Method for coverage enhancement for environmental iot devices

Abstract

The implementation described herein includes a coverage enhancement process for environmental Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Environmental IoT devices can receive and transmit data from network nodes. The environmental IoT device can determine the current power level of the harvested energy stored by the environmental IoT device. When the current power level is less than the required transmission power level, the environmental IoT device can perform coverage enhancement manipulations, such as delaying or repeating.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates in general to wireless communication systems, including uplink transmission processes for environmental IoT devices. Background Technology

[0002] Wireless mobile communication technologies use various standards and protocols to transmit data between base stations and wireless communication devices. For example, wireless communication system standards and protocols may include, for instance, 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) (e.g., 4G), 3GPP New Radio (NR) (e.g., 5G), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard for Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) (often referred to as Wi-Fi within the industry organization). ® ).

[0003] As envisioned by 3GPP, different wireless communication system standards and protocols can use various radio access networks (RANs) for communication between RAN base stations (sometimes referred to as RAN nodes, network nodes, or simply nodes) and wireless communication equipment called user equipment (UEs). 3GPP RANs can include, for example, Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Enhanced Data Rate GSM Evolution (EDGE) RAN (GERAN), Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN), and / or Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN).

[0004] Each RAN can use one or more Radio Access Technologies (RATs) to perform communication between the base station and the UE. For example, GERAN implements the GSM and / or EDGE RAT, UTRAN implements the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) RAT or other 3GPP RATs, E-UTRAN implements the LTE RAT (sometimes simply referred to as LTE), and NG-RAN implements the NR RAT (this NR RAT is sometimes referred to herein as the 5G RAT, 5G NR RAT, or simply NR). In some deployments, E-UTRAN may also implement the NR RAT. In some deployments, NG-RAN may also implement the LTE RAT.

[0005] The base stations used by a RAN can correspond to that RAN. An example of an E-UTRAN base station is an Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) Node B (also commonly referred to as Evolved Node B, Enhanced Node B, eNodeB, or eNB). An example of an NG-RAN base station is a Next Generation Node B (sometimes also called gNode B or gNB).

[0006] The RAN provides communication services to external entities through its connection with the core network (CN). For example, E-UTRAN can utilize the evolved packet core (EPC), while NG-RAN can utilize the 5G core network (5GC). Attached Figure Description

[0007] To facilitate the identification of any particular element or action in the discussion, one or more of the most significant digits in the figure reference numerals refer to the figure number in which the element was first introduced.

[0008] Figure 1 A table illustrating design goals for a set of example IoT device types based on some implementation schemes is provided.

[0009] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating a method for using delayed uplink transmission for environmental IoT devices according to some implementation schemes is provided.

[0010] Figure 3 An example is given of a transmission timeline for an environment IoT device using delayed PRACH transmission according to some implementation schemes, wherein each associated period has multiple RACH opportunities (ROs).

[0011] Figure 4 An example is given of a transmission timeline for an environment IoT device using delayed PRACH transmission according to some implementation schemes, where each associated time period has a RO.

[0012] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating a method for transmitting repetitions using an uplink for an environmental IoT device, according to some implementation schemes, is provided.

[0013] Figure 6 An example is shown of a recurring transmission timeline of an environmental IoT device using PRACH according to some implementation schemes, where each associated time period has multiple ROs.

[0014] Figure 7 An example is shown of a recurring transmission timeline of an environment IoT device using PRACH according to some implementation schemes, where each associated period has a RO.

[0015] Figure 8 Examples of methods performed by environmental IoT devices according to some implementation schemes are illustrated.

[0016] Figure 9 An example architecture of a wireless communication system according to the implementation scheme disclosed herein is illustrated.

[0017] Figure 10 A system for performing signaling transfer between a wireless device and a network device according to an embodiment disclosed herein is illustrated. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Various implementations are described with respect to the UE. However, references to the UE are provided for illustrative purposes only. The example implementations can be used with any electronic component capable of establishing a connection to a network and configured with hardware, software, and / or firmware for exchanging information and data with the network. Therefore, the UE as described herein is used to represent any suitable electronic component.

[0019] Furthermore, the embodiments described herein are based on Internet of Things (IoT) devices. The reference to IoT devices is provided for illustrative purposes only, and the embodiments described herein can be used with any device capable of collecting and exchanging data. IoT devices can embed sensors, software, and network connectivity, allowing them to communicate with other devices and systems. IoT devices can vary in size, complexity, and functionality. Their range extends from small, simple devices, such as temperature sensors and smart home appliances, to more complex devices, such as industrial machinery and autonomous vehicles.

[0020] Some IoT devices include environmental IoT devices. Environmental IoT devices are devices capable of harvesting energy from environmental sources. For example, some environmental IoT devices can be powered using radio frequency (RF) waves. To power such devices using RF, the embodiments described herein provide enhancements to the wireless communication system framework to introduce a new category of devices capable of harvesting energy from environmental sources. Environmental IoT devices may be referred to as RF-powered devices. Environmental IoT devices may also be UE devices.

[0021] There are various types of environmental IoT devices that wireless communication systems can support. For example, in terms of energy storage, some devices may be battery-free devices with no energy storage capacity and rely entirely on the availability of an external energy source. Some devices may include limited energy storage capacity, which does not require manual replacement or recharging but can be charged by harvesting energy from environmental sources. In some implementations, device classification may be based on characteristics corresponding to the device (e.g., energy source, energy storage capacity, passive / active transmission, etc.).

[0022] For example, Figure 1A table illustrating design objective 102 for a set of example IoT device types is provided. As shown, some implementations may include IoT device type A, IoT device type B, and IoT device type C. IoT device type A may not have energy storage, harvests energy from environmental sources, and does not have independent signal generation, only backscatter transmission. IoT device type B may have energy storage and may harvest energy from environmental sources, but does not perform independent signal generation, i.e., only backscatter transmission. The use of stored energy by IoT device type B may include amplification of the backscattered signal. IoT device type C may have energy storage from the harvested environmental sources and has independent signal generation (e.g., active RF components for transmission). A common aspect of all these device categories is that they can have very low complexity and can rely on the harvested energy for both transmission and reception. From the perspective of a wireless communication system, RF energy harvesting can be considered. For example, a device may utilize energy from incoming signals from other nodes in the system.

[0023] Figure 1 Other aspects of design goal 102 (e.g., IoT device) are illustrated below. Specific goals may exist for power consumption, coverage, message size, device density, device complexity, data rate, positioning accuracy, and device mobility. These exemplify example design goals 102. Design goal 102 can vary based on actual implementation.

[0024] For example, in some implementations, environmental IoT devices can be classified into different groups: lower-category IoT devices and higher-category IoT devices. The lower category can include devices from types A and B of the previously described classifications. For example, a lower-category device might have a peak power consumption of approximately 1 μW, energy storage, but no downlink or uplink amplification, and an initial sampling frequency offset (SFO) that may be at most several thousand ppm. Furthermore, the device's uplink transmission can be backscattered on an externally provided carrier.

[0025] In some implementations, higher-category devices may include devices from types B and C of the previously described classifications. For example, higher-category devices may have peak power consumption of less than or equal to several hundred μW. Furthermore, higher-category devices may have energy storage and both downlink amplification and / or uplink amplification. For higher-category devices, the initial SFO may be up to several thousand ppm. For higher-category devices, the uplink transmission of the device may be generated internally by the device or backscattered on an externally provided carrier.

[0026] Both lower and higher categories of IoT devices can have very low complexity. Furthermore, IoT devices in both categories can rely on harvested energy for transmitting and receiving. These properties facilitate large-scale deployment and increased scalability. However, the lower complexity and larger number of IoT devices can lead to coverage issues.

[0027] The implementation schemes described in this paper consider coverage enhancement for environmental IoT devices. One objective of wireless communication devices is acceptable coverage. In some implementations, environmental IoT devices may have design goals where an indoor coverage range of up to 50 meters and an outdoor coverage range of up to 500 meters is expected. The low power consumption of environmental IoT devices can impact coverage. For passive devices, achieving the desired coverage range of 50 meters indoors and 500 meters outdoors can be quite challenging due to the lack of a dedicated power source.

[0028] For passive devices, uplink transmit power depends on downlink receive power. Therefore, if downlink receive power is insufficient, additional methods can be introduced to improve uplink coverage based on the limited uplink transmit power. Implementations described herein include systems, methods, and apparatuses for enhancing coverage of random access for IoT devices in an environment, particularly for device type A, device type B, and other lower and higher categories of devices. Some implementations may use delayed uplink transmissions for the Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) and additional uplink transmissions during the RACH process to improve coverage. Some implementations may use PRACH repetition and additional uplink transmissions during the RACH process to improve coverage. Some implementations may include a combination of delayed uplink transmissions and repetition of uplink transmissions.

[0029] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating a method 202 for an environmental IoT device to use delayed uplink transmission, according to some implementation schemes, is shown. The environmental IoT device can delay uplink transmission based on the amount of stored energy. A stored energy threshold can be used to determine whether the environmental IoT device has stored a sufficient level of energy to achieve the desired coverage.

[0030] An environmental IoT device (which may be able to harvest and store energy) can determine whether to delay UL transmission based on method 202. As shown, the environmental IoT device may receive transmission 204 (e.g., a downlink transmission from a network node). The transmission may be an unmodulated carrier wave used only for energy harvesting, and / or a modulated signal used for communication and / or energy harvesting.

[0031] An environmental IoT device 206 can determine the power level it obtains from received transmissions. The environmental IoT device 208 can determine whether the collected energy is sufficient to achieve the desired power level for transmission. The desired power level can be a threshold based on device type, device power consumption, coverage area, and / or desired transmission power. The threshold can be pre-configured or determined by the device.

[0032] If the harvested energy is insufficient to reach the desired power level, the environmental IoT device may not transmit in the next available transmission window. Instead, the environmental IoT device can continue to receive and store energy (212) until the desired power level for transmission is achieved. The environmental IoT device can continue to harvest energy from either an unmodulated carrier or a modulated signal. Once the desired power level is achieved, the device can perform transmission (210) in the next available transmission window.

[0033] Figure 3 Examples of IoT device usage in environments according to some implementation schemes are illustrated. Figure 2 The transmission timeline 302 of method 202 for delaying PRACH transmissions includes multiple RACH opportunities (ROs) for each associated period 306. Although the illustrated implementation specifies delayed PRACH transmissions, this method can be applied to delay other uplink transmissions.

[0034] For environmental IoT devices (which can harvest and store energy), the device can determine whether to delay the PRACH transmission to a later RO within the next available associated period. When multiple ROs are associated with a synchronization signal block (SSB) within the associated period, if there is insufficient power, the device can transmit the PRACH on a later RO within the associated period when enough energy is harvested to reach the desired power level.

[0035] For example, in the illustrated implementation, the environmental IoT device can receive SSB 304 from the network node. SSB 304 may correspond to an associated time period 306 that includes multiple Return Entities (ROs), such as a first RO 308, a second RO 310, and a third RO 312. The environmental IoT device can use any RO in the associated time period 306 to transmit a PRACH message to the network node.

[0036] Determining which RO to use can be based on the amount of energy harvested by the environmental IoT device. The environmental IoT device can harvest energy from either an unmodulated carrier or a modulated signal. Before the first RO 308, the environmental IoT device can compare its harvested energy with a minimum threshold power for transmission. In the illustrated example, the environmental IoT device determines that it has not yet harvested enough energy to transmit during the first RO 308. Therefore, the environmental IoT device continues to harvest energy from either an unmodulated carrier or a modulated signal.

[0037] Before the second RO 310, the environmental IoT device can again compare its collected energy with the minimum threshold power for transmission. In the illustrated example, the environmental IoT device determines that it has not yet collected enough energy to transmit during the second RO 310. Therefore, the environmental IoT device again delays the PRACH transmission and continues collecting energy. In the illustrated implementation, before the third RO 312, the environmental IoT device determines that the collected energy has reached the threshold and transmits the PRACH transmission in the third RO 312. In other words, when sufficient energy is reached, the environmental IoT device can transmit on the next RO in the associated period 306. Therefore, the environmental IoT device can transmit delayed PRACH transmissions on a later RO (e.g., not the first RO 308) based on the collected energy level.

[0038] In some implementations, the environmental IoT device can continuously compare the harvested energy with a desired threshold power for transmission. In some implementations, the environmental IoT device can periodically compare the harvested energy with the desired threshold power for transmission, allowing sufficient time before the next RO to generate the PRACH transmission time. In some implementations, the environmental IoT device can compare the current harvested energy with a threshold. In some implementations, the environmental IoT device can predict future energy harvesting based on the current state and energy harvesting trends, and compare this prediction with a threshold.

[0039] Figure 4 Examples of IoT device usage in environments according to some implementation schemes are illustrated. Figure 2 The method 202 for delaying PRACH transmission has a transmission timeline 402, where each associated period has a RO. Although the illustrated implementation specifies delayed PRACH transmission, this method can be applied to delay other uplink transmissions.

[0040] For environmental IoT devices (which can collect and store energy), it determines whether to delay PRACH transmission to a later RO in a later associated period. For example... Figure 4As illustrated, if insufficient power is available, the device can send a PRACH on the RO during a later associated period once enough energy is harvested to reach the desired power level. In some implementations, the environmental IoT device may use a later associated period if there are no multiple ROs associated with the SSB during the associated period and / or if sufficient energy is not reached during the first available associated period.

[0041] For example, in the illustrated implementation, the environmental IoT device may receive SSB 404 from the network node. SSB 404 may correspond to a first associated time period 406 that includes an RO (e.g., a first RO 410). The environmental IoT device may transmit PRACH to the network node using the first RO 410 in the first associated time period 406 or a later RO in a later associated time period (e.g., a second RO 412 in a second associated time period 408) based on the collected energy level.

[0042] Determining which RO (Relay Oscillator) within which associated time period to use can be based on the amount of energy harvested by the environmental IoT device. The environmental IoT device can harvest energy from either the unmodulated carrier or the modulated signal. The harvested energy can be compared to a threshold to determine if the harvested energy is sufficient for PRACH transmission. In the illustrated example, the environmental IoT device determines that it has not yet harvested enough energy to transmit during the first RO 410 within the first associated time period 406. Therefore, the environmental IoT device continues to harvest energy from either the unmodulated carrier or the modulated signal.

[0043] In the illustrated example, the environmental IoT device determines that it has harvested sufficient energy to transmit during the second RO 412 of the second associated period 408. The device can transmit a PRACH transmission during the second RO 412 of the second associated period 408. Therefore, the environmental IoT device can transmit a delayed PRACH transmission on a later RO in a later associated period based on the harvested energy level.

[0044] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating method 502 for repetitive uplink transmission by an environmental IoT device, according to some implementation schemes, is provided. The environmental IoT device may perform repetitive uplink transmission based on the amount of stored energy. A stored energy threshold can be used to determine whether the environmental IoT device has stored a sufficient level of energy to achieve the desired coverage.

[0045] An environmental IoT device (which may be able to harvest and store energy) can implicitly determine whether to repeat an uplink transmission based on method 502. As shown in the figure, the environmental IoT device may receive a transmission in 504 (e.g., a downlink transmission from a network node). The transmission can be an unmodulated carrier wave used only for energy harvesting, and / or a modulated signal used for communication and / or energy harvesting.

[0046] An environmental IoT device can determine 506 the power level it obtains from the received transmissions. The environmental IoT device can determine 508 whether the collected energy is sufficient to reach the desired power level for transmission (e.g., uplink transmission to a network node). The desired power level can be a threshold based on device category, device power consumption, coverage area, and / or desired transmission power. The threshold can be pre-configured or determined by the device. If the collected energy reaches the desired power level, the device can perform 510 transmission on the next available transmission opportunity.

[0047] If the collected energy is insufficient to reach the desired power level, the environmental IoT device can determine the number of repetitions for transmission 512. The environmental IoT device can then begin transmission 514 and repeat until the required number of repetitions is reached at the first available transmission opportunity. Repetition can improve uplink transmission range coverage. For example, repetition can be used to overcome signal degradation, enhance the signal-to-noise ratio, mitigate interference, and improve error correction.

[0048] Duplicates can be sent across multiple Returns (ROs) within a related time period, or duplicates can be sent using multiple ROs across multiple related time periods. For example, Figure 6 Examples of IoT device usage in environments according to some implementation schemes are illustrated. Figure 5 The transmission timeline 602 of the method 502 for repeating PRACH transmissions, wherein each associated period 606 has multiple ROs. Although the illustrated implementation includes repeating PRACH transmissions, the method can be applied to delay other uplink transmissions.

[0049] For environmental IoT devices (which can collect and store energy), the device can determine whether to repeat PRACH transmissions based on the collected energy and the desired transmission power. When multiple ROs associated with an SSB exist within the associated time period, the device can repeat PRACH transmissions on the ROs corresponding to the SSB within the associated time period until the determined number of repetitions is reached or the available ROs are exhausted, such as... Figure 6 exemplified.

[0050] For example, in the illustrated implementation, the environmental IoT device may receive SSB 604 from the network node. SSB 604 may correspond to an associated time period 606 that includes multiple Return Entities (ROs), such as a first RO 608, a second RO 610, and a third RO 612. If the environmental IoT device determines which repetition should be applied based on the amount of energy collected by the environmental IoT device, the environmental IoT device may use multiple ROs in the associated time period 606 to transmit a PRACH transmission to the network node. In the illustrated implementation, the environmental IoT device transmits a first repetition during the first RO 608, a second repetition during the second RO 610, and a third repetition during the third RO 612.

[0051] Figure 7 Examples of IoT device usage in environments according to some implementation schemes are illustrated. Figure 5 The transmission timeline 702 of the method 502 for repeating PRACH transmissions includes a transmission timeline 702, where each associated time period has a RO. Environmental IoT devices can determine whether to repeat PRACH transmissions based on the collected energy and desired transmission power. While the illustrated implementation includes repeating PRACH transmissions, this method can be applied to delay other uplink transmissions.

[0052] When there is no RO associated with the SSB during the associated time period and / or there are not enough ROs during the associated time period, the device can send PRACH repeats on the RO corresponding to the SSB across multiple associated time periods until the determined number of repeats is reached, such as... Figure 7 exemplified.

[0053] For example, in the illustrated implementation, the environmental IoT device can receive SSB 704 from a network node. SSB 704 may correspond to a first associated time period 706 including a first RO 710 and a second associated time period 708 including a second RO 712. The environmental IoT device can determine that the collected energy is less than a desired power threshold and implement PRACH repetition. Therefore, the device can transmit the first repetition on the first RO 710 and the second repetition on the second RO 712. In this way, the device can transmit repetitions across associated time periods.

[0054] The signaling framework can be enhanced for environmental IoT devices to indicate whether repetition or delay will be used for uplink transmission. For example, in some implementations, if the device requires repetition for uplink transmission and / or indicates the number of repetitions, the environmental IoT device can indicate additional information to the network node. In some implementations, the device can use the first transmission timing to transmit this information. For example, in Figure 6In this scenario, the network may not know the signal quality / power level of a device, and therefore may not know whether the ambient IoT device should perform repetition. The ambient IoT device can determine the available storage power and explicitly instruct the network node that it will use PRACH transmissions on the first RO 608 to perform repetition. Therefore, the network node can determine whether repetition is desired.

[0055] Similarly, if a device needs to delay uplink transmission and / or indicate the amount of delay, the environmental IoT device can indicate additional information to the network node. In some implementations, the environmental IoT device can use a first transmission timing to send this additional information. The additional information can indicate that a delayed transmission will occur and / or how much delay may occur. In some implementations, the environmental IoT device can predict the amount of delay based on the currently harvested energy and the rate at which energy is harvested.

[0056] In some implementations, the signaling framework can be enhanced to allow network nodes to instruct ambient IoT devices to implement delays and / or duplication. For example, a network node may instruct an ambient IoT device to implement one or both of the following: The network node may instruct duplication to be implemented for uplink transmissions (e.g., for PRACH transmissions). The network node may instruct duplication in the Master Information Block (MIB) and / or System Information Block (SIB) within the corresponding SSB block. Similarly, the network node may instruct delayed uplink transmissions in the MIB and / or SIB within the corresponding SSB block. In some implementations, the network node may determine when to instruct delays or duplication for uplink transmissions based on historical information. For example, the network node may determine whether duplication and / or delay should be applied based on the past performance of devices within the network.

[0057] For environmental IoT devices, the network can first determine whether repetitive and / or delayed uplink transmissions should be used based on the following: In some implementations, this determination can be based on the number of PRACH transmissions on the RO for the corresponding SSB. In some implementations, this determination can be based on the signal strength of received PRACH transmissions on the RO for the corresponding SSB.

[0058] Figure 8A method 800 performed by an environmental IoT device according to some embodiments is illustrated. Method 800 includes: receiving 802 transmission from a network node. Method 800 further includes: determining 804 the current power level of the harvested energy stored by the environmental IoT device. Method 800 includes: comparing the current power level with a required transmission power level for uplink transmission 806. Method 800 includes: transmitting 808 uplink transmission to the network node at the next available transmission opportunity when the current power level is equal to or greater than the required transmission power level. Method 800 includes: performing 810 coverage enhancement manipulation when the current power level is less than the required transmission power level.

[0059] In some implementations, coverage enhancement manipulation includes delaying uplink transmission to a network node at one or more transmission times while continuing to collect and store energy until the current power level is equal to or greater than the required transmission power level, and transmitting uplink transmission at a later transmission time once the required transmission power level is achieved.

[0060] In some implementations, when the uplink transmission is a PRACH transmission, and when there are multiple RACH opportunities associated with the SSB within the associated period, the PRACH transmission is transmitted on a later RACH opportunity within the associated period when sufficient energy is collected to reach the required transmission power level.

[0061] In some implementations, the uplink transmission is a PRACH transmission, and if sufficient energy is not available during the first available association period, the PRACH transmission is transmitted at the RACH timing of a later association period.

[0062] In some implementations, coverage enhancement manipulation includes: transmitting uplink transmissions repeatedly based on the current power level.

[0063] In some implementations, when the uplink transmission is a PRACH transmission, and when there are multiple RACH opportunities associated with the SSB within the associated time period, the PRACH transmission is repeated on the multiple RACH opportunities within the associated time period.

[0064] In some implementations, uplink transmissions are repeated across associated time periods.

[0065] In some implementations, method 800 further includes instructing network nodes on the number of repetitions and the number of repetitions required for uplink transmission, or the amount of delay required for uplink transmission and the delay amount.

[0066] In some implementations, method 800 further includes receiving from a network node an indication of the repetitions and number of repetitions required for uplink transmission, or an indication of the amount of delay required for uplink data transmission.

[0067] In some implementations, uplink transmission is a Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) transmission in response to downlink control information received from network nodes.

[0068] The embodiments contemplated herein include an apparatus comprising components for performing one or more elements of method 202, method 502, and method 800. The apparatus may be, for example, a UE (such as wireless device 1002 as a UE, as described herein).

[0069] The embodiments contemplated herein include one or more non-transitory computer-readable media, which include instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of an electronic device, cause the electronic device to perform one or more elements of method 202, method 502, and method 800. The non-transitory computer-readable medium may be, for example, a memory of a UE (such as memory 1006 of a wireless device 1002 serving as a UE, as described herein).

[0070] The embodiments contemplated herein include an apparatus comprising logic components, modules, or circuitry for performing one or more elements of method 202, method 502, and method 800. This apparatus may be, for example, a UE (such as wireless device 1002 as a UE, as described herein).

[0071] The embodiments contemplated herein include an apparatus comprising: one or more processors; and one or more computer-readable media including instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform one or more elements of method 202, method 502, and method 800. The apparatus may be, for example, a UE (such as wireless device 1002 as a UE, as described herein).

[0072] The implementation schemes envisioned herein include signals or signals associated with those described in one or more elements of methods 202, 502, and 800.

[0073] The embodiments contemplated herein include a computer program or computer program product comprising instructions, wherein execution by a processor causes the processor to perform one or more elements of method 202, method 502, and method 800. The processor may be a processor of the UE (such as processor 1004 as a wireless device 1002 of the UE, as described herein). These instructions may, for example, reside in the processor and / or in the memory of the UE (such as memory 1006 as a wireless device 1002 of the UE, as described herein).

[0074] Figure 9 An example architecture of a wireless communication system 900 according to an embodiment disclosed herein is illustrated. The following description is provided for an example wireless communication system 900 operating in conjunction with LTE system standards and / or 5G or NR system standards provided by 3GPP technical specifications.

[0075] like Figure 9 As shown, the wireless communication system 900 includes UE 902 and UE 904 (but any number of UEs may be used). In this example, UE 902 and UE 904 are exemplified as smartphones (e.g., handheld touchscreen mobile computing devices capable of connecting to one or more cellular networks), but may also include any mobile or non-mobile computing device configured for wireless communication.

[0076] UE 902 and UE 904 can be configured to communicatively couple with RAN 906. In an implementation, RAN 906 can be NG-RAN, E-UTRAN, etc. UE 902 and UE 904 utilize connections (or channels) with RAN 906 (shown as connection 908 and connection 910, respectively), each of these connections including a physical communication interface. RAN 906 may include one or more base stations (such as base station 912 and base station 914) implementing connection 908 and connection 910.

[0077] In this example, Connection 908 and Connection 910 are air interfaces that enable this type of communication coupling and can conform to the RAT used by RAN906, such as LTE and / or NR.

[0078] In some implementations, UE 902 and UE 904 may also exchange communication data directly via sidelink interface 916. UE 904 is shown configured to access an access point (shown as AP 918) via connection 920. For example, connection 920 may include a local wireless connection, such as a connection conforming to any IEEE 802.11 protocol, while AP 918 may include Wi-Fi. ® Router. In this example, AP 918 may connect to another network (e.g., the Internet) without using CN 924.

[0079] In the implementation, UE 902 and UE 904 may be configured to communicate with each other or with base station 912 and / or base station 914 on a multi-carrier communication channel using orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) communication signals according to various communication technologies, such as, but not limited to, orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) communication technology (e.g., for downlink communication) or single-carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) communication technology (e.g., for uplink and ProSe or sidelink communication) , but the scope of the implementation is not limited in this respect. The OFDM signal may include multiple orthogonal subcarriers.

[0080] In some implementations, all or some of the base stations in base station 912 or base station 914 may be implemented as one or more software entities running on a server computer as part of a virtual network. Furthermore, or in other implementations, base station 912 or base station 914 may be configured to communicate with each other via interface 922. In implementations where the wireless communication system 900 is an LTE system (e.g., when CN 924 is an EPC), interface 922 may be an X2 interface. This X2 interface may be defined between two or more base stations (e.g., two or more eNBs, etc.) connected to the EPC and / or between two eNBs connected to the EPC. In implementations where the wireless communication system 900 is an NR system (e.g., when CN 924 is a 5GC), interface 922 may be an Xn interface. The Xn interface is defined between two or more base stations (e.g., two or more gNBs, etc.) connected to the 5GC, between a base station 912 (e.g., a gNB) connected to the 5GC and an eNB, and / or between two eNBs connected to the 5GC (e.g., CN 924).

[0081] RAN 906 is shown communicatively coupled to CN 924. CN 924 may include one or more network elements 926 configured to provide various data and telecommunications services to customers / subscribers (e.g., users of UE 902 and UE 904) connected to CN 924 via RAN 906. Components of CN 924 may be implemented in a single physical device or a separate physical device including components for reading and executing instructions from machine-readable or computer-readable media (e.g., non-transitory machine-readable storage media).

[0082] In the implementation scheme, CN 924 can be an EPC, and RAN 906 can be connected to CN 924 via S1 interface 928. In the implementation scheme, S1 interface 928 can be divided into two parts: an S1 user plane (S1-U) interface, which carries service data between base station 912 or base station 914 and the service gateway (S-GW); and an S1-MME interface, which is the signaling interface between base station 912 or base station 914 and the mobility management entity (MME).

[0083] In the implementation scheme, CN 924 can be a 5GC, and RAN 906 can be connected to CN 924 via NG interface 928. In the implementation scheme, NG interface 928 can be divided into two parts: an NG user plane (NG-U) interface, which carries service data between base station 912 or base station 914 and user plane function (UPF); and an S1 control plane (NG-C) interface, which is the signaling interface between base station 912 or base station 914 and access and mobility management function (AMF).

[0084] Generally, application server 930 can be a component that provides Internet Protocol (IP) bearer resources (e.g., packet-switched data services) for use with CN 924. Application server 930 can also be configured to support one or more communication services (e.g., VoIP sessions, group communication sessions, etc.) for UE 902 and UE 904 via CN 924. Application server 930 can communicate with CN 924 via IP communication interface 932.

[0085] Figure 10 A system 1000 for performing signaling transfer 1034 between a wireless device 1002 and a network device 1018 according to an embodiment disclosed herein is illustrated. System 1000 may be part of a wireless communication system as described herein. Wireless device 1002 may be, for example, a UE in a wireless communication system. Network device 1018 may be, for example, a base station (e.g., an eNB or gNB) in a wireless communication system.

[0086] Wireless device 1002 may include one or more processors 1004. Processor 1004 is executable instructions that cause various operations of wireless device 1002 to be performed as described herein. Processor 1004 may include one or more baseband processors, which are implemented using, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), digital signal processor (DSP), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), controller, field-programmable gate array (FPGA) device, another hardware device, firmware device, or any combination thereof configured to perform the operations described herein.

[0087] Wireless device 1002 may include memory 1006. Memory 1006 may be a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that stores instructions 1008, which may include, for example, instructions executed by processor 1004. Instructions 1008 may also be referred to as program code or computer program. Memory 1006 may also store data used by processor 1004 and results calculated by the processor.

[0088] Wireless device 1002 may include one or more transceivers 1010, which may include radio frequency (RF) transmitter circuitry and / or receiver circuitry that use antenna 1012 of wireless device 1002 to facilitate signaling to and / or from wireless device 1002 and other devices (e.g., network device 1018) according to a corresponding RAT (e.g., signaling transmission 1034).

[0089] Wireless device 1002 may include one or more antennas 1012 (e.g., one, two, four, or more). In embodiments with multiple antennas 1012, wireless device 1002 may fully utilize the spatial diversity of such multiple antennas 1012 to transmit and / or receive multiple different data streams on the same time-frequency resources. This behavior may be referred to as, for example, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) behavior (referring to multiple antennas used at each of the transmitting and receiving devices to implement this aspect). MIMO transmission by wireless device 1002 may be implemented according to pre-decoding (or digital beamforming) applied to wireless device 1002, which multiplexes the data streams among antennas 1012 based on known or assumed channel characteristics, such that each data stream is received with appropriate signal strength relative to the other streams at a desired location in the spatial domain (e.g., the location of the receiver associated with that data stream). Some implementations may use a single-user MIMO (SU-MIMO) approach (where all data streams are directed to a single receiver) and / or a multi-user MIMO (MU-MIMO) approach (where individual data streams may be directed to individual (different) receivers at different locations in the airspace).

[0090] In some implementations with multiple antennas, wireless device 1002 may implement analog beamforming technology, whereby the phase of the signal transmitted by antenna 1012 is relatively adjusted so that the (joint) transmission of antenna 1012 can be directed (this is sometimes referred to as beam control).

[0091] Wireless device 1002 may include one or more interfaces 1014. Interface 1014 can be used to provide input to or output to wireless device 1002. For example, wireless device 1002 as a UE may include interface 1014, such as a microphone, speaker, touchscreen, button, etc., to allow input and / or output by a user of the UE to the UE. Other interfaces of such UEs may consist of transmitters, receivers, and other circuitry that allow the UE to communicate with other devices (e.g., in addition to the transceiver 1010 / antenna 1012 already described), and may be based on known protocols (e.g., Wi-Fi). ® and Bluetooth ® (etc.) to perform the operation.

[0092] Wireless device 1002 may include coverage enhancement module 1016. Coverage enhancement module 1016 may be implemented via hardware, software, or a combination thereof. For example, coverage enhancement module 1016 may be implemented as a processor, circuitry, and / or instructions 1008 stored in memory 1006 and executed by processor 1004. In some examples, coverage enhancement module 1016 may be integrated within processor 1004 and / or transceiver 1010. For example, coverage enhancement module 1016 may be implemented via a combination of software components (e.g., executed by a DSP or general-purpose processor) and hardware components (e.g., logic gates and circuitry) within processor 1004 or transceiver 1010.

[0093] Coverage enhancement module 1016 can be used in various aspects of this disclosure, such as Figures 1 to 9 The coverage enhancement module 1016 is configured to determine when to perform coverage enhancement manipulations, such as delaying uplink transmissions or repetitive uplink transmissions, based on the collected energy.

[0094] Network device 1018 may include one or more processors 1020. Processor 1020 is executable instructions to perform various operations of network device 1018 as described herein. Processor 1020 may include one or more baseband processors, which are implemented using, for example, a CPU, DSP, ASIC, controller, FPGA device, another hardware device, firmware device, or any combination thereof configured to perform the operations described herein.

[0095] Network device 1018 may include memory 1022. Memory 1022 may be a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that stores instructions 1024, which may include, for example, instructions executed by processor 1020. Instructions 1024 may also be referred to as program code or a computer program. Memory 1022 may also store data used by processor 1020 and results calculated by the processor.

[0096] Network device 1018 may include one or more transceivers 1026, which may include RF transmitter circuitry and / or receiver circuitry that use the antenna 1028 of network device 1018 to facilitate signaling to and / or from network device 1018 and other devices (e.g., wireless device 1002) according to a corresponding RAT (e.g., signaling transmission 1034).

[0097] Network device 1018 may include one or more antennas 1028 (e.g., one, two, four or more). In embodiments having multiple antennas 1028, network device 1018 may perform MIMO, digital beamforming, analog beamforming, beam control, etc., as described.

[0098] Network device 1018 may include one or more interfaces 1030. Interface 1030 can be used to provide input to or output to network device 1018. For example, network device 1018 as a base station may include interface 1030 consisting of transmitters, receivers and other circuitry (e.g., in addition to the transceiver 1026 / antenna 1028 already described), which enable the base station to communicate with other equipment in the core network and / or enable the base station to communicate with external networks, computers and databases, etc., for the purpose of performing operations, management and maintenance of the base station or other equipment operatively connected to the base station.

[0099] Network device 1018 may include carrier module 1032. Carrier module 1032 may be implemented via hardware, software, or a combination thereof. For example, carrier module 1032 may be implemented as a processor, circuitry, and / or instructions 1024 stored in memory 1022 and executed by processor 1020. In some examples, carrier module 1032 may be integrated within processor 1020 and / or transceiver 1026. For example, carrier module 1032 may be implemented via a combination of software components (e.g., executed by a DSP or general-purpose processor) and hardware components (e.g., logic gates and circuitry) within processor 1020 or transceiver 1026.

[0100] The carrier module 1032 can be used in various aspects of this disclosure, for example, Figures 1 to 9 All aspects. The carrier module 1032 is configured to transmit a carrier for the wireless device 1002 to collect energy.

[0101] For one or more embodiments, at least one of the components illustrated in one or more of the foregoing figures may be configured to perform one or more operations, techniques, processes, and / or methods as described herein. For example, a baseband processor as described herein in conjunction with one or more of the foregoing figures may be configured to operate according to one or more of the examples illustrated herein. Similarly, circuitry associated with a UE, base station, network element, etc., as described above in conjunction with one or more of the foregoing figures may be configured to operate according to one or more of the examples illustrated herein.

[0102] Unless otherwise expressly stated, any of the embodiments described above may be combined with any other embodiment (or combination of embodiments). The foregoing description of one or more specific embodiments provides illustrative and descriptive information, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the embodiments to the precise form disclosed. In light of the teachings above, modifications and variations are possible, or modifications and variations may be derived from practice with various embodiments.

[0103] Implementations and specific embodiments of the systems and methods described herein may include various operations embodied in machine-executable instructions to be executed by a computer system. The computer system may include one or more general-purpose or special-purpose computers (or other electronic devices). The computer system may include hardware components, including specific logical parts for performing the operations; or may include a combination of hardware, software, and / or firmware.

[0104] It should be recognized that the systems described herein include descriptions of specific implementations. These implementations may be combined into a single system, partially integrated into other systems, divided into multiple systems, or otherwise partitioned or combined. Furthermore, it is conceivable to use parameters, attributes, aspects, etc., of one implementation in one implementation. For clarity, these parameters, attributes, aspects, etc., are described only in one or more implementations, and it should be recognized that, unless expressly stated herein, these parameters, attributes, aspects, etc., may be combined with or substituted for parameters, attributes, aspects, etc., of another implementation.

[0105] As is widely recognized, the use of personally identifiable information should comply with privacy policies and practices that are generally accepted to meet or exceed industry or governmental requirements for protecting user privacy. Specifically, personally identifiable information data should be managed and processed to minimize the risk of unintentional or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of any permitted use should be clearly explained to the user.

[0106] Although the foregoing has been described in considerable detail for clarity, it will be apparent that certain changes and modifications can be made without departing from the principles of the invention. It should be noted that there are many alternative ways to implement both the processes and apparatus described herein. Therefore, embodiments of the invention should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive, and this specification is not limited to the details given herein, but can be modified within the scope and equivalents of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method performed by an environmental Internet of Things (IoT) device, the method comprising: Receive and send from network nodes; Determine the current power level of the collected energy stored by the environmental IoT device; Compare the current power level with the required transmission power level for uplink transmission; When the current power level is equal to or greater than the required transmission power level, the uplink transmission is transmitted to the network node at the next available transmission opportunity; and When the current power level is less than the required transmission power level, a coverage enhancement operation is performed.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The coverage enhancement manipulation includes: delaying the uplink transmission to the network node at one or more transmission opportunities while continuing to collect and store energy until the current power level is equal to or greater than the desired transmission power level, and transmitting the uplink transmission at a later transmission opportunity once the desired transmission power level is achieved.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein, When the uplink transmission is a Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) transmission, and when there are multiple RACH opportunities associated with a Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) within the associated period, the PRACH transmission is transmitted on a later RACH opportunity within the associated period when sufficient energy is acquired to reach the required transmission power level.

4. The method according to claim 2, wherein, The uplink transmission is a Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) transmission, and if sufficient energy is not available within the first available association period, the PRACH transmission is transmitted at the RACH timing of a later association period.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The coverage enhancement manipulation includes transmitting a repeat of the uplink transmission, wherein the number of repeats is based on the current power level.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein, When the uplink transmission is a Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) transmission, and when there are multiple RACH opportunities associated with a Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) within the associated period, the PRACH transmission is repeated on the multiple RACH opportunities within the associated period.

7. The method according to claim 5, wherein, The repeated cross-association period transmission of the uplink occurs.

8. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Indicate to the network node the repetition and number of repetitions required for the uplink transmission, or the amount of delay required for the uplink transmission.

9. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Receive from the network node an indication of the repetition and number of repetitions required for the uplink transmission, or the amount of delay required for the uplink transmission.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The uplink transmission is a Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) transmission in response to downlink control information received from the network node.

11. An apparatus for an environmental Internet of Things (IoT) device, the apparatus comprising: processor; and The memory stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, configure the device to: Receive and send from network nodes; Determine the current power level of the collected energy stored by the environmental IoT device; Compare the current power level with the required transmission power level for uplink transmission; When the current power level is equal to or greater than the required transmission power level, the uplink transmission is transmitted to the network node at the next available transmission opportunity; and When the current power level is less than the required transmission power level, a coverage enhancement operation is performed.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, The coverage enhancement manipulation includes: delaying the uplink transmission to the network node at one or more transmission opportunities while continuing to collect and store energy until the current power level is equal to or greater than the desired transmission power level, and transmitting the uplink transmission at a later transmission opportunity once the desired transmission power level is achieved.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein, When the uplink transmission is a Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) transmission, and when there are multiple RACH opportunities associated with a Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) within the associated period, the PRACH transmission is transmitted on a later RACH opportunity within the associated period when sufficient energy is acquired to reach the required transmission power level.

14. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein, The uplink transmission is a Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) transmission, and if sufficient energy is not available within the first available association period, the PRACH transmission is transmitted at the RACH timing of a later association period.

15. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, The coverage enhancement manipulation includes transmitting a repeat of the uplink transmission, wherein the number of repeats is based on the current power level.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein, When the uplink transmission is a Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) transmission, and when there are multiple RACH opportunities associated with a Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) within the associated period, the PRACH transmission is repeated on the multiple RACH opportunities within the associated period.

17. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein, The repeated cross-association period transmission of the uplink occurs.

18. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, The instructions also configure the device to indicate to the network node the repetition and number of repetitions required for the uplink transmission, or the amount of delay required for the uplink transmission.

19. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, The instructions also configure the device to receive from the network node an indication of the repetition and number of repetitions required for the uplink transmission, or the amount of delay required for the uplink transmission.

20. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, the computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions that, when executed by an environmental Internet of Things (IoT) device, cause the computer to: Receive and send from network nodes; Determine the current power level of the collected energy stored by the environmental IoT device; Compare the current power level with the required transmission power level for uplink transmission; When the current power level is equal to or greater than the required transmission power level, the uplink transmission is transmitted to the network node at the next available transmission opportunity; and When the current power level is less than the required transmission power level, a coverage enhancement operation is performed.

21. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 20, wherein, The coverage enhancement manipulation includes: delaying the uplink transmission to the network node at one or more transmission opportunities while continuing to collect and store energy until the current power level is equal to or greater than the desired transmission power level, and transmitting the uplink transmission at a later transmission opportunity once the desired transmission power level is achieved.

22. The computer-readable storage medium according to claim 21, wherein, When the uplink transmission is a Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) transmission, and when there are multiple RACH opportunities associated with a Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) within the associated period, the PRACH transmission is transmitted on a later RACH opportunity within the associated period when sufficient energy is acquired to reach the required transmission power level.

23. The computer-readable storage medium according to claim 21, wherein, The uplink transmission is a Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) transmission, and if sufficient energy is not available within the first available association period, the PRACH transmission is transmitted at the RACH timing of a later association period.

24. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 20, wherein, The coverage enhancement manipulation includes transmitting a repeat of the uplink transmission, wherein the number of repeats is based on the current power level.

25. The computer-readable storage medium according to claim 24, wherein, When the uplink transmission is a Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) transmission, and when there are multiple RACH opportunities associated with a Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) within the associated period, the PRACH transmission is repeated on the multiple RACH opportunities within the associated period.

26. The computer-readable storage medium according to claim 24, wherein, The repeated cross-association period transmission of the uplink occurs.

27. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 20, wherein, The instructions also configure the environmental Internet of Things (IoT) device to indicate to the network node the repetition and number of repetitions required for the uplink transmission, or the amount of delay required for the uplink transmission and the delay amount.

28. The computer-readable storage medium according to claim 20, wherein, The instructions also configure the environmental Internet of Things (IoT) device to receive from the network node an indication of the repetition and number of repetitions required for the uplink transmission, or the amount of delay required for the uplink transmission.

29. An apparatus comprising components for performing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

30. A baseband processor for an environmental Internet of Things (IoT) device, the baseband processor being configured to cause the environmental IoT device to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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