Configuration of physical signaling

Abstract

Embodiments of this disclosure relate to the configuration of physical signaling. In one aspect, a first device performs a first transmission to a second device, the first transmission including a first initial signal. The first device performs a second transmission to the second device, the second transmission including a second initial signal. The second initial signal is based on the first initial signal.

Description

Cross-reference to related applications

[0001] This application claims priority and benefits of EP patent application No. 25167045.1, filed on March 28, 2025, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0002] Various example embodiments relate to the field of communications, and in particular to devices, methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable storage media for sending or receiving physical signaling. Background Technology

[0003] A communication network can be viewed as a facility that enables communication between two or more communication devices or provides communication devices with access to a data network. Mobile or wireless communication networks are an example of communication networks.

[0004] Such communication networks operate according to standards such as those published by 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) or ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute). Examples of such standards include the so-called 5G (fifth generation) standard, the 6G (sixth generation) standard, or other standards published by 3GPP. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In general, the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure provide a solution for sending or receiving physical signaling, such as physical signaling for Ambient Internet of Things (AIoT) devices.

[0006] In a first aspect, a first apparatus is provided. The first apparatus includes at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions. When executed by the at least one processor, the instructions cause the first apparatus to at least: perform a first transmission to a second apparatus, the first transmission including a first initial signal; and perform a second transmission to the second apparatus, the second transmission including a second initial signal based on the first initial signal.

[0007] In some embodiments, the first initial signal includes a first timing acquisition signal, and the second initial signal includes a second timing acquisition signal. The second timing acquisition signal is based on the first timing acquisition signal and a first mapping function.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first device is further configured to: determine the ID or sequence of the second timing acquisition signal based on the identifier ID or sequence of the first timing acquisition signal and the first mapping function.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first device may also be configured to perform a third transmission to the second device, the third transmission including a third initial signal. The third initial signal includes a third timing acquisition signal, and the third timing acquisition signal is based on a first timing acquisition signal.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first mapping function is used in a CBRA (Content-Based Random Access) procedure, and the first device is further configured to: receive Msg1 from a second device, the Msg1 including a contention resolution ID; and send Msg2 to the second device, the Msg2 including a fourth timing acquisition signal and a contention resolution corresponding to the contention resolution ID. The fourth timing acquisition signal is based on the contention resolution ID and the second mapping function.

[0011] In some embodiments, the second mapping function is a hash function, and the first device is further configured to: map the contention-resolved ID to the ID of the fourth timing acquisition signal based on the cardinality of the contention-resolved ID and the cardinality of the ID of the fourth timing acquisition signal, according to the hash function.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first device is configured to perform a second transmission to the second device by: sending Msg4 to the second device based on determining that Msg3 has been received, the Msg4 including a second timing acquisition signal as an ACK; or sending Msg4 to the second device based on determining that Msg3 has not been received, the Msg4 including a second timing acquisition signal as a NACK.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first mapping function is used in the CFRA process, and the second transmission further includes a command request and a second timing acquisition signal as an ACK. The first device is caused to perform a third transmission to the second device based on determining that a response to the command request has been received, the third transmission including a third timing acquisition signal as an ACK.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first device is further configured to perform a fourth transmission to another second device, the fourth transmission including a third timing acquisition signal and an inventory request.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first mapping function is used in the CFRA process, and the second transmission further includes a command request and a second timing acquisition signal as a NACK. The first device is caused to perform a third transmission by: based on determining that a response to the command request has not been received, performing a third transmission to the second device, the third transmission including a third timing acquisition signal as a NACK.

[0016] In a second aspect, a second apparatus is provided. The second apparatus includes at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second apparatus to at least: receive a first transmission from a first apparatus, the first transmission including a first initial signal; and receive a second transmission from the first apparatus, the second transmission including a second initial signal, wherein the second initial signal is based on the first initial signal.

[0017] In some embodiments, the first initial signal includes a first timing acquisition signal, and the second initial signal includes a second timing acquisition signal, wherein the second timing acquisition signal is based on the first timing acquisition signal and a first mapping function.

[0018] In some embodiments, the second device is further configured to receive a third transmission from the first device, the third transmission including a third initial signal, wherein the third initial signal includes a third timing acquisition signal, and the third timing acquisition signal is based on a first timing acquisition signal.

[0019] In some embodiments, the first mapping function is used in the CBRA procedure. The second device is also configured to: send message 1 (Msg1) to the first device, the Msg1 including a contention resolution identifier (ID); and receive Msg2 from the first device, the Msg2 including a fourth timing acquisition signal and a contention resolution corresponding to the contention resolution ID. The fourth timing acquisition signal is based on the contention resolution ID and the second mapping function.

[0020] In some embodiments, the second device is configured to receive a second transmission from the first device by: receiving Msg4 from the first device, the Msg4 including a second timing acquisition signal as an ACK; or receiving Msg4 from the first device, the Msg4 including a second timing acquisition signal as a NACK.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first mapping function is used in the CFRA procedure. The second transmission also includes a command request and a second timing acquisition signal as an acknowledgment. The second device is configured to receive a third transmission from the first device, the third transmission including a third timing acquisition signal as an ACK.

[0022] In some embodiments, the first mapping function is used in the CFRA process, and the second transmission further includes a command request and a second timing acquisition signal as an acknowledgment. The second device is configured to receive a third transmission from the first device, the third transmission including a third timing acquisition signal as a NACK.

[0023] In some embodiments, the first device includes a reader device and the second device includes an AIoT device.

[0024] In a third aspect, a method is provided. The method includes: performing a first transmission to a second device, the first transmission including a first initial signal; and performing a second transmission to the second device, the second transmission including a second initial signal, wherein the second initial signal is based on the first initial signal.

[0025] In a fourth aspect, a method is provided. The method includes: receiving a first transmission from a first device, the first transmission including a first initial signal; and receiving a second transmission from the first device, the second transmission including a second initial signal, wherein the second initial signal is based on the first initial signal.

[0026] In a fifth aspect, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes: a component for performing a first transmission to a second device, the first transmission including a first initial signal; and a component for performing a second transmission to the second device, the second transmission including a second initial signal, wherein the second initial signal is based on the first initial signal.

[0027] In a sixth aspect, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes: a component for receiving a first transmission from a first device, the first transmission including a first initial signal; and a component for receiving a second transmission from the first device, the second transmission including a second initial signal, wherein the second initial signal is based on the first initial signal.

[0028] In a seventh aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided, the non-transitory computer-readable medium including program instructions for causing a device to perform at least the method according to the third or fourth aspect.

[0029] In an eighth aspect, a computer program is provided, the computer program including program instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to perform at least the method according to the third or fourth aspect.

[0030] In a ninth aspect, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes: an execution circuit system configured to perform a first transmission to a second device, the first transmission including a first initial signal; and an execution circuit system to perform a second transmission to the second device, the second transmission including a second initial signal, wherein the second initial signal is based on the first initial signal.

[0031] In a tenth aspect, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes: a receiving circuit system configured to receive a first transmission from a first device, the first transmission including a first initial signal; and a receiving circuit system configured to receive a second transmission from the first device, the second transmission including a second initial signal, wherein the second initial signal is based on the first initial signal.

[0032] It should be understood that the overview section is not intended to identify key or essential features of the embodiments of this disclosure, nor is it intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Other features of this disclosure will become readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Some exemplary embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0034] Figure 1 The illustration shows an example communication network that can be implemented according to example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 2 The diagram illustrates an example of a process for physical signaling according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 3 The diagram illustrates an example of a process for physical signaling according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 4 The illustration shows an example visualization of a hash function that can be implemented according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 5 The diagram illustrates an example of a process for physical signaling according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 6 The diagram illustrates an example of a process for physical signaling according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 7 The diagram illustrates an example of a process for physical signaling according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0041] Figure 8 The diagram illustrates an example of a process for physical signaling according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0042] Figure 9 The illustration shows a flowchart of a method implemented at a reader device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0043] Figure 10 The illustration shows a flowchart of a method implemented at an AIoT device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0044] Figure 11 The illustration shows a flowchart of a method implemented at a reader device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0045] Figure 12 The illustration shows a flowchart of a method implemented at an AIoT device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0046] Figure 13 A simplified block diagram of an apparatus suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated; and

[0047] Figure 14 A block diagram of an example computer-readable medium according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0048] Throughout the accompanying drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements. Detailed Implementation

[0049] The principles of this disclosure will now be described with reference to some exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are described for illustrative purposes only and to assist those skilled in the art in understanding and implementing this disclosure, and are not intended to imply any limitation on the scope of this disclosure. This disclosure described herein can be implemented in various ways other than those described below.

[0050] 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.

[0051] References to "an embodiment," "an embodiment," "an example embodiment," etc., in this disclosure indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Additionally, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is believed that combining it with other embodiments (whether explicitly described or not) would affect such a feature, structure, or characteristic within the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

[0052] It should be understood that although terms such as “first” and “second” may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the exemplary embodiments, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.

[0053] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the terms “comprise,” “comprising,” “has,” “having,” “contain,” and / or “containing,” when used herein, specify the presence of features, elements, and / or components, etc., but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. As used herein, “at least one of the following: ” and “at least one of ” and similar wording (where the list of two or more elements is connected by “and” or “or”) means at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all of the elements.

[0054] As used in this application, the term "circuit system" may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) Hardware circuit implementation only (such as implementation in analog and / or digital circuits only) and (b) A combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as (if applicable): (i) A combination of (multiple) analog and / or digital hardware circuits and software / firmware, and (ii) Any part of the software (including the software of the multiple hardware processors, including the multiple digital signal processors), the software, and the multiple memories, which work together to enable a device (such as a mobile phone or a server) to perform various functions, and (c) (Multiple) hardware circuits and / or (multiple) processors, such as (multiple) microprocessors or portions of (multiple) microprocessors, which require software (e.g., firmware) to operate, but may be absent when software is not required to operate.

[0055] This definition of "circuit system" applies to all uses of the term in this application, including in any claim. As another example, as used in this application, the term "circuit system" also covers only hardware circuitry or a processor (or processors), or portions of hardware circuitry or a processor and its accompanying software and / or firmware implementation. The term "circuit system" also covers (e.g., and if applicable to a particular claim element) baseband integrated circuits or processor integrated circuits for mobile devices, or similar integrated circuits in servers, cellular network devices, or other computing or network devices.

[0056] As used herein, the term "communication network" refers to a network that conforms to any suitable communication standard, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-A, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), High-Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), etc. Furthermore, communication between terminal devices and network devices in a communication network can be performed according to any suitable generation of communication protocols, including first-generation (1G), second-generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, third-generation (3G), fourth-generation (4G), 4.5G, future fifth-generation (5G) and sixth-generation (6G) communication protocols, and / or any other currently known or to be developed in the future. Given the rapid development of communications, future types of communication technologies and systems will naturally exist, utilizing which this disclosure can be embodied. This should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure to the aforementioned systems.

[0057] As used herein, the terms "network device" and "access network device" refer to nodes in a communication network through which terminal devices access and receive services. Depending on the terminology and technology applied, network device can refer to a base station (BS) or access point (AP), such as a Node B (NodeB or NB), an evolved Node B (eNodeB or eNB), an NRNB (also known as a gNB), a Transmitter Receiver Point (TRP), a Remote Radio Unit (RRU), a Radio Header (RH), a Remote Radio Header (RRH), a relay, or a low-power node (such as a femtosecond, picosecond, etc.).

[0058] The term "terminal device" refers to any terminal device capable of wireless communication. As an example and not a limitation, a terminal device may also be referred to as a communication device, user equipment (UE), subscriber station (SS), portable subscriber station, mobile station (MS), or access terminal (AT). Terminal devices can include, but are not limited to, mobile phones, cellular phones, smartphones, Voice over IP (VoIP) phones, wireless local loop phones, tablets, wearable terminal devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable computers, desktop computers, image capture terminal devices such as digital cameras, gaming terminal devices, music storage and playback devices, in-vehicle wireless terminal devices, wireless endpoints, mobile stations, laptop embedded devices (LEEs), laptop-mounted devices (LMEs), USB dongles, smart devices, wireless customer premises equipment (CPEs), Internet of Things (IoT) devices, watches or other wearable devices, head-mounted displays (HMDs), vehicles, drones, medical devices and applications (e.g., remote surgery), industrial devices and applications (e.g., robots and / or other wireless devices operating in industrial and / or automated processing chain environments), consumer electronics devices, devices operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, etc. In the following description, the terms “terminal equipment”, “communication equipment”, “terminal”, “user equipment” and “UE” are used interchangeably.

[0059] The term "IoT device" refers to any of the aforementioned terminal devices capable of wireless communication. By way of example and not limitation, an IoT device may also be referred to as an Ambient IoT (AIoT) device, a tag, an Ambient Backscatter Communication (AmBC) device, and a passive IoT device. It should be noted that although various embodiments of this disclosure are described in the context of AIoT devices and AIoT communication, embodiments of this disclosure can be equivalently applied to any other communication device or apparatus, such as a normal UE.

[0060] Figure 1 The illustration shows an example communication network that can be implemented using example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0061] like Figure 1 As shown, the communication network 100 may include a first device 102 and a second device 101. In some embodiments, the first device 102 may include a reader device, and the second device 101 may include an AIoT device. The first device 102 (e.g., a reader device) in the communication network 100 may be a base station. In other communication networks, the first device 102 (e.g., a reader device) may be an intermediate node, an auxiliary node, a terminal device, or any other device. The first device 102 may communicate with the second device 101 within the communication network 100.

[0062] It should be understood that the number of AIoT devices and reader devices is for illustrative purposes only and does not imply any limitation. The communication network 100 may include any suitable number of AIoT devices and reader devices suitable for implementing embodiments of this disclosure. Furthermore, the AIoT devices and reader devices may use different RATs, including but not limited to the previously mentioned 5G and 6G.

[0063] Communication in communication system 100 can be implemented according to any suitable communication protocol(s), including but not limited to cellular communication protocols such as first-generation (1G), second-generation (2G), third-generation (3G), fourth-generation (4G), fifth-generation (5G), and sixth-generation (6G), wireless local area network communication protocols such as IEEE 802.11, and / or any other currently known or to be developed in the future. Furthermore, the communication can utilize any suitable wireless communication technology, including but not limited to: Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Duplex (FDD), Time Division Duplex (TDD), Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM), Discrete Fourier Transform Extended OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM), and / or any other currently known or to be developed in the future.

[0064] RAN1 investigated the necessity of control information and how to send it from A-IoT devices to readers. However, RAN1 has not yet agreed on supporting a physical channel other than the PDRCH (Physical Device to Reader Channel) used for D2R links. Therefore, the companies share a common view that if control information is present, it should be transmitted along with the data in the PDRCH. This may be feasible but not efficient, as the control information is too small to add redundant bits for channel coding and CRC.

[0065] Similarly, for R2D links, the PRDCH is the only physical channel used for the R2D link, and companies share the PRDCH to transmit a similar view of R2D control information, such as scheduling information including the ID associated with the target A-IoT device. However, this means that the A-IoT device needs to always decode the received PRDCH, even if the PRDCH is not necessarily intended for that device. The A-IoT device can be a passive type, so it can have no choice but to wake up once it detects a signal power greater than a threshold; however, requiring the device to decode every PRDCH it receives would be inefficient.

[0066] During the PHY signaling process, the NACK and ACK signals can be implemented using multiple timing acquisition signal modes included in the PHY signaling used for D2R / R2D transmission (e.g., preamble, intermediate synchronization code, and / or postsynchronization code) to reduce MAC layer signaling (which requires expensive equipment for monitoring and decoding).

[0067] However, it is unclear how to configure the mapping of the timing acquisition signals, i.e., how the timing acquisition signals are (dynamically) associated with the control information they will represent. The control information could be Msg2, Msg4, etc.

[0068] In light of the foregoing discussion and analysis, some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure provide methods and apparatus related to PHY signaling, particularly methods and apparatus for sending or receiving PHY signaling to or from an AIoT device. In these embodiments, a reader device may perform a first transmission including a first initial signal to the AIoT device, and a second transmission including a second initial signal to the AIoT device. The second initial signal is based on the first initial signal. Each of the second initial signal and the first initial signal may include its own timing acquisition signal.

[0069] This disclosure may suggest that the initial selection of the preamble / middle / after synchronization code in the initial paging message is recommended as a key input for determining what the preamble / middle / after synchronization code configuration and associated control functions are in other messages.

[0070] The following will refer to Figures 1 to 8 The principles and implementation of exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are described in detail.

[0071] Figure 2 The illustration shows an example signaling diagram of a process for physical signaling according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Reference will be made to this diagram for discussion purposes. Figure 1 Process 200 is described. Process 200 may design a first device 102 and a second device 101. The second device 101 may be an AIoT device, and the first device 102 may be a reader device.

[0072] In process 200, at 210, the first device 102 may perform a first transmission including a first initial signal to the second device 101.

[0073] At 220, the first device 102 can perform a second transmission including a second initial signal to the second device 101. The second initial signal is based on the first initial signal.

[0074] In some embodiments, the first initial signal includes a first timing acquisition signal, and the second initial signal includes a second timing acquisition signal. The first timing acquisition signal and the second initial signal may include at least one of the following: a preamble, an intermediate synchronization code, or a postsynchronization code in 3GPP. The second timing acquisition signal is based on the first timing acquisition signal and the first mapping function.

[0075] For example, the preamble of the second timing acquisition signal is based on the preamble of the first timing acquisition signal.

[0076] As another example, the synchronization code of the second timing acquisition signal is based on the synchronization code of the first timing acquisition signal.

[0077] As another example, the post-synchronization code of the second timing acquisition signal is based on the post-synchronization code of the first timing acquisition signal.

[0078] Combining later Figure 3 and 5 Discuss the first mapping function.

[0079] In some embodiments, the first device 102 may determine the ID or sequence of the second timing acquisition signal based on the ID or sequence of the first timing acquisition signal and the first mapping function.

[0080] In some embodiments, the ID of the timed acquisition signal includes at least the following: preamble / mid-synchronization code / post-synchronization code ID, sequence ID for preamble / mid-synchronization code / post-synchronization code transmission using specific time-frequency resources, or any type of identifier / index for uniquely identifying the transmission of preamble / mid-synchronization code / post-synchronization code.

[0081] In some embodiments, the first device 102 may perform a third transmission including a third initial signal to the second device 101. The third initial signal includes a third timing acquisition signal, and the third timing acquisition signal is based on a first timing acquisition signal. This will be discussed later. Figure 5 We will discuss it in detail.

[0082] Mapping functions (e.g., the first mapping function) can typically distinguish between CBRA (contention-based random access) and CFRA (contention-free random access) procedures.

[0083] In some embodiments, the first mapping function can be used in a CBRA process. The first device 102 can receive Msg1, including a contention resolution ID, from the second device 101. The first device 102 can send Msg2, including a fourth timing acquisition signal and a contention resolution corresponding to the contention resolution ID, to the second device 101. The fourth timing acquisition signal is based on the contention resolution ID and the second mapping function.

[0084] In some embodiments, the second mapping function may be a hash function. The first device 102 may, based on the hash function, map the contention-resolved ID to the ID of the fourth timing acquisition signal, according to the cardinality of the contention-resolved ID and the cardinality of the ID of the fourth timing acquisition signal. This will be combined with... Figure 4 Let's discuss hash functions in more detail.

[0085] In some embodiments, the first device 102 is enabled to perform a second transmission to the second device by sending Msg4 to the second device 101 based on determining that Msg3 has been received, Msg4 including a third timing acquisition signal as an acknowledgment (ACK).

[0086] Optionally, the first device 102 is enabled to perform a second transmission to the second device by sending Msg4 to the second device 101 based on the determination that Msg3 has not been received, Msg4 including a third timing acquisition signal as a negative acknowledgment (NACK).

[0087] In some embodiments, the first mapping function may be used in a CFRA procedure. The second transmission may also include a command request and a second timing acquisition signal as an ACK. The first device 102 may perform a third transmission by determining that a response to the command request has been received from the second device 101, including a third timing acquisition signal as an ACK.

[0088] In some embodiments, the first device 102 may perform a fourth transmission to another second device, including a third timing acquisition signal and an inventory request. For example, the first device 102 may page another second device.

[0089] In some embodiments, the first mapping function may be used in a CFRA process. The second transmission may also include a second timing acquisition signal as a command request and as a NACK. The first device 102 may perform a third transmission by performing a third transmission including a third timing acquisition signal as a NACK based on determining that no response to the command request has been received from the second device 101.

[0090] Some embodiments of this disclosure propose that the selection of timing acquisition signals in the initial R2D paging message (currently a preamble in 3GPP, but also applicable to intermediate and post-synchronization codes from future extensions of R2D) allows determination of what timing acquisition signals will be used in subsequent R2D messages (e.g., MSG2, MSG4, if used) and what control functions (e.g., NACK / ACK) they will have. In this approach, device implementation can be simplified and its efficiency improved because the device can limit the set of possible sequences to be detected.

[0091] Figure 3The illustration shows an example signaling diagram of a process for physical signaling according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Reference will be made to this diagram for discussion purposes. Figure 1 Describe process 300. Process 300 may involve reader device 302 and AIoT device 301. For example... Figure 1 As illustrated, AIoT device 301 can be a second device, while reader device 302 can be a first device.

[0092] In procedure 300, it is assumed that the association between each preamble and a specific control function (e.g., their association with the ACK signal) is established using standardized conventions (e.g., in the form of a specific mapping function). Procedure 300 is used for CBRA AIoT signaling.

[0093] The reader device 302 can first communicate with the AIoT device 301 about the mapping functions Fi, Fa, and Fn (which will be described in more detail later).

[0094] At 310, reader device 302 may first send Msg0 to AIoT device 301. Msg0 may include a preamble K and an inventory (INV) request. During paging by AIoT device 301 as part of the inventory (INV) request, Msg0 carries a timed acquisition signal in the form of the message preamble "K". This preamble may be selected randomly or relative to other readers (e.g., orthogonal to concurrent transmissions).

[0095] Due to the CBRA process, at 320, reader device 302 can receive Msg1 from AIoT device 301. Msg1 may include a contention-resolved ID.

[0096] At 330, reader device 302 can send Msg2 to AIoT device 301. Msg2 may include a preamble “I” derived from a contention-resolved ID based on a predefined mapping function Fi.

[0097] Figure 4 An example visualization of a hash function that can be implemented according to embodiments of this disclosure is illustrated. The mapping function Fi can be a hash function.

[0098] As shown in the visualization of hash function 400, this function maps a set of competing IDs with a radix (size) "C" to a set of preamble IDs with a radix (size) "P". The hash function can be implemented as, for example, "CmodP", where "mod" is the standard "modulo" function.

[0099] For example, when responding to AIoT device 301 in contention resolution Msg2, reader device 302 can use a preamble “I” derived from the contention resolution “ID” based on a predefined function “Fi” to indicate that the message is a contention resolution message associated with that device, and the device thus decodes the message. If other AIoT devices implement a mismatch in the expected preamble, they can ignore the message (thus saving energy).

[0100] At 340, reader device 302 can receive Msg3 from AIoT device 301. Msg3 may include an inventory response. In other words, AIoT device 301 can use Msg3, which includes an inventory response, to respond to the inventory request itself.

[0101] At position 350, reader device 302 can send Msg4 to AIoT device 301. The reader confirms successful reception by issuing a final Msg4.

[0102] Msg4 may include a preamble A indicating a positive acknowledgment (ACK) (derived from the preamble K using the mapping function "Fa").

[0103] Optionally, Msg4 may include a preamble N indicating a negative acknowledgment (NACK) (derived from the preamble K using the mapping function Fn).

[0104] Table 1 shows the mapping functions that can be implemented, for example, by using a predefined lookup table, to assign a "(multiple) output preamble hint (N) ACK" to each input preamble. Table 1 is shown below: Table 1

[0105] It is understandable that the mapping functions Fa and Fn can be hash functions.

[0106] If subsequent / repeated (re-paging) uses the preamble "X", then "Y=Fa(X)" and "Z=Fn(X)" will be associated with NACK and ACK, instead of "A" and "N".

[0107] As shown above, the mapping function can generally be distinguished between the CBRA and CFRA processes.

[0108] In the general case of the mapping function, a unique sequence of output preambles can be assigned to each input preamble to allow positive / negative acknowledgments for each transmission in the sequence. In some cases, it can be assumed that the sequence consists of the maximum three transmissions to be acknowledged.

[0109] Table 2 shows the mapping functions that can be implemented, for example, by using a predefined lookup table, to assign a "(multiple) output preamble hint (N)ACK" to each input preamble. Table 2 is shown below: Table 2

[0110] Regarding the CFRA process, Figure 5 The illustration shows an example signaling diagram of a process for physical signaling according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Reference will be made to this diagram for discussion purposes. Figure 1 Describe process 500. Process 500 may involve reader device 502 and AIoT device 501. For example... Figure 1 As illustrated, AIoT device 501 can be a second device, and reader device 502 can be a first device.

[0111] Procedure 500 illustrates how this general mapping function can be used in the case of multiple R2D / D2R transmissions, i.e., in addition to the single-transmission single (N)ACK use case described in Procedure 300.

[0112] The reader device 502 can first communicate with the AIoT device 501 about the mapping functions Fi, Fa, and Fn (which will be described in more detail later).

[0113] At 510, reader device 502 can first send Msg A to AIoT device 501. Msg A may include a preamble K and an inventory (INV) request. AIoT device 501 can be paged along with an inventory request containing the preamble "K" in Msg A.

[0114] At 520, reader device 502 can receive Msg B from AIoT device 501. Msg B may include an inventory response.

[0115] At 530, reader device 502 can send Msg C to AIoT device 501. Msg C may include the preamble "A1=Fa(K)". Furthermore, this message Msg C may deliver a command (CMD) request to AIoT device 501. The D2R inventory response from Msg B is then confirmed in a subsequent message Msg C containing the preamble "A1=Fa(K)".

[0116] At 540, reader device 502 can receive Msg D from AIoT device 501. Msg D may include a CMD response.

[0117] Reader device 502 can successfully receive messages (e.g., Msg D). To confirm, reader device 502 can send a message Msg E containing the preamble "A2=Fa(K)" similar to process 300. Figure 5 (not shown in the image), and continue with another task (e.g., paging another AIoT device 503).

[0118] In the case of NACK, the preamble “N2=Fn(K)” will be sent in a separate message and a retransmission will be triggered, for example, by an AIoT device, until a CMD response is successfully received. Note that a single retransmission is possible when the lookup table (Table 2) assigns three output preambles for each seed input “K”.

[0119] Reader device 502 can also combine these two messages (ACK and paging), such as Figure 5 As shown, after receiving Msg E, a new Msg A is sent to AIoT device 503. In some examples, Msg E can be Msg2.

[0120] At 550, reader device 502 can send a new Msg A to AIoT device 503. The new Msg A can include an ACK to AIoT device 501 and an inventory request to AIoT device 503 in the form of a preamble “A2=Fa(K)” in the message payload.

[0121] While AIoT device 501 can interpret preamble A2 for its (direct) ACK in the aforementioned transmission, AIoT device 503 can interpret it only in the context of its paging message; that is, preamble A2 is considered a new seed preamble equivalent to the preamble "K" used by AIoT device 501. Therefore, AIoT device 503 can assume that the ACK preamble is given by Fa(A2) and the NACK by Fn(A2).

[0122] It is understandable that the intermediate synchronization code and / or post-synchronization code can also be applied to process 300 and process 500.

[0123] In this method, the use of this disclosure allows AIoT devices to monitor only the preambles “A” and “N” to obtain ACK / NACK information for previous transmissions, which can simplify device implementation and improve communication efficiency because the device can limit the set of possible sequences to be detected.

[0124] The processes 200, 300 and 500 described above can be associated with the R2D timing acquisition signal used during continuous R2D transmission.

[0125] In other embodiments, these embodiments may associate an R2D timing acquisition signal sequence with a D2R timing acquisition signal sequence in response to an R2D transmission.

[0126] Figure 6 The illustration shows an example signaling diagram of a process for physical signaling according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Reference will be made to this diagram for discussion purposes. Figure 1 Process 600 is described. Process 600 may involve a first device 102 and a second device 101.

[0127] In process 600, at 610, the first device 102 may perform a first transmission including a first initial signal to the second device 101.

[0128] At 620, the first device 102 can receive a second transmission including a second initial signal from the second device 101. The second initial signal is based on the first initial signal.

[0129] At 630, the first device 102 can perform a third transmission to the second device 101, including a third initial signal. The third initial signal is based on the second initial signal.

[0130] In some embodiments, the first initial signal includes a first timing acquisition signal, the second initial signal includes a second timing acquisition signal, and the third initial signal includes a third timing acquisition signal.

[0131] For example, the preamble of the second timing acquisition signal is based on the preamble of the first timing acquisition signal.

[0132] As another example, the synchronization code of the second timing acquisition signal is based on the synchronization code of the first timing acquisition signal.

[0133] As another example, the post-synchronization code of the second timing acquisition signal is based on the post-synchronization code of the first timing acquisition signal.

[0134] In some embodiments, the first device 102 may determine the ID or sequence of the third timing acquisition signal based on the ID or sequence of the second timing acquisition and a mapping function. The mapping function may be... Figures 2 to 5 The first mapping function mentioned in the text is similar.

[0135] In some embodiments, the first device 102 may receive Msg1, which includes a fourth timing acquisition signal, from the second device 101. The fourth timing acquisition signal is based on the first timing acquisition signal.

[0136] In some embodiments, the first device 102 may send Msg2, which includes a fifth timing acquisition signal, to the second device 101. The fifth timing acquisition signal is based on the fourth timing acquisition signal.

[0137] In some embodiments, the first device 102 may determine the ID or sequence of the fifth timing acquisition signal based on the ID or sequence of the fourth timing acquisition signal and a mapping function.

[0138] In some embodiments, the first device 102 may send Msg2, which includes a fifth timing acquisition signal, to the second device 101. The fifth timing acquisition signal is based on the first timing acquisition signal and a mapping function.

[0139] In some embodiments, the first device 102 may determine the ID or sequence of the fifth timing acquisition signal based on the ID or sequence of the first timing acquisition signal and a mapping function.

[0140] In some embodiments, the first device 102 may receive a second transmission from the second device 101 by receiving Msg3, which includes a second timing acquisition signal and an inventory response, from the second device 101.

[0141] In some embodiments, the first device 102 may perform a third transmission to the second device 101 by sending Msg4, which includes a third timing acquisition signal, as an ACK to the second device 101 based on the determination that Msg3 has been received.

[0142] Optionally, the first device 102 may perform a third transmission to the second device 101 by sending Msg4, which includes a third timing acquisition signal, as a negative acknowledgment (NACK) based on the determination that Msg3 has not been received.

[0143] In some embodiments, the first device 102 includes a reader device, and the second device 101 includes an AIOT device.

[0144] In some embodiments, the second device 101 may determine the ID or sequence of the second timing acquisition signal based on the ID or sequence of the fifth timing acquisition signal and a mapping function.

[0145] Figure 7 The illustration shows an example signaling diagram of a process for physical signaling according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Reference will be made to this diagram for discussion purposes. Figure 1 Describe process 700. Process 700 may involve reader device 702 and AIoT device 701. For example... Figure 1 As illustrated, AIoT device 701 can be a second device, and reader device 702 can be a first device.

[0146] In process 700, reader device 702 may first communicate with AIoT device 701 about mapping functions Fa and Fn, which are similar to Fa and Fn mentioned above in processes 300 and 500.

[0147] At 710, reader device 701 can first send Msg0 to AIoT device 702. Msg0 may include a preamble sequence “P” and an inventory (INV) request.

[0148] At 720, reader device 701 can receive Msg1 from AIoT device 702. Msg1 may include a preamble sequence “Q=Fa(P)” and a contention ID.

[0149] As an example, if AIoT device 702 detects an R2D preamble sequence “P”, then AIoT device 702 can then analogously derive a D2R preamble sequence “Q=Fa(P)” or “N=Fn(P)” from a “seed” R2D preamble “P” (based on standardized association rules) that has ACK or NACK importance that reader device 701 can understand.

[0150] After 720, multiple messages are exchanged between AIoT device 702 and reader device 701. The preamble of each subsequent D2R (R2D) message can be derived from the preamble of the previous R2D (D2R) message, as shown in process 700.

[0151] At 730, reader device 701 can send Msg2 to AIoT device 702. Msg2 may include a preamble sequence “R=Fa(Q)” and a race condition.

[0152] At 740, reader device 701 can receive Msg3 from AIoT device 702. Msg3 may include a preamble sequence “S=Fa(R)” and an INV response that may respond to an INV request included in Msg0.

[0153] At 750, reader device 701 can send Msg4 to AIoT device 702. Msg3 may include a preamble sequence “T=Fa(S)” as an ACK or INV response for Msg3. Optionally, Msg3 may include a preamble sequence “W=Fn(S)” as an ACK or INV response for Msg3.

[0154] In other embodiments, if certain messages, such as Msg1, may not require explicit acknowledgment due to their triggering / fundamental nature, then the preamble selection can be controlled by the proposed scheme, as follows: Figure 8 As shown.

[0155] Figure 8 The illustration shows an example signaling diagram of a process for physical signaling according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Reference will be made to this diagram for discussion purposes. Figure 1Describe process 800. Process 800 may involve reader device 802 and AIoT device 801. For example... Figure 1 As illustrated, AIoT device 801 can be a second device, and reader device 802 can be a first device.

[0156] In process 800, reader device 802 may first communicate with AIoT device 801 about mapping functions Fa and Fn, which are similar to Fa and Fn mentioned above in processes 300 and 500.

[0157] At 810, reader device 801 may first send Msg0 to AIoT device 802. Msg0 may include a preamble sequence “P” and an inventory (INV) request.

[0158] At 820, reader device 801 can receive Msg1 from AIoT device 802. Msg1 may not require explicit acknowledgment. Therefore, Msg1 may include a preamble sequence and a contention ID.

[0159] At 830, reader device 801 can send Msg2 to AIoT device 802. Msg2 may include a preamble sequence “Q=Fa(P)” and a race condition.

[0160] At 840, reader device 801 can receive Msg3 from AIoT device 802. Msg3 may include a preamble sequence “R=Fa(Q)” and an INV response that may respond to an INV request included in Msg0.

[0161] At 850, reader device 801 can send Msg4 to AIoT device 802. Msg3 may include a preamble sequence “S=Fa(R)” as an ACK or INV response for Msg3. Optionally, Msg3 may include a preamble sequence “T=Fn(R)” as an ACK or INV response for Msg3.

[0162] In this method, the present disclosure allows the device to monitor only the preamble of the sequence to obtain ACK / NACK information for previous transmissions used in R2D and D2R, which can simplify device implementation and improve its efficiency because the device can limit the possible set of sequences to be detected.

[0163] Figure 9 A flowchart illustrating a method implemented at a reader device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. For purposes of discussion, reference will be made to... Figure 1 Method 900 is described from the perspective of the first device 102.

[0164] At frame 910, the first device 102 can perform a first transmission, including a first initial signal, to the second device. The second device may be... Figure 1 The second device 101 in the middle.

[0165] At block 920, the first device 102 can perform a second transmission to the second device, including a second initial signal. The second initial signal is based on the first initial signal.

[0166] In some embodiments, the first initial signal includes a first timing acquisition signal, and the second initial signal includes a second timing acquisition signal, wherein the second timing acquisition signal is based on the first timing acquisition signal and a first mapping function.

[0167] In some embodiments, the first device 102 may further determine the ID or sequence of the second timing acquisition signal based on the ID or sequence of the first timing acquisition signal and the first mapping function.

[0168] In some embodiments, the first device may perform a third transmission to the second device including a third initial signal, wherein the third initial signal includes a third timing acquisition signal and the third timing acquisition signal is based on the first timing acquisition signal.

[0169] In some embodiments, the first mapping function is used for the CBRA process. The first device may also receive Msg1, which includes a contention resolution ID, from the second device; and send Msg2, which includes a fourth timing acquisition signal and a contention resolution corresponding to the contention resolution ID, to the second device, wherein the fourth timing acquisition signal is based on the contention resolution ID and the second mapping function.

[0170] In some embodiments, the second mapping function is a hash function. The first device may also map the contention-resolved ID to the ID of the fourth timing acquisition signal based on the cardinality of the contention-resolved ID and the cardinality of the ID of the fourth timing acquisition signal, according to the hash function.

[0171] In some embodiments, the first device may perform a second transmission to the second device by: sending Msg4, which includes a second timing acquisition signal, as an ACK to the second device based on determining that Msg3 has been accepted; or sending Msg4, which includes a second timing acquisition signal, as a NACK to the second device based on determining that Msg3 has not been accepted.

[0172] In some embodiments, the first mapping function is used for the CFRA procedure, and the second transmission further includes a command request and a second timing acquisition signal as an ACK. The first device may perform a third transmission by performing a third transmission, including a third timing acquisition signal as an ACK, to the second device based on determining that a response to the command request has been received.

[0173] In some embodiments, the first device may perform a fourth transmission to another second device, including a third timing acquisition signal and an inventory request.

[0174] In some embodiments, the first mapping function is used for the CFRA process, and the second transmission further includes a command request and a second timing acquisition signal as NACK. The first device may perform a third transmission by performing a third transmission, including a third timing acquisition signal as NACK, to the second device based on determining that the response to the command request has not been accepted.

[0175] In some embodiments, the first device includes a reader device, and the second device includes an AIoT device.

[0176] In some embodiments, the means capable of performing any method 900 (e.g., the first means 102) may include means for performing the corresponding steps of method 900. This component may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the component may be implemented in a circuit system or a software module.

[0177] In some embodiments, the apparatus includes: components for receiving at least one supported file index from a network device; components for performing a first transmission to a second device, the first transmission including a first initial signal; and components for performing a second transmission to the second device, the second transmission including a second initial signal, wherein the second initial signal is based on the first initial signal.

[0178] In some embodiments, the first initial signal includes a first timing acquisition signal, and the second initial signal includes a second timing acquisition signal, wherein the second timing acquisition signal is based on the first timing acquisition signal and a first mapping function.

[0179] In some embodiments, the device includes components for determining the ID or sequence of a second timing acquisition signal based on an identifier ID or sequence of a first timing acquisition signal and a first mapping function.

[0180] In some embodiments, the first mapping function is used in the CBRA process. The apparatus includes: components for receiving Msg1, which includes a contention resolution ID, from a second device; and components for sending Msg2 to the second device, Msg2 including a fourth timing acquisition signal and a contention resolution corresponding to the contention resolution ID, wherein the fourth timing acquisition signal is based on the contention resolution ID and the second mapping function.

[0181] In some embodiments, the second mapping function is a hash function. The apparatus includes means for mapping a contention-resolved ID to an ID of a fourth timing signal based on the cardinality of the contention-resolved ID and the cardinality of the ID of the fourth timing acquisition signal, according to the hash function.

[0182] In some embodiments, the component for performing the second transmission to the second device includes: a component for sending Msg4 to the second device based on determining that Msg3 has been received, wherein Msg4 includes a second timing acquisition signal as an acknowledgment ACK.

[0183] Optionally, the component for performing the second transmission to the second device includes: sending Msg4 to the second device based on determining that Msg3 has not been received, wherein Msg4 includes a third timing acquisition signal as a negative acknowledgment (NACK).

[0184] In some embodiments, the first mapping function is used for the CFRA process, and the second transmission further includes a command request and a second timing acquisition signal as an ACK. The components for performing the third transmission may include components for performing a third transmission, including a third timing acquisition signal as an ACK, to the second device based on determining that a response to the command request has been received.

[0185] In some embodiments, the apparatus may include a component for performing a fourth transmission to another second apparatus, including a third timing acquisition signal and an inventory request.

[0186] In some embodiments, the first mapping function is used for the CFRA process, and the second transmission further includes a command request and a second timing acquisition signal as a NACK. The component for performing the third transmission performs a third transmission, including a third timing acquisition signal as a NACK, to the second device based on determining that a response to the command request has not been received.

[0187] In some embodiments, the first device includes a reader device, and the second device includes an AIoT device.

[0188] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes components for performing additional steps in some embodiments of method 900. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to cause performance of the apparatus together with the at least one processor.

[0189] Figure 10 A flowchart illustrating a method 1000 implemented at an AIoT device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. For discussion purposes, reference will be made to... Figure 1 Method 1000 is described from the perspective of the second device 101.

[0190] At frame 1010, the second device 101 can receive a first transmission from the first device, the first transmission including a first initial signal.

[0191] At frame 1020, the second device 101 can receive a second transmission from the first device, the second transmission including a second initial signal, wherein the second initial signal is based on the first initial signal.

[0192] In some embodiments, the first initial signal includes a first timing acquisition signal, and the second initial signal includes a second timing acquisition signal, wherein the second timing acquisition signal is based on the first timing acquisition signal and a first mapping function.

[0193] In some embodiments, the second device 101 may receive a third transmission from the first device, the third transmission including a third initial signal, wherein the third initial signal includes a third timing acquisition signal, and the third timing acquisition signal is based on a first timing acquisition signal.

[0194] In some embodiments, the first mapping function is used in the CBRA process. The second device may send a message 1 (Msg1) including a contention resolution ID to the first device; and receive from the first device a message 2 including a fourth timing acquisition signal and a contention resolution corresponding to the contention resolution ID, wherein the fourth timing acquisition signal is based on the contention resolution ID and the second mapping function.

[0195] In some embodiments, the second device is configured to receive a second transmission from the first device by the following steps: receiving Msg4 from the first device, Msg4 including a second timing acquisition signal as ACK; or receiving Msg4 from the first device, Msg4 including a second timing acquisition signal as NACK.

[0196] In some embodiments, the first mapping function is used in the CFRA procedure, and the second transmission further includes a command request and a second timing acquisition signal as an acknowledgment. The first device is also caused to perform a third transmission by receiving from the first device a third transmission including a third timing acquisition signal as an ACK.

[0197] In some embodiments, the first mapping function is used for the CFRA process, and the second transmission further includes a command request and a second timing acquisition signal as an acknowledgment. The first device is also configured to receive a third transmission from the first device, including a third timing acquisition signal as a NACK.

[0198] In some embodiments, the first device includes a reader device, and the second device includes an AIoT device.

[0199] In some embodiments, an apparatus capable of performing any method 1000 (e.g., second apparatus 101) may include a component for performing the corresponding steps of method 1000. This component may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the component may be implemented in a circuit system or a software module.

[0200] In some embodiments, the apparatus includes: a component for receiving a first transmission from a first device, the first transmission including a first initial signal; and a component for receiving a second transmission from the first device, the second transmission including a second initial signal, wherein the second initial signal is based on the first initial signal.

[0201] In some embodiments, the first initial signal includes a first timing acquisition signal, and the second initial signal includes a second timing acquisition signal, wherein the second timing acquisition signal is based on the first timing acquisition signal and a first mapping function.

[0202] In some embodiments, the apparatus may include: a component for receiving a third transmission from a first apparatus, the third transmission including a third initial signal, wherein the third initial signal includes a third timing acquisition signal, and the third timing acquisition signal is based on a first timing acquisition signal.

[0203] In some embodiments, the first mapping function is used in the CBRA process. The apparatus may include: means for sending Msg1, which includes a contention resolution ID, to a first apparatus; and means for receiving from the first apparatus Msg2, which includes a fourth timing acquisition signal and a contention resolution corresponding to the contention resolution ID, wherein the fourth timing acquisition signal is based on the contention resolution ID and the second mapping function.

[0204] In some embodiments, the component for receiving the second transmission from the first device includes: a component for receiving Msg4 from the first device, wherein Msg4 includes a second timing acquisition signal as ACK; or a component for receiving Msg4 from the first device, wherein Msg4 includes a second timing acquisition signal as NACK.

[0205] In some embodiments, the first mapping function is used for the CFRA process, and the second transmission further includes a command request and a second timing acquisition signal as an acknowledgment. The component for receiving the third transmission may include: a component for receiving from the first device the third transmission including a third timing acquisition signal as an ACK.

[0206] In some embodiments, the first mapping function is used for the CFRA process, and the second transmission further includes a command request and a second timing acquisition signal as an acknowledgment. The component for receiving the third transmission may include: a component for receiving from the first device the third transmission including a third timing acquisition signal as a NACK.

[0207] In some embodiments, the first device includes a reader device, and the second device includes an AIoT device.

[0208] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes components for performing additional steps in some embodiments of method 1000. In some embodiments, the components include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to cause performance of the apparatus together with the at least one processor.

[0209] Figure 11 A flowchart illustrating a method 1100 implemented at a reader device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. For discussion purposes, reference will be made to... Figure 1 Method 1100 is described from the perspective of the first device 102.

[0210] At frame 1110, the first device 102 can perform a first transmission to the second device, the first transmission including a first initial signal.

[0211] At frame 1120, the first device 102 can receive a second transmission from the second device, the second transmission including a second initial signal, wherein the second initial signal is based on the first initial signal.

[0212] At frame 1130, the first device 102 can perform a third transmission to the second device, the third transmission including a third initial signal, wherein the third initial signal is based on the second initial signal.

[0213] In some embodiments, the first initial signal includes a first timing acquisition signal, the second initial signal includes a second timing acquisition signal, and the third initial signal includes a third timing acquisition signal.

[0214] In some embodiments, the first device 102 may also be configured to: determine the ID or sequence of the third timing acquisition signal based on the identifier ID or sequence of the second timing acquisition and the mapping function.

[0215] In some embodiments, the first device 102 may also be configured to receive Msg1 from the second device, Msg1 including a fourth timing acquisition signal, wherein the fourth timing acquisition signal is based on the first timing acquisition signal.

[0216] In some embodiments, the first device 102 may also be configured to send Msg2 to the second device, Msg2 including a fifth timing acquisition signal, wherein the fifth timing acquisition signal is based on a fourth timing acquisition signal.

[0217] In some embodiments, the first device 102 may also be configured to: determine the ID or sequence of the fifth timing acquisition signal based on the ID or sequence of the fourth timing acquisition signal and a mapping function.

[0218] In some embodiments, the first device 102 may also be configured to send Msg2 to the second device, Msg2 including a fifth timing acquisition signal, wherein the fifth timing acquisition signal is based on the first timing acquisition signal and a mapping function.

[0219] In some embodiments, the first device 102 may also be configured to: determine the ID or sequence of the fifth timing acquisition signal based on the ID or sequence of the first timing acquisition signal and a mapping function.

[0220] In some embodiments, the first device is also configured to receive a second transmission from the second device by receiving Msg3 from the second device, Msg3 including a second timing acquisition signal and an inventory response.

[0221] In some embodiments, the first device is further configured to receive a third transmission from the second device by: sending Msg4 to the second device based on determining that Msg3 has been received, Msg4 including a third timing acquisition signal as an ACK; or sending Msg4 to the second device based on determining that Msg3 has not been received, Msg4 including a third timing acquisition signal as a NACK.

[0222] In some embodiments, the first device includes a reader device, and the second device includes an AIoT device.

[0223] In some embodiments, an apparatus capable of performing any method 1100 (e.g., the first apparatus 102) may include components for performing corresponding steps of method 1100. These components may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the components may be implemented in a circuit system or a software module.

[0224] In some embodiments, the apparatus includes: components for performing a first transmission to a second device, the first transmission including a first initial signal; components for receiving a second transmission from the second device, the second transmission including a second initial signal, wherein the second initial signal is based on the first initial signal; and components for performing a third transmission to the second device, the third transmission including a third initial signal, wherein the third initial signal is based on the second initial signal.

[0225] In some embodiments, the first initial signal includes a first timing acquisition signal, the second initial signal includes a second timing acquisition signal, and the third initial signal includes a third timing acquisition signal.

[0226] In some embodiments, the apparatus may include components for determining the ID or sequence of a third timing acquisition signal based on an identifier ID or sequence acquired by a second timing acquisition and a mapping function.

[0227] In some embodiments, the apparatus may include a component for receiving Msg1 from a second apparatus, Msg1 including a fourth timing acquisition signal, wherein the fourth timing acquisition signal is based on a first timing acquisition signal.

[0228] In some embodiments, the apparatus may include: a component for sending Msg2 to a second apparatus, Msg2 including a fifth timing acquisition signal, wherein the fifth timing acquisition signal is based on a fourth timing acquisition signal.

[0229] In some embodiments, the apparatus may include a component for determining the ID or sequence of a fifth timing acquisition signal based on the ID or sequence of a fourth timing acquisition signal and a mapping function.

[0230] In some embodiments, the apparatus may include a component for sending Msg2 to a second apparatus, Msg2 including a fifth timing acquisition signal, wherein the fifth timing acquisition signal is based on a first timing acquisition signal and a mapping function.

[0231] In some embodiments, the apparatus may include components for determining the ID or sequence of a fifth timing acquisition signal based on the ID or sequence of a first timing acquisition signal and a mapping function.

[0232] In some embodiments, the component for receiving the second transmission from the second device includes: a component for receiving Msg3 from the second device, wherein Msg3 includes a second timing acquisition signal and an inventory response.

[0233] In some embodiments, the component for performing a third transmission to the second device includes: a component for sending Msg4 to the second device based on determining that Msg3 has been received, wherein Msg4 includes a third timing acquisition signal as an acknowledgment (ACK); or a component for sending Msg4 to the second device based on determining that Msg3 has not been received, wherein Msg4 includes a third timing acquisition signal as a negative acknowledgment (NACK).

[0234] In some embodiments, the first device includes a reader device, and the second device includes an AIoT device.

[0235] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes components for performing additional steps in some embodiments of method 1100. In some embodiments, the components include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to affect the performance of the apparatus together with the at least one processor.

[0236] Figure 12 The illustration shows a flowchart of a method 1200 implemented at an AIoT device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Reference will be made for purposes of discussion. Figure 1Method 1200 is described from the perspective of the second device 101.

[0237] At frame 1210, the second device 101 can receive a first transmission from the first device, the first transmission including a first initial signal.

[0238] At block 1220, the second device 101 can perform a second transmission to the first device, the second transmission including a second initial signal, wherein the second initial signal is based on the first initial signal.

[0239] At frame 1230, the second device 101 receives a third transmission from the first device, the third transmission including a third initial signal, wherein the third initial signal is based on the second initial signal.

[0240] In some embodiments, the first initial signal includes a first timing acquisition signal, the second initial signal includes a second timing acquisition signal, and the third initial signal includes a third timing acquisition signal.

[0241] In some embodiments, the second device 101 is further configured to send message 1 (Msg1) to the first device, wherein Msg1 includes a fourth timing acquisition signal, the fourth timing acquisition signal being based on the first timing acquisition signal.

[0242] In some embodiments, the second device is further configured to receive Msg2 from the second device, Msg2 including a fifth timing acquisition signal, wherein the fifth timing acquisition signal is based on a fourth timing acquisition signal.

[0243] In some embodiments, the second device is further configured to receive Msg2 from the second device, Msg2 including a fifth timing acquisition signal, wherein the fifth timing acquisition signal is based on the first timing acquisition signal.

[0244] In some embodiments, the second device is further configured to: determine the ID or sequence of the second timing acquisition signal based on the ID or sequence of the fifth timing acquisition signal and a mapping function.

[0245] In some embodiments, the second device is further configured to perform a second transmission to the first device by sending Msg3 to the second device, Msg3 including a second timing acquisition signal and an inventory response.

[0246] In some embodiments, the second device is further configured to receive a third transmission from the second device by: receiving Msg4 from the first device, Msg4 including a third timing acquisition signal as an acknowledgment (ACK); or receiving Msg4 from the first device, Msg4 including a third timing acquisition signal as a negative acknowledgment (NACK).

[0247] In some embodiments, the first device includes a reader device, and the second device includes an environmental Internet of Things (AIOT) device.

[0248] In some embodiments, an apparatus capable of performing any method 1200 (e.g., the second apparatus 101) may include components for performing corresponding steps of method 1200. These components may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the components may be implemented in a circuit system or a software module.

[0249] In some embodiments, the device includes components for receiving a first transmission from a first device, the first transmission including a first initial signal; components for performing a second transmission to the first device, the second transmission including a second initial signal, wherein the second initial signal is based on the first initial signal; and components for receiving a third transmission from the first device, the third transmission including a third initial signal, wherein the third initial signal is based on the second initial signal.

[0250] In some embodiments, the first initial signal includes a first timing acquisition signal, the second initial signal includes a second timing acquisition signal, and the third initial signal includes a third timing acquisition signal.

[0251] In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a component for transmitting Msg1 to a first apparatus, Msg1 including a fourth timing acquisition signal, wherein the fourth timing acquisition signal is based on a first timing acquisition signal.

[0252] In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a component for receiving Msg2 from a second apparatus, Msg2 including a fifth timing acquisition signal, wherein the fifth timing acquisition signal is based on a fourth timing acquisition signal.

[0253] In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a component for receiving Msg2 from a second apparatus, Msg2 including a fifth timing acquisition signal, wherein the fifth timing acquisition signal is based on a first timing acquisition signal.

[0254] In some embodiments, the apparatus includes: determining the ID or sequence of a second timing acquisition signal based on the ID or sequence of a fifth timing acquisition signal and a mapping function.

[0255] In some embodiments, the means for performing a second transmission to a first device includes: a component for sending Msg3 to a second device, the Msg3 including a second timing acquisition signal and an inventory response.

[0256] In some embodiments, the means for receiving a third transmission from a second means may include: a component for receiving Msg4 from a first means, wherein Msg4 includes a third timing acquisition signal as an acknowledgment (ACK); or a component for receiving Msg4 from a first means, wherein Msg4 includes a third timing acquisition signal as a negative acknowledgment (NACK).

[0257] In some embodiments, the first device includes a reader device, and the second device includes an AIoT device.

[0258] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes components for performing additional steps in some embodiments of method 1200. In some embodiments, the components include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to affect the performance of the apparatus together with the at least one processor.

[0259] Figure 13 This is a simplified block diagram of a device 1300 suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure. Device 1300 can be provided to implement a communication device, such as... Figure 1 The first device 102 or the second device 101 shown. As shown, the device 1300 includes one or more processors 1310, one or more memories 1320 coupled to the processors 1310, and one or more communication modules 1340 coupled to the processors 1310.

[0260] Communication module 1340 is for bidirectional communication. Communication module 1340 has at least one antenna to facilitate communication. The communication interface can represent any interface required for communication with other network elements.

[0261] Processor 1310 can be of any type suitable for a local technology network, and by way of non-limiting example, can include one or more of the following: general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, microprocessor, digital signal processor (DSP), and processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. Device 1300 may have multiple processors, such as application-specific integrated circuit chips that are time-dependent on a clock that synchronizes the main processor.

[0262] Memory 1320 may include one or more non-volatile memories and one or more volatile memories. Examples of non-volatile memories include, but are not limited to, read-only memory (ROM) 1324, electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, hard disk, compact disc (CD), digital video disc (DVD), and other magnetic and / or optical storage. Examples of volatile memories include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM) 1322 and other volatile memories that will not persist during power-off periods.

[0263] Computer program 1330 includes computer-executable instructions that are executed by the associated processor 1310. Program 1330 may be stored in ROM 1324. Processor 1310 may perform any suitable actions and processes by loading program 1330 into RAM 1322.

[0264] Embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented using program 1330, enabling device 1300 to execute as described in the reference. Figures 2 to 8 Any process discussed in this disclosure. Embodiments of this disclosure may also be implemented by hardware or by a combination of software and hardware.

[0265] In some embodiments, program 1330 may be tangibly contained in a computer-readable medium, which may be included in device 1300 (e.g., in memory 1320) or in other storage devices accessible by device 1300. Device 1300 may load program 1330 from the computer-readable medium into RAM 1322 for execution. The computer-readable medium may include any type of tangible non-volatile storage, such as ROM, EPROM, flash memory, hard disk, CD, DVD, etc.

[0266] Figure 14 An example of a computer-readable medium 1400 in the form of a CD or DVD is shown. The computer-readable medium has a program 1330 stored thereon.

[0267] Generally, the various embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuitry, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects can be implemented in hardware, while others can be implemented in firmware or software, which can be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device. Although various aspects of the embodiments of this disclosure are illustrated and described as block diagrams, flowcharts, or other illustrated representations, it should be understood that the blocks, apparatuses, systems, techniques, or methods described herein can be implemented as non-limiting examples of hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuitry or logic, general-purpose hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0268] 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 are executed in a device on a target real or virtual processor to perform the functions described above. Figures 2 to 7The methods described are 800 to 1300. Typically, a program module includes routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc., that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. In various embodiments, the functionality of a program module can be combined or split among program modules as needed. The machine-executable instructions 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.

[0269] 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.

[0270] In the context of this disclosure, computer program code or associated data may be carried by any suitable carrier wave to enable a device, apparatus, or processor to perform the various processes and operations described above. Examples of carrier waves include signals, computer-readable media, etc.

[0271] Computer-readable media can be computer-readable signal media or computer-readable storage media. Computer-readable media can include, but is not limited to, electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, devices, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples of computer-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 fiber, portable optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. As used herein, the term "non-transient" is a limitation on the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not signaling), and not a limitation on the persistence of data storage (e.g., RAM versus ROM).

[0272] Furthermore, although operations are depicted in a specific order, this should not be construed as requiring such operations to be performed in the specific order shown or in sequence, or that all illustrated operations be performed to achieve the desired result. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing can be advantageous. Similarly, while several specific implementation details are included in the above discussion, these details should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure, but rather as a description of features that may be specific to particular embodiments. Certain features described in the context of individual embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. 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.

[0273] Although this disclosure has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological actions, it should be understood that this 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 exemplary forms for implementing the claims.

[0274] The embodiments disclosed herein relate to the following examples. Example 1. A first device for communication, comprising: At least one processor; and At least one memory, the at least one memory storing instructions, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first device to at least: A first transmission is performed to the second device, the first transmission including a first initial signal; and A second transmission is performed to the second device, the second transmission including a second initial signal, wherein the second initial signal is based on the first initial signal. Example 2. The first apparatus according to Example 1, wherein the first initial signal includes a first timing acquisition signal, and the second initial signal includes a second timing acquisition signal, wherein the second timing acquisition signal is based on the first timing acquisition signal and based on a first mapping function. Example 3. The first device according to Example 2, wherein the first device is further configured to: Based on the identifier ID or sequence of the first timing acquisition signal and the first mapping function, determine the ID or sequence of the second timing acquisition signal. Example 4. The first apparatus according to Example 3, wherein the first mapping function is used in a contention-based random access CBRA procedure, and wherein the first apparatus is further configured such that: Receive message 1 Msg1 from the second device, wherein Msg1 includes a contention resolution ID; and Send Msg2 to the second device, the Msg2 including a fourth timing acquisition signal and a contention resolution corresponding to the contention resolution ID, wherein the fourth timing acquisition signal is based on the contention resolution ID and based on the second mapping function. Example 5. The first apparatus according to Example 4, wherein the second mapping function is a hash function, and the first apparatus is further configured such that: Based on the hash function, the contention resolution ID is mapped to the ID of the fourth timing acquisition signal, using the cardinality of the contention resolution ID and the cardinality of the ID of the fourth timing acquisition signal. Example 6. The first device according to Example 4, wherein the first device is further configured to perform the second transmission to the second device by means of: Based on the confirmation that Msg3 has been received, Msg4 is sent to the second device, wherein Msg4 includes the second timing acquisition signal as an acknowledgment (ACK); or Based on the determination that Msg3 has not been received, Msg4 is sent to the second device, wherein Msg4 includes a second timing acquisition signal as a negative acknowledgment (NACK). Example 7. The first device according to Example 2, wherein the first device is further configured such that: A third transmission is performed to the second device, the third transmission including a third initial signal, wherein the third initial signal includes the third timing acquisition signal, and the third timing acquisition signal is based on the first timing acquisition signal. Example 8. A first apparatus according to Example 7, wherein the first mapping function is used in a contention-free random access (CFRA) procedure, and the second transmission further includes a command request and a second timing acquisition signal as an ACK, wherein the first apparatus is further configured to perform the third transmission by: Based on the determination that a response to the command request has been received, the third transmission is performed to the second device, the third transmission including the third timing acquisition signal as an ACK. Example 9. The first device according to Example 8, wherein the first device is further configured such that: A fourth transmission is performed to another second device, the fourth transmission including the third timing acquisition signal and the inventory request. Example 10. A first apparatus according to Example 7, wherein the first mapping function is used in a CFRA procedure, and the second transmission further includes a command request and a second timing acquisition signal as a NACK, wherein the first apparatus is also caused to perform the third transmission by: Based on the determination that no response to the command request has been received, the third transmission is performed to the second device, the third transmission including the third timing acquisition signal as NACK. Example 11. A second means for communication, comprising: At least one processor; and At least one memory, the at least one memory storing instructions, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second means to at least: Receive a first transmission from a first device, the first transmission including a first initial signal; and The first device receives a second transmission, the second transmission including a second initial signal, wherein the second initial signal is based on the first initial signal. Example 12. The second apparatus according to Example 11, wherein the first initial signal includes a first timing acquisition signal, and the second initial signal includes a second timing acquisition signal, wherein the second timing acquisition signal is based on the first timing acquisition signal and based on a first mapping function. Example 13. The second device according to Example 12, wherein the second device is further configured to: A third transmission is received from the first device, the third transmission including a third initial signal, wherein the third initial signal includes the third timing acquisition signal, and the third timing acquisition signal is based on the first timing acquisition signal. Example 14. A method comprising: A first transmission is performed to the second device, the first transmission including a first initial signal; and A second transmission is performed to the second device, the second transmission including a second initial signal, wherein the second initial signal is based on the first initial signal. Example 15. A method comprising: Receive a first transmission from a first device, the first transmission including a first initial signal; and The first device receives a second transmission, the second transmission including a second initial signal, wherein the second initial signal is based on the first initial signal.

Claims

1. A first device for communication, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory, the at least one memory storing instructions, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first device to at least: A first transmission is performed to the second device, the first transmission including a first initial signal; as well as A second transmission is performed to the second device, the second transmission including a second initial signal, wherein the second initial signal is based on the first initial signal.

2. The first apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first initial signal includes a first timing acquisition signal, and the second initial signal includes a second timing acquisition signal, wherein the second timing acquisition signal is based on the first timing acquisition signal and a first mapping function.

3. The first device according to claim 2, wherein the first device is further configured to: Based on the identifier ID or sequence of the first timing acquisition signal and the first mapping function, the ID or sequence of the second timing acquisition signal is determined.

4. The first apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first mapping function is used in a contention-based random access CBRA procedure, and wherein the first apparatus is further configured to: Receive message 1 Msg1 from the second device, wherein Msg1 includes a contention resolution ID; and Send Msg2 to the second device, the Msg2 including a fourth timing acquisition signal and a contention resolution corresponding to the contention resolution ID, wherein the fourth timing acquisition signal is based on the contention resolution ID and the second mapping function.

5. The first apparatus of claim 4, wherein the second mapping function is a hash function, and the first apparatus is further configured such that: Based on the hash function, the contention resolution ID is mapped to the ID of the fourth timing acquisition signal, using the cardinality of the contention resolution ID and the cardinality of the ID of the fourth timing acquisition signal.

6. The first device according to claim 4, wherein the first device is further configured to perform the second transmission to the second device by: Based on the confirmation that Msg3 has been received, Msg4 is sent to the second device, wherein Msg4 includes the second timing acquisition signal as an acknowledgment (ACK); or Based on the determination that Msg3 has not been received, Msg4 is sent to the second device, wherein Msg4 includes a second timing acquisition signal as a negative acknowledgment (NACK).

7. The first device according to claim 2, wherein the first device is further configured to: A third transmission is performed to the second device, the third transmission including a third initial signal, wherein the third initial signal includes the third timing acquisition signal, and the third timing acquisition signal is based on the first timing acquisition signal.

8. The first apparatus of claim 7, wherein the first mapping function is used in a contention-free random access (CFRA) procedure, and the second transmission further includes a command request and a second timing acquisition signal as an ACK, wherein the first apparatus is further configured to perform the third transmission by: performing the third transmission to the second apparatus based on determining that a response to the command request has been received, the third transmission including the third timing acquisition signal as an ACK, and The first device is further configured to perform a fourth transmission to another second device, the fourth transmission including the third timing acquisition signal and the inventory request.

9. The first apparatus of claim 7, wherein the first mapping function is used in the CFRA process, and the second transmission further includes a command request and a second timing acquisition signal as NACK, wherein the first apparatus is caused to perform the third transmission by: Based on the determination that no response to the command request has been received, the third transmission is performed to the second device, the third transmission including the third timing acquisition signal as NACK.

10. A second means for communication, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory, the at least one memory storing instructions, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second means to at least: Receive a first transmission from a first device, the first transmission including a first initial signal; as well as The first device receives a second transmission, the second transmission including a second initial signal, wherein the second initial signal is based on the first initial signal.

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