System and device for determining signal transmission duration and associated methods thereof

Abstract

Systems (100), devices (102), and methods (300) for determining signal transmission duration are disclosed. The method (300) includes receiving a signal, determining an activation time category based on the received signal, and transmitting the activation time category to determine the signal transmission duration in a subsequent transmission.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to one or both of a system and apparatus for determining the duration of a signal transmission in association with, for example, a user equipment (UE) that can be used for communication. This disclosure further relates to a method that can be associated with the system and / or the apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Generally speaking, energy efficiency and power savings will benefit communication networks, such as telecommunications networks based on the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) 5G (fifth generation) New Radio (NR) standard.

[0003] Current technology may not be able to solve the problem of determining the duration of signal transmission in communication networks with energy harvesting devices. This could lead to problems such as wasted signal transmission and signal transmission delays. Therefore, current technology may not be able to optimally promote energy efficiency and power savings.

[0004] This disclosure envisions that it will help solve or at least alleviate one or more problems associated with conventional techniques for promoting energy efficiency and power savings when determining the duration of signal transmission. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a method for determining the duration of a signal transmission is provided, the method comprising: receiving a signal; determining an activation time category based on the received signal; and transmitting the activation time category to determine the duration of the signal transmission in a subsequent transmission.

[0006] Advantageously, the method described herein avoids wasted transmission of signals (e.g., energy harvesting (EH) signals) by the reader (or base station) for the longest possible duration. It also avoids delays in subsequent control or data transmission.

[0007] In an embodiment, receiving the signal includes receiving the signal in a data channel and / or a control channel.

[0008] In an embodiment, receiving the signal includes receiving the signal during periodic events and / or non-periodic events.

[0009] In an embodiment, determining the activation time category includes: determining the activation time; and analyzing the activation time using the classification based on an activation time range that includes the longest signal transmission time.

[0010] In one embodiment, the method includes pre-determining the classification based on the activation time range.

[0011] In an embodiment, transmitting the activation time category includes transmitting via at least one of the following: device capability messages, control channels, and / or data channels.

[0012] In one embodiment, the method includes: receiving the activation time category; and adjusting the signal transmission time based on the received activation time category.

[0013] In one embodiment, the method includes transmitting the adjusted signal transmission time in the subsequent transmission.

[0014] In this embodiment, the signal is an energy harvesting (EH) signal.

[0015] In one embodiment, the signal includes a request for information related to the activation time in the current transmission.

[0016] In one embodiment, a computer program is provided, the computer program including instructions that, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform at least one of the input step and the processing step of the method according to the first aspect.

[0017] In one embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores data representing software executable by a computer, the software including instructions that, when executed by the computer, perform at least one of an input step and a processing step according to the method of the first aspect.

[0018] In one embodiment, an apparatus for determining the duration of a signal transmission is provided, the apparatus comprising: a first module configured to receive at least one input signal; a second module configured to process and facilitate at least one of the methods of the first aspect to generate at least one output signal; and a third module configured to transmit at least one output signal, wherein the output signal corresponds to a control signal for determining the duration of the signal transmission.

[0019] In an embodiment, the device corresponds to a user equipment (UE) capable of communicating with a device corresponding to a base station, and the base station corresponds to a next-generation node B (gNB) configured to transmit the at least one input signal to the UE.

[0020] In one embodiment, a system is provided, the system comprising: at least one device; and at least one means, wherein the device and the means are coupled via at least one of wired coupling and wireless coupling.

[0021] Advantageously, the system disclosed herein avoids wasting time on signal (e.g., EH signal) transmission when the device does not require the maximum EH transmission time. This can result in reduced latency in the transmission of data or control information to the device. Furthermore, if the reader is an energy-constrained intermediate node (e.g., a UE) other than a base station or gNB, energy used for transmission can be saved. Additionally, network efficiency can be achieved because the saved time can be used to schedule other transmissions, or if the reader is a base station (or gNB), the saved energy can be used for other in-band transmissions. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Embodiments of this disclosure are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0023] Figure 1A A schematic diagram illustrating a system for determining the duration of signal transmission according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The system may include at least one device.

[0024] Figures 1B to 1C An embodiment of the invention is shown with Figure 1A Example scenarios associated with the system.

[0025] Figure 2 Further detailed illustrations of embodiments according to the present invention are shown. Figure 1A A schematic diagram of the equipment.

[0026] Figure 3 An embodiment of the invention is shown with Figure 1A The system-related methods.

[0027] Figures 4A to 4D Examples of embodiments according to the present invention are shown. Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the information flow associated with the method. Detailed Implementation

[0028] This specification discloses apparatus for performing methods. Such apparatus may be specifically constructed for the desired purpose, or may include a computer or other device selectively activated or reconfigured by a computer program stored in a computer. The algorithms and displays presented herein are not inherently related to any particular computer or other device. Various machines may be used with the program in accordance with the teachings herein. Alternatively, it may be appropriate to construct more specialized apparatus to perform the desired method steps. The architecture of a computer will become apparent from the following description.

[0029] Furthermore, this specification implicitly discloses a computer program, as it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the various steps of the methods described herein can be implemented by computer code. The computer program is not intended to be limited to any particular programming language or implementation thereof. It should be understood that various programming languages ​​and their decoding can be used to implement the teachings contained herein. Moreover, the computer program is not intended to be limited to any particular control flow. Many other variations of the computer program can be used, employing different control flows without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure.

[0030] Furthermore, one or more steps of the computer program can be executed in parallel, rather than sequentially. Such a computer program can be stored on any computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium may include storage devices such as disks or optical discs, memory chips, or other storage devices suitable for interfacing with a computer. The computer-readable medium may also include hardwired media, such as those exemplified in Internet systems, or wireless media, such as those exemplified in mobile phone systems. When the computer program is loaded onto such a computer and executed, it effectively produces a device for implementing the steps of the preferred method.

[0031] According to embodiments of the invention, this disclosure generally envisions promoting and optimizing network (e.g., associated with 3GPP-based standards / specifications, etc.) and / or user equipment (UE) efficiency and mobility (e.g., energy efficiency or power savings). Specifically, this disclosure envisions the possibility of determining the signal transmission duration of a UE (e.g., an Ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT) device) in conjunction with 3GPP standards.

[0032] This disclosure generally envisions several categories of environmental Internet of Things (A-IoT) devices, and each device within these categories may have different energy harvesting (EH) capabilities. For example, readers in a network (such as radio access network RAN1) may supply EH signals, and the activation time before each device is able to receive control or data signals may be different. This disclosure envisions that transmitting EH signals for the longest possible duration to cover all devices could be wasteful.

[0033] This disclosure further envisions that the radio access network 1 (RAN1) may use the following terms. For example, device 1 may have a peak power consumption of approximately 1µW, may have energy storage, and up to 10 X The initial sampling frequency offset (SFO) is ppm, and downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) amplification may be absent in the device. The UL transmission of the device may also be backscattered on an externally provided carrier. In another example, device 2a may have a peak power consumption of less than or equal to several hundred µW, and may have energy storage and up to 10 XThe device exhibits both initial sampling frequency offset (SFO) of ppm and DL and / or UL amplification capabilities. The UL transmission of the device can be backscattered on an externally provided carrier. In a further example, device 2b may have a peak power consumption of less than or equal to several hundred µW, and may have energy storage and up to 10 X The initial sampling frequency offset (SFO) is ppm, and may have both DL and / or UL amplification. Furthermore, the UL transmission of the device may be generated internally by the device. It should be understood that the examples described above are not limited thereto, and further examples may exist according to embodiments of the invention.

[0034] This disclosure further envisions that activation time categories can be specified, and that devices (e.g., A-IoT devices) can report their own activation time categories to the reader, corresponding to specific reader-to-device (R2D) transmissions. The reader can then adjust the duration of signals (e.g., EH signals) in subsequent R2D transmissions based on indications received from the device.

[0035] This disclosure also envisions that different A-IoT devices may take different amounts of time to activate before they can receive R2D transmissions or perform device-to-reader (D2R) transmissions. For example, if the radio frequency (RF) EH source is the reader itself, an EH signal transmission is required before R2D data transmission. In another example for a uniform physical (PHY) layer design, the duration of the EH transmission can be the same for all devices and device classes in the network. This disclosure envisions that maintaining the EH signal duration equal to the maximum value for all possible device types and devices throughout all R2D transmissions could be wasteful and impractical.

[0036] In this manner, the duration of signal transmission can be determined, which reduces wasted time and signal transmission delays. According to embodiments of the invention, power savings and energy efficiency may be promoted in a network.

[0037] The foregoing will be discussed in further detail below with reference to Figures 1 to 4.

[0038] refer to Figure 1A According to an embodiment of the present invention, a schematic diagram illustrating a system 100 for determining the duration of signal transmission is shown. According to an embodiment of the present invention, system 100 may be adapted, for example, to promote energy efficiency and improve power efficiency.

[0039] As shown in the figure, according to an embodiment of the present invention, system 100 may include one or more devices 102, at least one apparatus 104, and optionally a communication network 106.

[0040] Device 102 may be coupled to device 104. Specifically, according to an embodiment of the invention, device 102 may be coupled to device 104, for example, via communication network 106.

[0041] In one embodiment, device 102 may be coupled to communication network 106, and device 104 may be coupled to communication network 106. Coupling may be performed via one or both wired and wireless coupling. According to embodiments of the invention, device 102 may generally be configured to communicate with device 104 via communication network 106.

[0042] According to embodiments of the present invention, device 102 may be associated with or correspond to one or more user equipments (UEs), or may include one or more UEs that may carry one or more computers. For example, according to embodiments of the present invention, device 102 may correspond to a UE carrying at least one computer (e.g., according to embodiments of the present invention, an electronic device or module with computing capabilities, such as an electronic mobile device that can be carried into a vehicle or an electronic module that can be installed in a vehicle), which may be configured to perform one or more processing tasks associated with adaptive / dynamic / progressive control.

[0043] In an embodiment, device 102 may be configured, for example, to receive one or more input signals and perform at least one processing task based on the input signals to generate one or more output signals. According to an embodiment of the invention, the input signals may be transmitted from device 104 and received by device 102, for example. The input signals may be energy harvesting (EH) signals and associated with a request for information related to the activation time in the current transmission. As a possible option, according to an embodiment of the invention, the output signals may be transmitted from device 102, for example. The output signals may correspond to control signals for determining the duration of signal transmission. According to an embodiment of the invention, reference will be made later. Figure 2 Let’s discuss device 102 in further detail.

[0044] Device 104 may be associated with / correspond to at least one base station, which may be a next-generation Node B (gNB). Furthermore, device 104 may be configured, for example, to carry / associate with / include one or more computers (e.g., electronic devices / modules with computing capabilities), which may be configured, for example, to perform one or more processing tasks associated with the base station. According to an embodiment of the invention, device 104 may be configured to generate one or more input signals that can be transmitted to device 102. This will be discussed in further detail later in the context of an example scenario, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0045] Communication network 106 may correspond, for example, to an Internet communication network, a cellular communication network, a wired communication network, a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) communication network, a wireless communication network, or any combination thereof. Communication via communication network 106 (e.g., between devices 102 and / or between devices 102 and apparatus 104) may be conducted through one or both of wired and wireless communication.

[0046] As mentioned, device 102 may, for example, be configured to receive at least one input signal and perform at least one processing task associated with dynamic / adaptive / progressive control on the input signal in a manner that generates at least one output signal. Furthermore, according to embodiments of the invention, device 104 may, for example, be configured to generate (and transmit) an input signal to device 102. Therefore, device 104 may predetermine a classification of device 102 based on an activation time range. According to embodiments of the invention, hereinafter, references... Figure 1B and Figure 1C This will be discussed in the context of example scenarios.

[0047] Figure 1B and Figure 1C An embodiment of the invention is shown with Figure 1A Example scenarios associated with the system. Specifically, Figure 1B An example of a framework for signaling or data transmission between a base station and a device (e.g., an Ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT) device) is shown, while Figure 1C An example of a framework for signaling or data transmission between base stations, intermediate nodes, and devices (e.g., Ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT) devices) is shown.

[0048] like Figure 1B As shown, Topology 1 can be an example of communication between a base station (e.g., a gNB) and an A-IoT device. In embodiments, this disclosure envisions the possibility of a coordinated air interface design for Ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT) with minimized differences (where necessary), achieving a peak power consumption of approximately 1µW, having energy storage, having neither downlink (DL) amplification nor uplink (UL) amplification in the device, and providing UL transmission backscattered on the carrier from the outside. In another embodiment, this disclosure envisions the possibility of A-IoT with a peak power consumption of less than or equal to several hundred µW, having energy storage, having both DL and / or UL amplification in the device, and having UL transmission generated internally or backscattered. In this embodiment, a coverage target of up to 10-50m can be achieved for indoor devices. This disclosure also envisions Topology 1 ( Figure 1B ) and 2 ( Figure 1CIt may not have Radio Resource Control (RRC) status, mobility, Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ), or Automatic Repeat Request (ARQ).

[0049] In the example embodiment, there may be a topology 1 ( Figure 1B Deployment scenario 1 (microcell or pico cell), and topology 2 ( Figure 1C Deployment scenario 2 (macro cell or micro cell). A licensed spectrum range (e.g., FR1) may exist within the FDD. In another example embodiment, spectrum deployment may be within the New Radio (NR) band, within the LTE / NR guard band, and within a separate band. In a further example embodiment, service types may exist: Device Termination Triggered (DO-DTT), Device Triggered (DT), with a focus on rUC1 (Indoor Inventory) and rUC4 (Indoor Command), while transmissions from environmental IoT may occur at least in the UL spectrum.

[0050] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in topology 1 ( Figure 1B ) or Topology 2 ( Figure 1C In ), if the reader (i.e., Figure 1B gNB or Figure 1C If an intermediate node transmits a signal for energy harvesting (EH), then the A-IoT device can only receive subsequent data transmissions if it is activated at any time during the EH signal transmission. Since there are several types of A-IoT devices, and each device in a type may have different EH capabilities, the activation time of each device may be different. On the other hand, there is the possibility of a coordinated air interface design for the devices with minimal differences. Therefore, this disclosure contemplates that it may be desirable to have a single duration for EH signal transmission from the reader to all A-IoT devices in the system.

[0051] The aspects of system 100 described above can also be similarly applied to all aspects of device 102 described below. Similarly, all aspects of device 102 described below can also be similarly applied to all aspects of system 100 described above.

[0052] The following will refer to Figure 2 The aforementioned device 102 or user equipment (UE) will be discussed in further detail.

[0053] refer to Figure 2 According to an embodiment of the present invention, a schematic diagram of the exemplary device 102 is shown in further detail in the context of an exemplary implementation 200.

[0054] In example implementation 200, device 102 may correspond to electronic module 200a. According to an embodiment of the invention, in one example, electronic module 200a may correspond to a mobile device that can, for example, be carried by a user into a vehicle. In another example, according to an embodiment of the invention, electronic module 200a may correspond to an electronic device that can be installed / replaced in a vehicle. In this respect, electronic module 200a can be considered as being carried by the vehicle (e.g., carried by a user into the vehicle or installed / replaced in the vehicle).

[0055] According to embodiments of the present invention, it is conceivable that the electronic module 200a may be able to perform one or more processing tasks associated with adaptive / dynamic / progressive control-related processing.

[0056] Electronic module 200a may include, for example, a housing 200b. Furthermore, electronic module 200a may, for example, carry any one or any combination of the first module 202, the second module 204, and the third module 206.

[0057] In one embodiment, electronic module 200a may carry first module 202, second module 204, and / or third module 206. In a particular example, according to an embodiment of the present invention, electronic module 200a may carry first module 202, second module 204, and third module 206.

[0058] In this regard, it should be understood that, in one embodiment, the shape and size of the housing 200b may be designed to carry any one or any combination of the first module 202, the second module 204 and the third module 206.

[0059] The first module 202 may be coupled to one or both of the second module 204 and the third module 206. The second module 204 may be coupled to one or both of the first module 202 and the third module 206. The third module 206 may be coupled to one or both of the first module 202 and the second module 204. In one example, according to an embodiment of the invention, the first module 202 may be coupled to the second module 204, and the second module 204 may be coupled to the third module 206. The coupling between the first module 202, the second module 204, and / or the third module 206 may be performed, for example, by one or both of wired and wireless coupling. According to an embodiment of the invention, each of the first module 202, the second module 204, and the third module 206 may correspond to one or both of a hardware-based module and a software-based module.

[0060] In one example, the first module 202 may correspond to a hardware-based receiver that can be configured to receive one or more input signals. According to embodiments of the invention, the input signals may be transmitted, for example, from device 104 (or a base station, such as a gNB).

[0061] According to embodiments of the invention, the second module 204 may correspond, for example, to a hardware-based processor that can be configured to perform one or more processing tasks (e.g., to generate one or more output signals), as will be referred to later. Figure 3 Further detailed discussion is needed.

[0062] The third module 206 may correspond to a hardware-based transmitter that can be configured to transmit one or more output signals from the electronic module 200a. According to embodiments of the invention, the output signals may, for example, include one or more instruction / command / control signals associated with the aforementioned dynamic / adaptive / progressive control configuration / deterministic strategy to promote efficiency (e.g., power / energy efficiency and / or communication efficiency). For example, the output signal may be a control signal for determining the duration of signal transmission.

[0063] This disclosure envisions the possibility that the first module 202 and the second module 204 can be integrated software-hardware modules (e.g., electronic components carrying software programs or algorithms associated with receiving and processing functions, or electronic modules programmed to perform receiving and processing functions). This disclosure further envisions the possibility that the first module 202 and the third module 206 can be integrated software-hardware modules (e.g., electronic components carrying software programs or algorithms associated with receiving and transmitting functions, or electronic modules programmed to perform receiving and transmitting functions). This disclosure further envisions the possibility that the first module 202 and the third module 206 can be integrated hardware modules capable of performing receiving and transmitting functions (e.g., hardware-based transceivers).

[0064] According to embodiments of the present invention, the UE may be further configured, for example, as will be referred to later. Figure 3 Further discussion focuses on processing input signals in a manner that generates one or more output signals to promote efficiency, such as power efficiency or energy efficiency. In a particular example, according to embodiments of the invention, the output signal may include one or more control signals to facilitate some form of dynamic / adaptive / incremental control configuration / deterministic strategy to promote efficiency, such as power efficiency or energy efficiency. For example, the output signal may be a control signal used to determine the duration of signal transmission.

[0065] The aspects of the device 102 described above are also similarly applicable to all aspects of the processing / communication method described below. Similarly, all aspects of the method described below are also similarly applicable to all aspects of the device 102 described above. It should be understood that these statements are similarly applicable to the system 100 discussed earlier in this disclosure.

[0066] refer to Figure 3 An embodiment of the invention illustrates a method 300 (or communication method) associated with system 100 for determining the duration of signal transmission.

[0067] According to embodiments of the present invention, method 300 may be adapted, for example, to promote energy efficiency, network optimization and power saving.

[0068] According to an embodiment of the present invention, method 300 may include any one or any combination of input step 302, processing step 304 and output step 306.

[0069] In one embodiment, processing method 300 may include an input step 302. In another embodiment, processing method 300 may include an input step 302 and a processing step 304. In another embodiment, processing method 300 may include an input step 302, a processing step 304, and an output step 306. In yet another embodiment, processing method 300 may include a processing step 304 and one or both of input step 302 and output step 306. In still another embodiment, processing method 300 may include an input step 302, a processing step 304, and an output step 306. In yet another additional embodiment, processing method 300 may include a processing step 304. In yet another additional embodiment, processing method 300 may include any or any combination of input step 302, processing step 304, and output step 306 (i.e., input step 302, processing step 304, and / or output step 306).

[0070] Regarding input step 302, one or more input signals may be received. For example, according to an embodiment of the invention, the input signal may be transmitted from device 104 and received by device 102.

[0071] Input step 302 may include receiving at least one input signal. This input signal may be received in a data channel, in a control channel, during periodic events, and / or aperiodic events. The input signal may be an energy harvesting (EH) signal and may include a request for information related to the activation time in the current transmission.

[0072] Regarding processing step 304, according to an embodiment of the present invention, at least one processing task can be performed in association with the received input signal in a manner that generates one or more output signals.

[0073] Processing step 304 may include at least one of the following: determining an activation time category based on the received signal; determining the activation time in the current transmission; analyzing the activation time using classification based on an activation time range including the longest signal transmission time; pre-determining a classification based on the activation time range; and transmitting the activation time category to determine the signal transmission duration in subsequent transmissions. Processing step 304 may also include: receiving the activation time category; adjusting the signal transmission time based on the received activation time category; and transmitting the adjusted signal transmission time in subsequent transmissions. The transmission of the activation time category may be performed via at least one of the following: device capability messages, control channels, and / or data channels.

[0074] Regarding output step 306, according to embodiments of the invention, as an option, an output signal may be transmitted, for example. For example, the output signal may optionally be transmitted from device 102. In a more specific example, according to embodiments of the invention, the output signal may optionally be transmitted from device 102 to one or both of at least one device 104 and another device 102. In embodiments, device 102 (or UE) may also perform input step 302, processing step 304, and output step 306.

[0075] This disclosure further envisions a computer program (not shown) that may include instructions, when executed by a computer (not shown), to cause the computer to perform input step 302, processing step 304, and / or output step 306 as discussed in reference method 300. For example, according to an embodiment of the invention, the computer program may include instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform input step 302 and / or processing step 304.

[0076] This disclosure further envisions a computer-readable storage medium (not shown) storing data representing software executable by a computer (not shown), the software including instructions that, when executed by a computer, perform input step 302, processing step 304, and / or output step 306 as discussed in reference method 300. For example, according to embodiments of the invention, the computer-readable storage medium may store data representing computer-executable software including instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform input step 302 and / or processing step 304.

[0077] In light of the foregoing, it should be understood that this disclosure generally envisions a device 102 for determining the duration of signal transmission, which may include a first module 202, a second module 204, and / or a third module 206.

[0078] The first module 202 can be configured to receive one or more input signals. The input signals may be, for example, energy harvesting (EH) signals and are associated with a request for information related to the activation time in the current transmission.

[0079] The second module 204 may be configured to process the input signal and / or facilitate the processing of the input signal according to the method 300 discussed earlier, to generate one or more output signals.

[0080] The third module 206 can be configured to transmit one or more output signals. The output signals may, for example, correspond to one or more control signals used to determine the duration of signal transmission in subsequent transmissions.

[0081] In one embodiment, device 102 may correspond to a user equipment (UE) that can communicate with device 104 corresponding to a base station. The base station may, for example, correspond to a next-generation node B (gNB) that can be configured to transmit one or more signals (e.g., input signals) to the UE.

[0082] Furthermore, in view of the foregoing, it should be understood that this disclosure generally contemplates a system 100 that may include one or more devices 102 and one or more apparatuses 104. Devices 102 and apparatuses 104 may be coupled, for example, via wired coupling and / or wireless coupling.

[0083] It should be understood that the embodiments described above can be combined in any way where appropriate (e.g., one or more embodiments as discussed in the “Detailed Description” section can be combined with one or more embodiments as described in the “Summary of the Invention” section).

[0084] Those skilled in the art will further understand that variations and combinations of the embodiments described above, rather than alternatives or substitutes, can be combined to form even further embodiments.

[0085] In one example, the possibility of transmitting the output signal from device 102 is discussed. It should be understood that the output signal does not necessarily need to be transmitted from device 102. Specifically, according to embodiments of the invention, the possibility that the output signal does not necessarily need to be transmitted outside device 102 is envisioned. More specifically, according to embodiments of the invention, the output signal may, for example, correspond to internal commands / instructions for adaptively controlling the operational configuration of device 102 (e.g., transmitted only within device 102).

[0086] In another example, according to embodiments of the invention, applications of this disclosure may be possible in conjunction with low-power wake-up radios and / or ambient IoT (Internet of Things) type devices, or in the context of low-power wake-up radios and / or ambient IoT type devices.

[0087] Figures 4A to 4D Examples of embodiments according to the present invention are shown. Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the information flow associated with the method.

[0088] In such Figure 4A In the example context shown, the device (or UE) may be configured, for example, to receive a radio frequency (RF) energy harvesting (EH) signal as part of a reader-to-device (R2D) transmission at step 1. At step 2, the device (or UE) may determine whether a signal is active during EH signal transmission. At step 3, the device (or UE) may identify the category of activation based on a classification in the specification. At step 4, the device (or UE) sends an indication regarding the activation time to the reader (or base station or gNB) in response.

[0089] In such Figure 4B In the example context shown, the reader (or base station or gNB) may be configured, for example, to transmit a signal (e.g., an EH signal) as part of a reader-to-device (R2D) transmission at step 5. Subsequently, at step 6, the reader (or base station or gNB) receives an indication from the device (or UE) regarding the activation time. At step 7, the reader (or base station or gNB) may, based on the received indication, change the transmission duration of the signal (e.g., the EH signal) in the next R2D transmission.

[0090] In an embodiment, the longest signal transmission time (e.g., EH signal) of the reader can be defined in the specification. The specification may also predefine a classification of device (or UE) activation times based on the longest EH signal transmission time. According to embodiments of the invention, the reader can then transmit an indication as part of system information, representing a request for the A-IoT device to send information about the category of activation time for its current transmission. This indication can be transmitted in any control or data channel available for R2D transmission, and depending on the reader implementation, it can be periodic or aperiodic. In one implementation, the device can determine the activation time in the current transmission and analyze the activation time using a pre-determined or pre-configured table that includes classifications based on activation time ranges. An example of a pre-determined table is shown in Table 1 below.

[0091]

[0092] Table 1

[0093] In an example embodiment, the device may then transmit an indication indicating the category of its currently transmitted activation time, such as in Table 1. This indication may be transmitted on any control or data channel available for device-to-reader (D2R) transmission. Alternatively, the indication may also be transmitted in a device capability message. After receiving the indication from the device, the reader may adjust the EH signal transmission time. The adjusted or new EH signal transmission time may be broadcast by the reader as part of system information, wherein the broadcast indication may be transmitted on any control or data channel available for R2D transmission.

[0094] Figure 4C and Figure 4D It shows Figure 3 Example implementation of the method. In, for example Figure 4C In the example context shown, the base station can transmit a signal to each of the devices. This signal can be an EH signal and is associated with a request for information related to the activation time in the current transmission. The device can then determine its own category based on the activation time range provided by the reader (or base station or gNB). Activation Time Range , and Each of these can be predetermined by the reader (or base station or gNB). In such cases... Figure 4D In the example context shown, the reader initially uses the longest possible duration. Transmit EH signals. The reader can limit EH transmissions to activate those devices only after it receives an instruction from them. The reader can also choose to periodically transmit for the longest EH signal duration to discover new devices or include devices that have moved to a more distant location.

[0095] Various embodiments of this disclosure have been described in the foregoing manner to address at least one of the aforementioned disadvantages. Such embodiments are intended to be covered by the appended claims and are not limited to the specific form or arrangement of the components so described, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art, in view of this disclosure, that many changes and / or modifications can be made, which are also intended to be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method (300) for determining the duration of signal transmission, the method comprising: Receive signal; The activation time category is determined based on the received signal; as well as The activation time category is transmitted to determine the duration of the signal transmission in subsequent transmissions.

2. The method (300) according to claim 1, wherein receiving the signal includes receiving the signal in a data channel and / or a control channel.

3. The method (300) according to claim 1, wherein receiving the signal includes receiving the signal during periodic events and / or non-periodic events.

4. The method (300) according to claim 1, wherein determining the activation time category includes: Determine the activation time; as well as The activation time is analyzed using classification based on the activation time range that includes the longest signal transmission time.

5. The method (300) according to claim 4, further comprising pre-determining the classification based on the activation time range.

6. The method (300) of claim 1, wherein transmitting the activation time category includes transmitting via at least one of: device capability messages, control channels, and / or data channels.

7. The method (300) according to claim 1, further comprising: Receive the activation time category; as well as The signal transmission time is adjusted based on the received activation time category.

8. The method (300) according to claim 1, further comprising transmitting the adjusted signal transmission time in the subsequent transmission.

9. The method (300) according to claim 1, wherein the signal is an energy harvesting (EH) signal.

10. The method (300) of claim 1, wherein the signal includes a request for information relating to the activation time in the current transmission.

11. A computer program comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method (300) as described in any of the preceding claims.

12. A computer-readable storage medium storing data representing software executable by a computer, the software including instructions that, when executed by the computer, perform the method (300) as claimed in claims 1 to 10.

13. A device (102) for determining the duration of signal transmission, the device comprising: The first module (202) is configured to receive at least one input signal; The second module (204) is configured to process and facilitate at least one of the methods (300) as claimed in claims 1 to 10 to generate at least one output signal; as well as The third module (206) is configured to transmit at least one output signal. The output signal corresponds to a control signal used to determine the duration of signal transmission.

14. The device (102) according to claim 13, The device (102) therein corresponds to a user equipment (UE) capable of communicating with a device (104) corresponding to a base station, and The base station corresponds to a next-generation node B (gNB) configured to transmit the at least one input signal to the UE.

15. A system (100), the system comprising: At least one device (102) according to any one of claims 13 and 14; as well as At least one device (104) according to claim 14, The device (102) and the apparatus (104) are coupled via at least one of wired coupling and wireless coupling.

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