting all existing A-IoT devices (i.e., periodicity may be configured for communication device 202). In some implementations, a request for third information may indicate periodically reporting the presence of A-IoT devices in a region of interest.

[0115] In some implementations, a request for third-party information may instruct an unreachable or missing report. In some implementations, a request for third-party information may instruct the reporting of a group of unreachable A-IoT devices. In some implementations, a request for third-party information may instruct the reporting of a group of unreachable A-IoT devices in an area of ​​interest (i.e., the area of ​​interest may be configured for communication device 202). In some implementations, a request for third-party information may instruct the periodic reporting of a group of unreachable A-IoT devices. In some implementations, a request for third-party information may instruct the periodic reporting of a group of unreachable A-IoT devices in an area of ​​interest (i.e., periodic reporting may be configured for communication device 202).

[0116] In some implementations, a request for third information may instruct the initiation, cessation, or cancellation of at least one of the presence report or unreachable or disappearance report as described above. It should be understood that a request for third information may include any combination of the aforementioned information.

[0117] Continue to refer to Figure 2 In some implementations, communication device 202 may send or report to communication device 203 information about the group of A-IoT devices, or third information associated with the group of A-IoT devices, or both. In some implementations, communication device 202 may report third information to communication device 203 as a response to a request for third information from communication device 203. In some implementations, communication device 202 may periodically report third information to communication device 203 without a request from communication device 203. In some implementations, upon receiving a request from communication device 203, communication device 202 may send second information to A-IoT device 201 to collect first information.

[0118] In some implementations, communication device 203 may update the maintained third information based on reports from communication device 202. In some implementations, communication device 203 may forward the third information to another communication device, such as A-IoT server 150.

[0119] For illustration, an example of group management will be described below. Figure 3C A schematic diagram 300C illustrating an example group management of A-IoT devices according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown. In this example, node 1 and node 2 are shown as a RAN device and a CN device, respectively. It should be understood that this is merely an example, and node 1 and node 2 can be any suitable management node including terminal devices, RAN devices, and CN devices.

[0120] like Figure 3C As shown, Node 2 can provide Node 1 with information about the grouping of A-IoT devices. In some implementations, the information about the grouping of A-IoT devices may include at least one of the following: the number of groups, the group ID of each group, the grouping criteria, or information about the A-IoT devices in each group. Node 1 can use the grouping information to determine the members in each group. Alternatively, Node 1 can provide Node 2 with the information about the grouping of A-IoT devices, and Node 2 can use the grouping information to determine the members in each group. Node 1 can provide Node 2 with third information about each group based on reports from A-IoT devices belonging to the corresponding group. In this way, group-based accessibility management can be achieved.

[0121] To date, the accessibility management of A-IoT devices can be described. Based on the presence reports of A-IoT devices, management nodes can generate A-IoT device presence trajectories and provide them to the core network or further to the A-IoT server for A-IoT device management. Management nodes can further request other data based on the presence reports, for example, for health monitoring of the elderly.

[0122] It should be understood that the operations described in procedure 200 can be performed individually or in any suitable combination. This disclosure does not impose any limitations in this regard.

[0123] Example implementation of the method Corresponding to the above process, embodiments of this disclosure provide methods for communication implemented at A-IoT devices and communication devices. The communication device may be a terminal device, a RAN device, or a CN device. These methods will be referenced below. Figures 4 to 5 Describe it.

[0124] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating an example method 400 for communication implemented at an A-IoT device according to some embodiments of this disclosure is provided. For discussion purposes, reference will be made below to... Figure 1 and Figure 2 Method 400 is described below. It should be understood that method 400 may include additional boxes not shown and / or some boxes shown in the figures may be omitted, and the scope of this disclosure is not limited in this respect.

[0125] At box 410, A-IoT device 201 (e.g., A-IoT device 130) determines that the conditions for reporting the first information of the presence, availability, or accessibility of A-IoT device 201 are met.

[0126] In some implementations, the A-IoT device 201 may receive second information associated with the report of the first information and determine, based on the second information, that a condition has been met. In some implementations, the A-IoT device 201 may receive the second information via signaling dedicated to the second information. In some implementations, the A-IoT device 201 may receive the second information via signaling for energy harvesting.

[0127] In some implementations, the second information may include at least one of the following: time-domain information associated with the second information; information to start or stop reporting of the first information; information to add or modify conditions; information of the communication device 202; or beam or time information associated with a geographic area.

[0128] In some implementations, the time-domain information may include at least one of the following: a timestamp; or an index of a time unit. In some implementations, the information of the communication device 202 may include at least one of the following: an identifier of the communication device 202; or the type of the communication device 202.

[0129] In some implementations, the conditions may include at least one of the following: the difference between the time-domain information and the reference time-domain information is greater than a difference threshold; the communication device is in a first list of communication devices; the communication device is different from the reference communication device; the communication device is not in a second list of communication devices; the type of the communication device is different from the type of the reference communication device; the received signal strength of the second information is greater than a strength threshold; the energy state indicator of the A-IoT device is greater than a first storage threshold; the number of times the second information is received is greater than a first number threshold; the number of times the second information is received is greater than a second number threshold and the first information is not reported; the second information is received for the first time; the reporting of the first information is enabled; the A-IoT device changes from being outside the coverage area of ​​the communication device to being within the coverage area; the A-IoT device enters a predefined connection state or registration state; or an event that makes the A-IoT device unavailable is completed or canceled.

[0130] In some implementations, if first information is reported, A-IoT device 201 may update the reference time domain information based on the time domain information included in the second information. In some implementations, if first information is reported, A-IoT device 201 may update the reference time domain information based on the reporting time of the first information. In some implementations, if information indicating that adding or modifying conditions will reset the reference time domain information, A-IoT device 201 may update the reference time domain information based on predetermined time domain information or time domain information indicated by the second information.

[0131] In some implementations, if first information is reported, A-IoT device 201 may update the reference communication device based on the communication device associated with the report of the first information. In some implementations, if information indicating that adding or modifying conditions will reset the reference communication device, A-IoT device 201 may update the reference communication device based on a predetermined communication device or a communication device indicated by second information.

[0132] At box 420, A-IoT device 201 reports first information to communication device 202. In some embodiments, the communication device may be a terminal device (e.g., terminal device 110 or 111). In some embodiments, the communication device may be a RAN device (e.g., RAN device 120). In some embodiments, the communication device may be a CN device (e.g., CN device 140).

[0133] In some implementations where the second information includes beam or time information associated with a geographic area, the A-IoT device 201 may enable the beam or time information associated with that geographic area to be included in the first information.

[0134] In some implementations, if a set of A-IoT operations will be performed at the same time as reporting the first information, the A-IoT device 201 may perform the reporting of the first information and the set of A-IoT operations based on the priority of the reporting of the first information and the priority of the set of A-IoT operations.

[0135] In some implementations, if the energy state indicates that the energy storage of the A-IoT device is below a second storage threshold, the A-IoT device 201 may include information about the duration of the A-IoT device's unavailability in the first information.

[0136] In some implementations, when determining that second information has been received from multiple communication devices within a time period, A-IoT device 201 may determine at least a portion of the multiple communication devices based on at least one of the following: a list of communication devices, or a measured signal strength of the second information from the multiple communication devices. A-IoT device 201 may then send first information to that at least portion of the multiple communication devices.

[0137] In some implementations, if the first information is reported, the A-IoT device 201 may start a timer and not perform an evaluation of the conditions or receive the second information during the operation of the timer.

[0138] In some implementations, the first information may include at least one of the following: the location of the A-IoT device; the identifier of the A-IoT device; information on the operation of the A-IoT device; or information on the duration of unavailability or availability of the A-IoT device.

[0139] Using method 400, information about the presence, availability, or accessibility of A-IoT devices can be reported to the management node, and accessibility management of A-IoT devices can be facilitated.

[0140] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating an example method 500 of communication implemented at a communication device according to some embodiments of this disclosure is provided. For discussion purposes, reference will be made below to... Figure 1 and Figure 2 Method 500 is described below. It should be understood that method 500 may include additional boxes not shown and / or some boxes shown in the figures may be omitted, and the scope of this disclosure is not limited in this respect.

[0141] At block 510, communication device 202 (e.g., terminal device 110 or 111, RAN device 120, or CN device 140) receives first information regarding the presence, availability, or reachability of A-IoT device 201 reported by A-IoT device 201. In some embodiments, the first information may include at least one of the following: the location of A-IoT device 201; the identification of A-IoT device 201; information regarding the operation of A-IoT device 201; or information regarding the duration of unavailability or availability of A-IoT device 201.

[0142] At box 520, communication device 202 manages a group of A-IoT devices, including A-IoT device 201, based on first information.

[0143] In some implementations, communication device 202 may receive a request for third information regarding the presence, availability, or reachability of the group of A-IoT devices from another communication device (e.g., communication device 203). In some implementations, the request may indicate at least one of the following: a group of A-IoT devices of interest; a group of areas of interest; or the type of report for the first information.

[0144] In some implementations, communication device 202 may send second information associated with the report of the first information to A-IoT device 201. In some implementations, communication device 202 may send the second information via signaling dedicated to the second information. In some implementations, communication device 202 may send the second information via signaling for energy harvesting. In some implementations, communication device 202 may enable the transmission of the second information via signaling for energy harvesting.

[0145] In some embodiments, the second information may include at least one of the following: time-domain information associated with the second information; information to start or stop reporting of the first information; information to add or modify conditions; information about the communication device 202; or beam or time information associated with a geographic area. In some embodiments, the time-domain information may include at least one of the following: a timestamp; or an index of a time unit. In some embodiments, the information about the communication device 202 may include at least one of the following: an identifier for the communication device 202; or the type of the communication device 202.

[0146] In some implementations, communication device 202 may send at least one of the information of the group of A-IoT devices or third information associated with the group of A-IoT devices to another communication device.

[0147] In some implementations, if a first message is received, the communication device 202 may start or restart a first timer for the group of A-IoT devices. In some implementations, if reporting of the first message is disabled or one of the A-IoT devices in the group leaves a predefined connection or registration state, the communication device 202 may stop the first timer. In some implementations, if the first timer expires, the communication device 202 may determine that the group of A-IoT devices is unreachable. In some implementations, if the first timer expires, the communication device 202 may start a second timer. In some implementations, if the second timer is running, the communication device 202 may send the second message associated with the reporting of the first message a predetermined number of times within a time period. In some implementations, if the first message is received during the operation of the second timer, the communication device 202 may stop the second timer.

[0148] In some implementations, if the first information includes information about the duration of unavailability of A-IoT device 201, then communication device 202 may store the unavailability duration information. In some implementations, if the first information includes information about the duration of unavailability of A-IoT devices, then communication device 202 may determine that the group of A-IoT devices is unreachable during the unavailability duration. In some implementations, if the unavailability duration of A-IoT devices ends, then communication device 202 may determine that the group of A-IoT devices is reachable.

[0149] In some implementations, the communication device 202 may send an instruction to one of the A-IoT devices in the group of A-IoT devices, indicating whether the A-IoT device needs to initiate a report of first information at the end of the A-IoT device's unavailability duration.

[0150] In some implementations, if information about an additional unavailability duration is received during the initial access or registration of A-IoT device 201, communication device 202 may determine the conditions for the group of A-IoT devices to report the first information based on the information about the additional unavailability duration.

[0151] In some implementations, the communication device 202 may receive a request from the A-IoT device 201 for conditions for reporting first information. In some implementations, the communication device 202 may determine the conditions for reporting first information based at least on the request; and send the conditions for reporting first information to the A-IoT device 201.

[0152] Using method 500, accessibility management of A-IoT devices can be achieved based on reports of the presence, availability, or accessibility of the A-IoT device from the A-IoT device itself.

[0153] It should be understood that the operations of methods 400 and 500 correspond to the reference. Figures 2 to 3C The operations described are so brief that no further details will be repeated here.

[0154] Example Implementation of the Device Figure 6 This is a simplified block diagram of device 600 suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure. Device 600 can be considered as follows: Figure 1 Further examples of the terminal device 110 or 111, RAN device 120, or CN device 140 shown are specifically implemented. Therefore, device 600 may be implemented or at least a portion thereof at terminal device 110 or 111, RAN device 120, or CN device 140.

[0155] As shown in the figure, device 600 includes a processor 610, a memory 620 coupled to the processor 610, a suitable transceiver 640 coupled to the processor 610, and a communication interface coupled to the transceiver 640. The memory 610 stores at least a portion of a program 630. Depending on the requirements, the transceiver 640 can be used for bidirectional or unidirectional communication. The transceiver 640 may include at least one of a transmitter 642 or a receiver 644. The transmitter 642 and receiver 644 may be functional modules or physical entities. The transceiver 640 has at least one antenna to facilitate communication; however, in practice, the access node mentioned in this application may have several antennas. The communication interface can represent any interface necessary for communication with other network elements, such as the X2 / Xn interface for bidirectional communication between eNBs / gNBs, the S1 / NG interface for communication between the Mobility Management Entity (MME) / Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) / SGW / UPF and eNBs / gNBs, the Un interface for communication between eNBs / gNBs and relay nodes (RNs), or the Uu interface for communication between eNBs / gNBs and terminal equipment.

[0156] Assume that program 630 includes program instructions that, when executed by the associated processor 610, enable device 600 to operate according to embodiments of this disclosure, as referenced herein. Figures 1 to 5The embodiments discussed herein may be implemented by computer software executable by processor 610 of device 600, or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. Processor 610 may be configured to implement various embodiments of this disclosure. Furthermore, a combination of processor 610 and memory 620 may form a processing unit 650 suitable for implementing various embodiments of this disclosure.

[0157] Memory 620 can be of any type suitable for a local technology network and can be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as, as non-limiting examples, non-transitory computer-readable storage media, semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory, and removable memory. Although only one memory 620 is shown in device 600, several physically different memory modules may exist in device 600. Processor 610 can be of any type suitable for a local technology network and may include one or more of the following: as non-limiting examples, general-purpose computers, special-purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), and processors based on multi-core processor architectures. Device 600 may have multiple processors, such as application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chips, which are time-dependent on a clock that synchronizes the main processor.

[0158] In some implementations, the A-IoT device includes circuitry configured to: determine that conditions for reporting first information about the presence, availability, or accessibility of the A-IoT device are met; and report the first information to a communication device.

[0159] In some implementations, the communication device includes a circuit configured to: receive first information about the presence, availability, or accessibility of the A-IoT device reported by the A-IoT device; and manage a group of A-IoT devices including the A-IoT device based on the first information.

[0160] As used herein, the term "circuit" can refer to hardware circuitry and / or a combination of hardware circuitry and software. For example, a circuit can be a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuitry with software / firmware. As another example, a circuit can be any part of a hardware processor with software, including digital signal processors, software, and memory, which work together to enable a device (such as a terminal device or network device) to perform various functions. In yet another example, a circuit can be hardware circuitry and / or a processor (such as a microprocessor or a portion thereof) that requires software / firmware to operate, but which may be absent when operation is not required. As used herein, the term "circuit" also encompasses a specific implementation of hardware circuitry or a processor alone, or a portion thereof, and its accompanying software and / or firmware.

[0161] In summary, the implementation schemes disclosed herein provide the following solutions.

[0162] In one solution, the A-IoT device includes a processor configured to cause the A-IoT device to: determine that conditions for reporting first information about the presence, availability, or accessibility of the A-IoT device are met; and report the first information to a communication device.

[0163] In some implementations, the A-IoT device determines that a condition is met by receiving second information associated with a report of first information; and by determining that the condition is met based on the second information.

[0164] In some implementations, the second information includes at least one of the following: time-domain information associated with the second information; information to start or stop reporting of the first information; information to add or modify conditions; information about communication devices; or beam or time information associated with a geographical area.

[0165] In some implementations, the time-domain information includes at least one of the following: a timestamp; or an index of a time unit. In some implementations, the information of the communication device includes at least one of the following: an identifier of the communication device; or the type of the communication device.

[0166] In some implementations, the conditions include at least one of the following: the difference between the time-domain information and the reference time-domain information is greater than a difference threshold; the communication device is in a first list of communication devices; the communication device is different from the reference communication device; the communication device is not in a second list of communication devices; the type of the communication device is different from the type of the reference communication device; the received signal strength of the second information is greater than a strength threshold; the energy state indicator of the A-IoT device is greater than a first storage threshold; the number of times the second information is received is greater than a first number threshold; the number of times the second information is received is greater than a second number threshold and the first information is not reported; the second information is received for the first time; the reporting of the first information is enabled; the A-IoT device changes from being outside the coverage area of ​​the communication device to being within the coverage area; the A-IoT device enters a predefined connection state or registration state; or an event that makes the A-IoT device unavailable is completed or canceled.

[0167] In some implementations, the A-IoT device is further caused to perform at least one of the following: update reference time domain information based on time domain information included in the second information, based on the determination that the first information has been reported; update reference time domain information based on the reporting time of the first information, based on the determination that the first information has been reported; update reference communication device based on the communication device associated with the reporting of the first information, based on the determination that the first information has been reported; update reference time domain information based on predetermined time domain information or time domain information indicated by the second information, based on the determination that the information indicating the addition or modification of conditions will reset the reference time domain information; or update reference communication device based on the determination that the information indicating the addition or modification of conditions will reset the reference communication device, based on the predetermined communication device or communication device indicated by the second information.

[0168] In some implementations, A-IoT devices receive the second information by: receiving the second information via signaling dedicated to the second information; or receiving the second information via signaling for energy harvesting.

[0169] In some implementations, the second information includes beam or time information associated with a geographic area, and the A-IoT device reports the first information such that the beam or time information associated with the geographic area is included in the first information.

[0170] In some implementations, the A-IoT device reports first information by: performing a set of A-IoT operations based on the priority of the first information report and the priority of the set of A-IoT operations, depending on whether a set of A-IoT operations will be performed at the same time as the first information is reported; or by including information on the duration of the A-IoT device’s unavailability in the first information, depending on whether an energy state indicates that the A-IoT device’s energy storage is below a second storage threshold.

[0171] In some implementations, the A-IoT device is further configured to: start a timer upon determining that the first information has been reported; and not perform an evaluation of the conditions or receive the second information during the operation of the timer.

[0172] In some implementations, an A-IoT device reports first information by: determining that second information has been received from multiple communication devices within a time period; determining at least a portion of the multiple communication devices based on at least one of the following: a list of communication devices, or a measured signal strength of the second information from the multiple communication devices; and sending the first information to the at least a portion of the multiple communication devices.

[0173] In some implementations, the first information includes at least one of the following: the location of the A-IoT device; the identifier of the A-IoT device; information on the operation of the A-IoT device; or information on the duration of unavailability or availability of the A-IoT device.

[0174] In some implementations, the communication equipment includes at least one of the following: terminal equipment; radio access network equipment; core network equipment.

[0175] In another solution, the communication device includes a processor configured to: receive first information about the presence, availability, or accessibility of the A-IoT device reported by the A-IoT device; and manage a group of A-IoT devices including the A-IoT device based on the first information.

[0176] In some implementations, the communication device is further caused to perform at least one of the following: send second information associated with the report of the first information to the A-IoT device; receive a request from another communication device for third information regarding the presence, availability, or accessibility of the group of A-IoT devices; or send at least one of the information of the group of A-IoT devices or the third information associated with the group of A-IoT devices to another communication device.

[0177] In some implementations, the communication device transmits the second information by: transmitting the second information via signaling dedicated to the second information; or transmitting the second information via signaling for energy harvesting.

[0178] In some implementations, the request indicates at least one of the following: a set of A-IoT devices of interest; a set of areas of interest; or the type of first information report.

[0179] In some implementations, the communication device manages the group of A-IoT devices by at least one of the following: starting or restarting a first timer for the group of A-IoT devices based on determining that a first message has been received; stopping the first timer based on determining that the report of the first message has been disabled or that one of the A-IoT devices in the group has left a predefined connection state or registration state; determining that the group of A-IoT devices is unreachable based on determining that the first timer has expired; starting a second timer based on determining that the first timer has expired; sending a second message associated with the report of the first message a predetermined number of times within a time period based on determining that the second timer is running; or stopping the second timer based on determining that the first message has been received during the operation of the second timer.

[0180] In some implementations, the second information includes at least one of the following: time-domain information associated with the second information; information to start or stop reporting of the first information; information to add or modify the conditions for reporting the first information; information about the communication device; or beam or time information associated with a geographic area.

[0181] In some implementations, the time-domain information includes at least one of the following: a timestamp; or an index of a time unit. In some implementations, the information of the communication device includes at least one of the following: an identifier of the communication device; or the type of the communication device.

[0182] In some implementations, the communication device further enables the following: receiving from the A-IoT device a request for conditions for reporting first information; determining, at least based on the request, the conditions for reporting first information; and sending the conditions for reporting first information to the A-IoT device.

[0183] In some implementations, the first information includes at least one of the following: the location of the A-IoT device; the identifier of the A-IoT device; information on the operation of the A-IoT device; or information on the duration of unavailability or availability of the A-IoT device.

[0184] In some implementations, the communication device manages the group of A-IoT devices by at least one of the following: storing information about the duration of unavailability based on information determining that the first information includes the duration of unavailability of the A-IoT devices; determining that the group of A-IoT devices is unreachable during the duration of unavailability based on information determining that the first information includes the duration of unavailability of the A-IoT devices; determining that the group of A-IoT devices is reachable based on information determining that the duration of unavailability of the A-IoT devices has ended; sending an instruction to the A-IoT devices in the group of A-IoT devices on whether the A-IoT device needs to initiate a report of the first information at the end of the duration of unavailability of the A-IoT device; or determining conditions for the group of A-IoT devices to report the first information based on information about another duration of unavailability received during the initial access or registration of the A-IoT devices.

[0185] In some implementations, the communication equipment includes at least one of the following: terminal equipment; radio access network equipment; core network equipment.

[0186] Generally, various embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented in hardware or special-purpose circuitry, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects can be implemented in hardware, while others can be implemented in firmware or software executable by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device. Although various aspects of embodiments of this disclosure are illustrated and described using block diagrams, flowcharts, or other illustrations, it should be understood that, as non-limiting examples, the blocks, apparatuses, systems, techniques, or methods described herein can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, special-purpose circuitry or logic, general-purpose hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or any combination thereof.

[0187] This disclosure also provides at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The computer program product includes computer-executable instructions (such as those included in program modules) that execute on a target real or virtual processor in a device to perform the functions described above. Figures 1 to 5 The described process or method. Generally, a program module includes routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc., that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. The functionality of a program module can be combined in various implementation schemes or split among program modules as needed. The machine-executable instructions used for a program module can be executed on a local or distributed device. In a distributed device, a program module can reside on both local and remote storage media.

[0188] Program code used to perform the methods of this disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. This program code may be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus, such that, when executed by the processor or controller, the program code causes the functions / operations specified in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams to be implemented. The program code may be executed entirely on a machine, partially on a machine, as a stand-alone software package, partially on a machine and partially on a remote machine, or entirely on a remote machine or server.

[0189] The aforementioned program code may be embodied on a machine-readable medium, which may be any tangible medium containing or storing a program used by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. A machine-readable medium may be a machine-readable signal medium or a machine-readable storage medium. Machine-readable media may include, but are not limited to, electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, apparatus, or devices, or any suitable combination thereof. More specific examples of machine-readable storage media will include electrical connections having one or more wires, portable computer disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fibers, portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0190] Furthermore, although the operations are described in a specific order, this should not be construed as requiring such operations to be performed in the specific order shown or in sequential order, or to perform all the illustrated operations to achieve the desired result. In some environments, multitasking and parallel processing can be advantageous. While several specific implementation details are included in the foregoing discussion, these details should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments. Certain features described in the context of individual embodiments may also be implemented in a single embodiment in combination. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented individually or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple embodiments.

[0191] Although this disclosure has been described using language specific to structural features and / or methodological actions, it should be understood that the disclosure as defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. Rather, the specific features and actions described above are disclosed as examples of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. An ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT) device, said A-IoT device comprising: A processor, the processor being configured to cause the A-IoT device to: The conditions for determining the first information used to report the presence, availability, or accessibility of the A-IoT device are met; and Report the first information to the communication device, wherein the first information includes at least one of the following: The location of the A-IoT device; The identifier of the A-IoT device; Information on the operation of the A-IoT device; or Information on the duration of unavailability or availability of the A-IoT device.

2. The A-IoT device of claim 1, wherein the A-IoT device determines that the condition is satisfied by: Receive second information associated with the report of the first information; and Based on the second information, it is determined that the condition is satisfied.

3. The A-IoT device according to claim 2, wherein the second information includes at least one of the following: Temporal information associated with the second information; The information to start or stop the report of the first information; Add or modify information about the conditions; Information about the communication device; or Beam or time information associated with a geographic region.

4. The A-IoT device according to claim 3, wherein the time-domain information includes at least one of the following: a timestamp; or an index of a time unit; or The information of the communication device includes at least one of the following: the identifier of the communication device; or the type of the communication device.

5. The A-IoT device according to claim 3, wherein the condition includes at least one of the following: The difference between the time-domain information and the reference time-domain information is higher than the difference threshold; The communication device is in the first list of communication devices; The communication device is different from the reference communication device; The communication device is not in the second list of communication devices; The type of the communication device is different from the type of the reference communication device; The received signal strength of the second information is higher than the strength threshold; The energy status indicator shows that the energy storage of the A-IoT device is higher than a first storage threshold; The number of times the second information was received exceeded the threshold for the first message; The number of times the second message was received exceeded the threshold for the second message and no first message was reported; The second message is the first one received; Enable the report containing the first information; The A-IoT device changes from being outside the coverage area of ​​the communication device to being within the coverage area; The A-IoT device enters a predefined connection state or registration state; or Complete or cancel events that render the A-IoT device unusable.

6. The A-IoT device of claim 5, further comprising at least one of the following: Based on the confirmed report of the first information, the reference time domain information is updated based on the time domain information included in the second information; Based on the confirmation that the first information was reported, the reference time domain information is updated according to the reporting time of the first information; Based on the determination that the first information has been reported, the reference communication device is updated based on the communication device associated with the report of the first information; The reference time domain information will be reset according to the information indicating that the conditions are added or modified, and the reference time domain information will be updated based on the predetermined time domain information or the time domain information indicated by the second information. or The reference communication device will be reset according to the information indicating that the conditions are added or modified, and the reference communication device will be updated based on a predetermined communication device or the communication device indicated by the second information.

7. The A-IoT device of claim 2, wherein the A-IoT device receives the second information in the following manner: Receive the second information via signaling dedicated to the second information; or The second information is received via signaling used for energy harvesting.

8. The A-IoT device of claim 2, wherein the second information includes beam or time information associated with a geographic area, and wherein the A-IoT device reports the first information in the following manner: This allows the beam or time information associated with the geographic region to be included in the first information.

9. The A-IoT device of claim 2, wherein the A-IoT device reports the first information in the following manner: Based on the determination that a set of A-IoT operations will be performed simultaneously with reporting the first information, the reporting of the first information and the set of A-IoT operations are performed according to the priority of the reporting of the first information and the priority of the set of A-IoT operations; or Information on the duration of unavailability of the A-IoT device is included in the first information, based on the determination of the energy state indicating that the energy storage of the A-IoT device is below a second storage threshold.

10. The A-IoT device of claim 2, further comprising the A-IoT device: Based on the confirmed report of the first information, start the timer; and During the operation of the timer, the conditions are not evaluated or the second information is not received.

11. The A-IoT device of claim 2, wherein the A-IoT device reports the first information in the following manner: It is determined that the second information is received from multiple communication devices within a certain time period; At least a portion of the plurality of communication devices is determined based on at least one of the following: a list of communication devices, or a measured signal strength from the second information of the plurality of communication devices; as well as The first information is sent to at least a portion of the plurality of communication devices.

12. The A-IoT device of claim 1, wherein the communication device comprises at least one of the following: Terminal equipment; Radio access network equipment; or Core network equipment.

13. A communication device, the communication device comprising: Processor, the processor being configured to cause the communication device to: Receive first information about the presence, availability, or accessibility of the A-IoT device reported by the A-IoT device, the first information including at least one of the following: The location of the A-IoT device, The identifier of the A-IoT device, Information on the operation of the A-IoT device, or Information on the duration of unavailability or availability of the A-IoT device; and Based on the first information, manage a group of A-IoT devices, including the A-IoT device.

14. The communication device according to claim 13, further comprising causing the communication device to perform at least one of the following: Send second information associated with the report of the first information to the A-IoT device; Receive a request from another communication device for third information regarding the presence, availability, or reachability of the group of A-IoT devices; or Send to the other communication device at least one of the information of the group of A-IoT devices or the third information associated with the group of A-IoT devices, the third information being determined based on the first information.

15. The communication device of claim 14, wherein the request indicates at least one of the following: A group of A-IoT devices of interest; A set of regions of interest; or The type of report mentioned in the first information.

16. The communication device of claim 13, wherein the communication device manages the group of A-IoT devices by at least one of the following: Based on the confirmation that the first information has been received, start or restart the first timer for the group of A-IoT devices; The first timer is stopped based on the report that determines the first information has been disabled or one of the A-IoT devices in the group leaves the predefined connection state or registration state. Based on the determination that the first timer has expired, it is determined that the group of A-IoT devices is unreachable; Based on the determination that the first timer has expired, the second timer is started; Based on the determination that the second timer is running, the second information associated with the report of the first information is sent a predetermined number of times within a time period; or The second timer is stopped if the first information is received during the operation of the second timer.

17. The communication device according to claim 14 or 16, wherein the second information includes at least one of the following: Temporal information associated with the second information; The information to start or stop the report of the first information; Add or modify information for the conditions used to report the first information; Information about the communication device; or Beam or time information associated with a geographic region.

18. The communication device of claim 17, wherein the time-domain information includes at least one of: a timestamp; or an index of a time unit; or The information of the communication device includes at least one of the following: the identifier of the communication device; or the type of the communication device.

19. The communication device according to claim 13, further comprising the following: Receive a request from the A-IoT device for conditions used to report the first information; The conditions for reporting the first information are determined at least based on the request; and Send the conditions for reporting the first information to the A-IoT device.

20. The communication device of claim 13, wherein the communication device manages the group of A-IoT devices by at least one of the following: Based on the determination that the first information includes the information on the duration of unavailability of the A-IoT device, the information on the duration of unavailability is stored; Based on the information that determines the first information includes the duration of the unavailability of the A-IoT devices, it is determined that the group of A-IoT devices is unreachable during the duration of the unavailability; Based on the determination that the unavailability duration of the A-IoT device has ended, the group of A-IoT devices is determined to be reachable; Send an indication to one of the A-IoT devices in the group of A-IoT devices regarding whether the A-IoT device needs to initiate a report of the first information at the end of the unavailability duration of the A-IoT device; or Based on information indicating that an additional unavailability duration was received during the initial access or registration of the A-IoT device, conditions for the group of A-IoT devices to report the first information are determined based on the information regarding the additional unavailability duration.

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