Configuration of frequency shift

Abstract

Example embodiments of the present disclosure relate to configuration of frequency shifting. A method includes receiving a request for capability information of a first device, transmitting the capability information of the first device based on a first configuration of frequency shifting between a transmission frequency and a reception frequency of the first device, receiving a second configuration of frequency shifting, determining whether to apply the frequency shifting between the transmission frequency and the reception frequency of the first device based on the second configuration of frequency shifting, and transmitting a signal based on the determination.

Description

Cross-references to related applications

[0001] This application claims priority and benefit to GB application No. 2404462.0, filed on March 28, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0002] Various exemplary embodiments of this disclosure generally relate to the telecommunications field, and more particularly to apparatus, methods, and computer-readable storage media for configuring frequency shifts. Background Technology

[0003] Regarding Internet of Things (IoT) applications, the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), prior to Release 18 (Rel-18), specified narrowband (NB-IoT) or enhanced machine-type communication (eMTC) and New Radio (NR) reduction capabilities (RedCap) to meet the requirements for low-cost and low-power devices for wide-area IoT communication. These IoT devices typically consume tens or hundreds of milliwatts of power during transmission and reception. However, to achieve ubiquitous connectivity, IoT devices with costs and power consumption reduced to one-tenth or even one-hundredth are needed, especially for large-scale applications requiring battery-free devices. An open problem with existing 3GPP technologies for the target use case is the ability to collaborate with energy harvesting while considering limited device size. One possible solution is to integrate energy harvesting with rechargeable batteries or supercapacitors. Due to the extremely low power consumption of backscatter communication, many non-3GPP technologies have begun to be researched. No comprehensive system design fully meets the requirements of the target use case. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In a first aspect of this disclosure, a first apparatus is provided. The first apparatus includes at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first apparatus to at least: receive a request for capability information of the first apparatus; transmit the capability information of the first apparatus based on a first configuration of a frequency shift between a transmission frequency and a reception frequency of the first apparatus; receive a second configuration of the frequency shift; and transmit a signal based on the second configuration of the frequency shift.

[0005] In a second aspect of this disclosure, a third 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 third apparatus to at least: receive capability information of the first apparatus from a first apparatus; transmit the capability information of the first apparatus to a fourth apparatus; receive a second configuration of a transmission frequency and a reception frequency frequency shift of the first apparatus; receive a result of the second configuration of the frequency shift from the first apparatus based on the second configuration of the frequency shift; and transmit the result to the fourth apparatus.

[0006] In a third aspect of this disclosure, a fourth device is provided. The third device includes at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the fourth device to at least: receive capability information of a first device; determine a second configuration of frequency shifts of a transmission frequency and a reception frequency of the first device based at least on the capability information of the first device; transmit the second configuration of the frequency shifts to the first device; and receive the result of the second configuration of the frequency shifts.

[0007] In a fourth aspect of this disclosure, a method is provided at a first device. The method includes receiving a request for capability information of the first device; transmitting the capability information of the first device based on a first configuration of a frequency shift between a transmission frequency and a reception frequency of the first device; receiving a second configuration of the frequency shift; and transmitting a signal based on the second configuration of the frequency shift.

[0008] In a fifth aspect of this disclosure, a method is provided at a second device. The method includes receiving capability information of the first device from a first device; transmitting the capability information of the first device to a fourth device; receiving a second configuration of a transmission frequency and a frequency shift of the first device; receiving a result of the second configuration of the frequency shift from the first device based on the second configuration of the frequency shift; and transmitting the result to the fourth device.

[0009] In a sixth aspect of this disclosure, a method is provided at a fourth device. The method includes receiving capability information of a first device; determining a second configuration of frequency shifts of a transmission frequency and a reception frequency of the first device, based at least on the capability information of the first device; transmitting the second configuration of the frequency shifts to the first device; and receiving the result of the second configuration of the frequency shifts.

[0010] In a seventh aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes components for receiving a request for capability information of a first apparatus; components for transmitting capability information of the first apparatus based on a first configuration of a frequency shift between a transmission frequency and a reception frequency of the first apparatus; components for receiving the frequency shift in a second configuration; and components for transmitting a signal based on the second configuration of the frequency shift.

[0011] In an eighth aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes components for receiving capability information of the first apparatus from a first apparatus; components for transmitting the capability information of the first apparatus to a fourth apparatus; components for receiving a second configuration of a transmission frequency and a reception frequency shift of the first apparatus; components for receiving a result of the second configuration of the frequency shift from the first apparatus based on the second configuration of the frequency shift; and components for transmitting the result to the fourth apparatus.

[0012] In a ninth aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes components for receiving capability information of a first apparatus; components for determining a second configuration of frequency shifts of a transmission frequency and a reception frequency of the first apparatus based at least on the capability information of the first apparatus; components for transmitting the second configuration of the frequency shifts to the first apparatus; and components for receiving the result of the second configuration of the frequency shifts.

[0013] In a tenth aspect of this disclosure, a computer-readable medium is provided. The computer-readable medium includes instructions stored thereon for causing a device to execute at least the method according to the fourth, fifth, or sixth aspect.

[0014] It should be understood that the summary portion 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

[0015] Some exemplary embodiments can now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 An example communication environment in which example embodiments of this disclosure may be implemented is shown; Figures 2A to 2E An example connectivity topology for environmental IoT is shown; Figure 3 Signaling diagrams illustrating example communication processes according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure are shown; Figure 4 Example procedures for configuring frequency shifts according to some example embodiments of this disclosure are shown; Figure 5 A flowchart of an example method implemented at a first device according to some example embodiments is shown; Figure 6 A flowchart is shown illustrating an example method implemented at a third device according to some example embodiments; Figure 7 A flowchart is shown illustrating an example method implemented at a fourth device according to some example embodiments; Figure 8 A simplified block diagram of a device suitable for implementing the example embodiments is shown; and Figure 9 A block diagram of an example computer-readable medium according to some example embodiments is shown.

[0016] In all the accompanying drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The principles of this disclosure can 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 do not imply any limitation on the scope of this disclosure. The embodiments described herein can be implemented in various ways other than those described below.

[0018] 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.

[0019] References to "an embodiment," "embodiment," "example embodiment," etc., in this disclosure indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment must include 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 incorporating other embodiments, whether explicitly described or not, to affect such a feature, structure, or characteristic is within the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

[0020] It should be understood that although the terms "first," "second," etc., preceding the noun(s) may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another, and they do not restrict the order of the noun(s). 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] As used herein, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the execution step “in response to A” does not indicate that the step is performed immediately after “A” occurs, and may include one or more intermediate steps.

[0023] 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 intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that, when used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “has,” “having,” “includes,” and / or “including” specify the presence of the listed features, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0024] As used in this application, the term "circuit" may refer to one or more 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 a hardware processor(s) having software (including (multiple) digital signal processors), software, and (multiple) memories, which work together to enable a device such as a mobile phone or server to perform various functions, and (c) (Multiple) hardware circuits and / or (multiple) processors, such as (multiple) microprocessors or a portion thereof, which require software (e.g., firmware) to operate, but the software may be absent when operation does not require it.

[0025] This definition of "circuit" 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" also covers implementations of hardware circuitry or processors (or processors in general) and their accompanying software and / or firmware. The term "circuit" also covers, for example 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.

[0026] As used herein, the term "communication network" refers to a network that conforms to any suitable communication standard, such as New Radio (NR), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-A Advanced, 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 protocol, including but not limited to first-generation (1G), second-generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, third-generation (3G), fourth-generation (4G), 4.5G, fifth-generation (5G), sixth-generation (6G) communication protocols and / or any other currently known or future-developed protocols. Embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to various communication systems. Given the rapid development of communications, there may also be communication technologies and systems that embody future types of this disclosure. This should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure to only the aforementioned systems.

[0027] As used herein, the term "network device" refers to a node in a communications network that serves terminal equipment. Depending on the terminology and technology applied, a network device may include access network devices or nodes such as base stations (BS) or access points (APs), such as x NodeBs (xNBs), such as NodeBs (NodeBs or NBs), evolved NodeBs (eNodeBs or eNBs) and NR NBs (also known as gNBs), remote radio units (RRUs), radio headers (RHs), remote radio headers (RRHs), relays, integrated access and backhaul (IAB) nodes, low-power nodes (such as femtoseconds, picoseconds, non-terrestrial networks (NTNs)) or non-terrestrial network devices (such as satellite network devices, low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, and geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) satellites), spacecraft network devices, etc. In some example embodiments, the radio access network (RAN) split architecture includes a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU) at the IAB host node. An IAB node includes a mobile terminal (IAB-MT) portion that behaves like a UE toward the parent node, and a DU portion of the IAB node that behaves like a base station toward the next-hop IAB node.

[0028] Network equipment may also include core network equipment, which can be any computing device or computing system that includes hardware (e.g., at least one processor and at least one memory) and software comprising one or more network functions of the core network. Examples of core network equipment may include, but are not limited to, evolved packet data gateways (ePGW), trusted wireless LAN access network (TWAN) nodes, home subscriber servers (HSS), access and mobility management functions (AMF), session management functions (SMF), network slice selection functions (NSSF), serving gateways (SGW), packet data network (PDN) gateways (PGW), authentication server functions (AUSF), subscription identifier de-hiding functions (SIDF), unified data management (UDM), secure edge protection brokers (SEPP), network exposure functions (NEF), user plane functions (UPF), and / or policy control functions (PCF).

[0029] The term "terminal device" refers to any terminal device capable of wireless communication. By way of example and not 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 may 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 recycle bins, 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 the context of industrial and / or automated processing chains), consumer electronics devices, devices operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, etc. The terminal device may also correspond to the mobile terminal (MT) portion of an IAB node (e.g., a relay node). In the following description, the terms "terminal device," "communication device," "terminal," "user equipment," and "UE" are used interchangeably. In some example embodiments, the terminal device may be implemented as a smartphone.

[0030] As used herein, the terms “resource,” “transmission resource,” “resource block,” “physical resource block (PRB),” “uplink resource,” or “downlink resource” can refer to any resource used to perform communication, such as communication between a terminal device and a network device, including resources in the time domain, frequency domain, spatial domain, code domain, or any other combination of time, frequency, spatial, and / or code domain resources used to implement communication. In the following, unless explicitly stated otherwise, resources in the frequency and time domains may be used as examples of transmission resources used to describe some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. Note that the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are equally applicable to other resources in other domains.

[0031] Regarding IoT use cases, the number of IoT connections has grown rapidly in recent years and is expected to reach hundreds of billions in the near future. As more and more "things" are expected to be interconnected to improve productivity and increase comfort, there is a demand for further reductions in the size, cost, and power consumption of IoT devices. In particular, regularly replacing the batteries of all IoT devices is impractical due to the enormous consumption of materials and manpower. Using energy harvested from the environment to power IoT devices for self-sustaining communication has become a trend, especially in applications with a large number of devices (e.g., identity (ID) tags and sensors).

[0032] For the target use case, an open question regarding existing 3GPP technologies is the ability to collaborate with energy harvesting, given the limited device size. Cellular devices typically consume tens or even hundreds of milliwatts of power for transceiver processing. For example, in an NB-IoT module, the typical current consumption for receive processing is approximately 60mA at a supply voltage above 3.1V, while the typical current consumption for transmit processing is 70mA at 0dBm transmit power. Furthermore, considering the small size of actual devices (a few square centimeters), the output power provided by the energy harvester is mostly less than 1 milliwatt. Since the available power is far less than the power consumed, directly powering cellular devices via energy harvesting is impractical in most cases.

[0033] One possible solution is to integrate energy harvesting with rechargeable batteries or supercapacitors. However, several issues remain. First, both rechargeable batteries and supercapacitors can suffer from shortened lifespans in practical applications. Providing a constant charging current or voltage via energy harvesting is difficult, and due to the very small output power of the energy harvester, prolonged continuous charging is necessary. Inconsistent charging current and prolonged continuous charging both negatively impact battery life. For supercapacitors, lifespan can be shortened in high-temperature environments (e.g., less than 3 years at 50 degrees Celsius). Second, device size can increase. Small coin cells can provide only tens of milliamps of current. Cellular devices typically use much larger batteries (e.g., AA batteries), which can be larger than the module being powered. To store energy for a suitable operating duration (e.g., one second), the required supercapacitor capacitance is in the hundreds of millifarads. Such supercapacitors can be larger than NB-IoT modules. Third, both rechargeable batteries and supercapacitors can be more expensive than the module itself. Even with bulk purchases, the cost of suitable batteries or supercapacitors can almost double the device cost.

[0034] Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a well-known technology that supports battery-free tags (devices). Commercially available passive RFID tags can consume as little as 1 microwatt. This low power consumption is achieved through envelope detection for downlink (DL) data reception and backscatter communication for uplink (UL) data transmission. RFID is designed for short-range communication, with an effective range of less than 10 meters. Because the air interface of RFID remains largely unchanged, this transmission scheme presents a barrier to improving its link budget and its ability to support scalable networks (NW).

[0035] Attracted by the extremely low power consumption of backscatter communication, many non-3GPP technologies have begun to be researched, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ultra Wideband (UWB), and Long Range Radio (LORA). Various studies have shown that, based on or with minor modifications to these air interfaces, passive tags can support power consumption of a few microwatts or tens of microwatts. A significant portion of the research targets long-range communication. For example, LoRa tags implemented using commercially available off-the-shelf components can transmit their sensed data to a receiver 381 meters away. Currently, most research focuses on individual, specific technologies for various optimization objectives. There is no comprehensive system design that fully meets the requirements of the target use cases. Standardization of these technologies is flexible, rapid, and proprietary. There is no feasible unified standard that can be followed by various products in the market. Once a proprietary standard proves competitive in some applications, many products in the market may even follow that proprietary standard.

[0036] A passive radio is a device that draws energy from a wireless signal transmitted on a specific carrier and / or bandwidth, and charges a simple circuit system that, once activated, transmits or reflects a signal encoded with at least the ID of the passive radio. A system architecture surrounding a passive radio can include an activator, the passive radio itself, and a reader. The activator is a device that transmits an activation signal aimed at waking the passive radio. The passive radio draws energy within a frequency range and listens for activation signals. Once such a signal is detected, the passive radio transmits or reflects a signal specific to that radio ID. The reader is a device that listens for and detects the passive radio signal. The reader may or may not be co-located with the activator.

[0037] A research project, "Ambient-IoT," has been launched in 3GPP Release 19 (Rel-19). For Ambient-IoT, three device types have been identified: Device A, Device B, and Device C. Device A has neither energy storage nor independent signal generation or amplification; it uses backscatter transmission. Device B has energy storage but no independent signal generation; it also uses backscatter transmission. The use of the stored energy can include amplification of the reflected signal. Device C has both energy storage and independent signal generation; it uses active RF components for transmission.

[0038] For these three types of devices, the power consumption design goals are as follows: Device A ≤ [1 μW] or ≤ [10 μW]; Device A < Device B < Device C; and Device C ≤ 1mW to ≤ 10 mW. The device complexity design goals are: Device A is comparable to UHF RFID; Device A ≤ Device B ≤ Device C; and Device C is several orders of magnitude lower than NB-IoT.

[0039] The following functionalities need to be addressed during research on environmental IoT (A-IoT or AIoT).

[0040]

[0041] 3GPP has defined three device types for environmental IoT. The first type, denoted as Device B-, includes backscattering devices with energy storage and a peak power consumption of approximately 1 µW. The second type, denoted as Device B, includes backscattering devices with energy storage, a peak power consumption of approximately 100 µW, and the potential to support backscattering responses with frequency shifts. The third type, denoted as Device B+, includes backscattering devices with energy storage, a peak power consumption of approximately 100 µW, and independent UL generation for FDD spectrum compliance. It is envisioned that two types of environmental IoT tags will be deployed: low-range or low-complexity devices of approximately 1 µW and approximately 100 µW devices with both backscattering and active transmission capabilities.

[0042] 3GPP employs two deployment topologies: gNB <-> AIoT device; and gNB <-> UE <-> AIoT device. This means that for FDD deployments, AIoT devices need to comply with multiple activators (gNB and UE) and their associated FDD sub-bands, as well as multiple readers (gNB and UE) and their associated FDD sub-bands. It is necessary to enable a single environment's IoT device to operate with multiple network and UE configurations to avoid having dedicated devices for different network and UE configurations.

[0043] This disclosure presents an example embodiment of a device capability-based configuration solution. In this solution, a device (referred to as a first device, such as an A-IoT device) reports its capability information. The capability information of the first device is transmitted based on a configuration of the frequency shift between its transmission and reception frequencies (referred to as a first configuration). Based on the capability information reported by the first device, another device (referred to as a second device, such as a network device) determines a configuration of the frequency shift between the first device's transmission and reception frequencies (referred to as a second configuration). The first device then transmits a signal according to the second configuration of the frequency shift.

[0044] This solution enables low-power communication for a single device, while also allowing communication sessions with non-low-power storage and / or higher power. In this way, a single device (e.g., an environmental IoT device) can be deployed in any spectrum configuration, offering greater flexibility and efficiency.

[0045] It should be noted that although the problem originates from the mechanisms used in environmental IoT or IoT devices, the solution proposed in this paper can be generally applied to different types of end devices, including low-power devices as well as general-purpose devices.

[0046] Figure 1 An example communication environment 100 is shown that can implement example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0047] The communication environment 100 includes a first device 110, such as a terminal device (e.g., a UE, an A-IoT device, a tag, or a sensor), which can receive signals from a second device 120 and transmit or reflect signals to a third device 130. The second device 120 can operate as an activator, which can be a network device (e.g., a gNB) or a terminal device (e.g., a UE or a smartphone). The third device can operate as a reader, which can be a network device (e.g., a gNB) or a terminal device (e.g., a UE or a smartphone). In this example, both the second device 120 and the third device 130 can be implemented by a terminal device.

[0048] The communication environment 100 also includes a fourth device 140, which can operate as a network device, such as a core network (CN) device, such as a session control unit (SCU). The fourth device 140 can manage or control communication between the first device 110 and the second device 120 and the third device 130. In some example embodiments, the fourth device 140 can determine the configuration applied to the communication between the first device 110 and the second device 120 and the third device 130.

[0049] In this example, the communication environment 100 also includes a fifth device 150, which can operate as a network device, such as a gNB. In embodiments where both the second device 120 and the third device 130 operate as terminal devices, the fifth device 150 can forward communication between the second device 120 and the third device 130 and the fourth device 140. In some example embodiments, the fourth device 150 can be implemented as hardware, firmware, and / or algorithm-based software components within the fifth device 150.

[0050] The sensing server 140 can be implemented as a physical or virtual device. The sensing server 140 can be implemented as hardware, firmware, and / or algorithm-based software components within any device or node, such as terminal devices, base stations, core network devices (e.g., location management functions or LMF, application management functions or AMF, and sensing management functions or SeMF), and / or similar devices or nodes. In some example embodiments, the sensing server 140 can be physically integrated into or implemented as part of the sensing transmitter 105 or sensing receiver 110. The second device 120 and the third device 130 can communicate directly with the fourth device 140 without intermediaries.

[0051] Communication in communication environment 100 may be implemented according to any suitable communication protocol(s), including but not limited to cellular communication protocols such as 1G, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, 6G, wireless local area network communication protocols such as IEEE 802.11, and / or any other currently known or future-developed protocols. Furthermore, communication may 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), OFDM, Discrete Fourier Transform Extended OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM), and / or any other currently known or future-developed technologies.

[0052] It should be understood that, for the purpose of explanation, Figure 1 The number and type of devices are shown without implying any limitations. In some example embodiments, only one device or apparatus (network device or terminal device) may transmit and receive signals to and from the first device 110. In some example embodiments, the second device 120 and the third device 130 may operate as one or two base stations. In these embodiments, the second device 120 and the third device 130 may communicate directly with the fourth device 140 without intermediaries. In some other embodiments, an intermediate device or node may exist between the first device 110 and the second device 120, and / or between the first device 110 and the third device 130. The intermediate device may transmit information between the first device 110 and the second device 120 or the third device 130.

[0053] In the following description, some example embodiments will be used as examples of environmental IoT application scenarios, in which the first device 110, the second device 120, and the third device 130 can operate as an environmental IoT device, an activator, and a reader, respectively. It should be noted that these example embodiments can be applied to any scenario or use case.

[0054] Figures 2A to 2E An example connection topology for an environmental IoT network and its devices is shown. In Topology 1 ( Figure 2A In the diagram, the environmental IoT device 205 communicates directly and bidirectionally with the base station (BS) 210. Communication between the base station 210 and the environmental IoT device 205 includes environmental IoT data and / or signaling. This topology allows for the possibility that the BS 210 transmitting to the environmental IoT device 205 is different from the BS 210 receiving data from the environmental IoT device 205.

[0055] In topology 2 ( Figure 2BIn the diagram, the environmental IoT device 205 communicates bidirectionally with an intermediate node 215 between the device 205 and the base station 210. In this topology, the intermediate node 215 can be a relay, IAB node, UE, repeater, etc., capable of supporting environmental IoT. The intermediate node 215 transmits information between the BS 210 and the environmental IoT device 205.

[0056] In topology 3 ( Figure 2C as well as Figure 2D In the topology shown (as illustrated), the environmental IoT device 205 transmits data / signaling to the base station 210 and receives data / signaling from the auxiliary node 220. Alternatively, the environmental IoT device 205 receives data / signaling from the base station 210 and transmits data / signaling to the auxiliary node 220. In this topology, the auxiliary node 220 can be a relay, IAB, UE, repeater, etc., capable of supporting environmental IoT. In topology 4 ( Figure 2E As shown in the diagram, the environmental IoT device 205 communicates bidirectionally with the UE 225. The communication between the UE 225 and the environmental IoT device 205 includes environmental IoT data and / or signaling.

[0057] In all these topologies, the environmental IoT device 205 can be provided with a carrier by other nodes inside or outside the topology. Links in each topology can be bidirectional or unidirectional. BS 210, UE 225, auxiliary node 220, or intermediate node 215 can each be multiple BSs or multiple UEs. A mix of indoor and outdoor deployments of these nodes is considered a network implementation option.

[0058] The overall objective is to study a coordinated air interface design for environmental IoT, minimizing variations (where necessary) to support several types of devices. One device has a peak power consumption of approximately 1 µW, energy storage, an initial sampling frequency offset (SFO) of up to 10 x ppm, and neither DL nor UL amplification. The UL transmission of this device is backscattered on an externally provided carrier. Another device has a peak power consumption ≤ several hundred µW, energy storage, an initial sampling frequency offset (SFO) of up to 10 x ppm, and DL and / or UL amplification. The UL transmission of this device can be generated internally or backscattered on an externally provided carrier.

[0059] X is yet to be determined. The coverage design objective is to achieve a maximum distance of 10-50 m with the device located indoors. For Topology 1 and Topology 2 (with the UE as an intermediate node under NW control), the device has no Radio Resource Control (RRC) state, no mobility, no Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ), and no ARQ. It should be understood that "≤ several hundred µW" means that a specific value needs to be set, and it needs to be determined through discussion whether the proposed design with the corresponding power consumption meets the "≤ several hundred µW" requirement.

[0060] The deployment scenarios have several characteristics. For example, deployment scenario 1, with topology 1, includes base stations and coexistence features: microcells and co-location. Deployment scenario 2, with topology 2 and the UE acting as an intermediate node under network control, includes base stations and coexistence features: macrocells and co-location. The intermediate node is located indoors.

[0061] A-IoT devices can utilize frequency division duplex (FDD) licensed spectrum in frequency range 1 (FR1); spectrum deployment can be in-band of new radio (NR), in-band of LTE / NR, or in stand-alone bands; service types include device-initiated (DO) - device-triggered termination (DTT), device termination (DT), with a focus on rUC1 (indoor inventory) and rUC4 (indoor command).

[0062] The 3GPP study assesses whether the coordinated air interface design can address Device Initiated Autonomy (DO-A) use cases, and is only used to identify which parts of the coordinated air interface design are insufficient for DO-A use cases. Transmissions from environmental IoT devices (including backscattering during use) can occur at least in the UL spectrum.

[0063] Table 1 below shows a combination of AIoT activators and readers for the FDD subband (UL / DL), where A represents the activator and R represents the reader.

[0064] Table 1. Environmental IoT Activation and Reader Combinations for FDD Subband

[0065] As shown in Table 1, device type B (a backscatter device with energy storage and a peak power consumption of approximately 100 µW) can provide frequency shift. The frequency shift can be limited to tens of MHz as determined by the implementation method. For example, gNB / UE transmission can be performed in the UL / DL subband, and tags applying the FDD band can rely on duplex frequency shift. Tags supporting type B and B+ functionality (as an example of the first device 110) can have three different configurations. In configuration #1, activation can be in DL / UL, and backscatter can be without frequency shift. In configuration #2, activation can be in DL / UL, and backscatter can have frequency shift. In configuration #3, activation can be in DL / UL, and active UL transmission can be performed.

[0066] In communication environment 100, first device 110, for example, transmits its capability information to fourth device 140 upon request. Therefore, fourth device 140 determines the frequency shift configuration between the transmission frequency and the reception frequency of first device 110, such that first device 110 can communicate with second device 120 and / or third device 130 according to the configuration. See below for further details. Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 Describe some example implementation methods.

[0067] Figure 3 This is a signaling diagram illustrating an example communication process 300 between a first device 110, a second device 120, a third device 130, and a fourth device 140 according to some example embodiments.

[0068] like Figure 3 As shown, in process 300, the second device 120 transmits (310) a request for capability information of the first device 110 to the first device 110. In some example embodiments, the request may be transmitted (310) by the second device via an activation signal (referred to as a first activation signal). The request may be transmitted autonomously by the second device 120 (310) or according to an instruction from the fourth device 140 (310). For example, the fourth device 140 may instruct the second device 120 to transmit the request to the first device 110. According to the instruction, the second device 120 may transmit (310) the request.

[0069] Correspondingly, the first device 110 receives (315) the request and then transmits (320) its capability information based on a configuration of frequency shift between the transmission frequency and the reception frequency of the first device 110 (referred to as the first configuration). For example, if the request is received (315) at a certain frequency (i.e., the reception frequency), the first device 110 may apply a frequency shift to that frequency based on the first configuration and then transmit (320) its capability information at the shifted frequency (i.e., the transmission frequency). If the request for capability information is received (315) via a first activation signal from the second device 120, the first device 110 may transmit (320) the capability information to the third device 130 via a response signal to the first activation signal (referred to as the first response signal).

[0070] In some example embodiments, the first configuration may be the default configuration for frequency shifting. In one example, the default configuration may indicate backscattering without frequency shifting. In this example, the first device 110 may not apply frequency shifting between the transmission frequency and the reception frequency. In some other example embodiments, the first configuration may be the configuration of the frequency shift currently used by the first device 110.

[0071] In some example embodiments, capability information may indicate at least one of the following: backscatter capability without frequency shift, passive frequency shift capability, active frequency shift capability, or transmission power capability. In some example embodiments, the capability information of the first device 110 may include one or more supported configurations of frequency shift, such that the configurations supported by the first device 110 are aligned between the first device 110 and the fourth device 140. The capability information may include any other information related to the capability of the first device 110, which may be used by the fourth device 140 to determine the configuration of the frequency shift (referred to as the second configuration), as described in the following paragraphs.

[0072] After the third device 130 receives (325) the capability information of the first device 110, the third device 130 transmits (330) the capability information to the fourth device 140. The fourth device 140 determines (340) a second configuration of the frequency shift based at least on the received (335) capability information.

[0073] In some example embodiments, the second configuration of the frequency shift can indicate backscattering without a frequency shift, backscattering with a first frequency shift, or active transmission with a second frequency shift. In some example embodiments, the first frequency shift is less than the second frequency.

[0074] In this way, the network can be configured to apply frequency shifting and, if applicable, what value or range of frequency shifting to apply to the first device. Therefore, the frequency shifting configuration of the first device 110 can be adjusted based on the capability information provided by the first device 110 and the actual deployment and implementation, making it more flexible and efficient.

[0075] For example, for monocell communication and bicell communication with UE activation and gNB reader (represented as case #1), backscattering without frequency shift is preferred. For smaller FDD duplex distances and limited current consumption / range (represented as case #2), backscattering with a first frequency shift is preferred. For larger FDD duplex distances and / or to achieve longer bicell readout ranges at the cost of higher current consumption (represented as case #3), active transmission with a larger second frequency shift is preferred. Therefore, different configurations can be provided to ensure low-power communication across multiple networks, UE configurations, and FDD duplex distances.

[0076] The determination of the second frequency shift configuration (340) may also be based on at least one of the following: frequency division duplex (FDD) spectrum requirements, the option of transmitting and receiving with a frequency shift less than the FDD spectrum interval, the option of applying no frequency shift between the transmission frequency and the reception frequency of the first device 110, or the required transmission range of the first device 110.

[0077] For example, the fourth device 140 can obtain information related to the FDD duplex distance. This information may include parameters such as FDD spectrum requirements, options for transmitting and receiving (or reading) at a distance less than the FDD spectrum interval, and / or the option to use a frequency-shift-free response. The FDD spectrum interval may be a default FDD spectrum interval, which may be a guard band of adjacent duplex intervals—the minimum FDD interval. The option to use a frequency-shift-free response may depend on the transmitter / receiver configuration of the first device 110 and / or FDD spectrum requirements (e.g., spectrum regulations). The fourth device 140 can determine the required duplex distance of the first device 110 based on at least one of the parameters described above.

[0078] The fourth device 140 can also estimate the required transmission range of the first device 110. For example, the fourth device 140 can obtain estimates of the locations and / or links associated with the second device 120 and the third device 130, as well as other devices (e.g., one or more activators and one or more readers) around the first device 110. Based on such estimates, the fourth device 140 can determine the required transmission range of the first device 110. Furthermore, the fourth device 140 can determine a second configuration based on the determined duplex distance of the first device 110 and the options described above. If the network is configured or pre-configured accordingly, the frequency shift indicated by the second configuration can also be smaller.

[0079] After determining (340), the fourth device 140 transmits (345) a second configuration of the frequency shift to the first device 110. In some embodiments, the fourth device 140 may transmit (345) the second configuration of the frequency shift to the first device 110 via the second device 120. For example, the fourth device 140 may transmit the second configuration of the frequency shift to the second device 120. Then, the second device 120 may transmit an activation signal (referred to as a second activation signal) to the first device 110 to indicate the second configuration of the frequency shift. In this way, the FDD subband shift can be signaled to the first device 110.

[0080] After receiving (350) the second configuration, the first device 110 transmits (365) a signal based on the frequency shift of the second configuration. In an example embodiment where the second configuration is received (350) via a second activation signal from the second device 120, the first device 110 may transmit (365) a signal to the third device 130 as a response signal to the second activation signal (referred to as the second response signal). For example, depending on the second configuration, the first device 110 may transmit the (365) response signal with or without a frequency shift (e.g., a first frequency shift or a second frequency shift). The response signal may be a backscattered signal or an actively generated signal.

[0081] In some example embodiments, the transmitted signal may carry data and / or an acknowledgment (ACK) for a second configuration of the frequency shift. In one example, the first device 110 may respond immediately with an ACK based on the configured frequency shift according to the second configuration. For example, the first device 110 may determine a response frequency (or transmission frequency) based on the configured frequency shift and the receiving frequency of the second configuration, and respond at the response frequency.

[0082] The fourth device 140 also transmits (355) a second configuration of the frequency shift to the third device 130. Therefore, after the third device 130 receives (360) the second configuration, the third device 130 receives (370) the result of the second configuration of the frequency shift from the first device 110. In this way, the third device 130 can listen on a frequency determined based on the frequency shift configured by the second configuration. If the reception is successful, the third device 130 can determine that an ACK (370) has been received from the first device 110.

[0083] The third device 130 transmits (375) the result of the second configuration of the frequency shift to the fourth device 140. Correspondingly, the fourth device 140 receives (380) the result. Next, signaling and communication or positioning sessions can be performed between the first device 110 and the second device 120 and the third device 130 using the agreed backscatter or active UL transmission.

[0084] Figure 4An example process 400 for configuring frequency shift according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. In this example, AIoT device 405 is an example of a first device 110. UE1 410 as an activator is an example of a second device 120. UE2 415 as a reader is an example of a third device 130. SCU 420 is an example of a fourth device 140. gNB 425 is an example of a fifth device 150.

[0085] In process 400, a default configuration is required to achieve initial communication. Any default configuration that meets the spectral requirements can be used. An example default configuration could be backscattering without frequency shift. Figure 4 As shown, in phase 1, AIoT device 405 provides (430) its device capabilities to SCU 420, which may include backscatter-only capability, passive frequency shift and / or active frequency shift; UL power capability; and / or default configuration.

[0086] In Phase 2, SCU 420 determines (435) the required AIoT duplex distance based on at least the following parameters: FDD spectrum requirements, options for transmission and reading at a less than default FDD spectrum interval, such as a guard band adjacent to the duplex interval—minimum FDD interval; and / or options for using a frequency shift-free response, such as depending on the transmitter / receiver configuration and FDD spectrum requirements (spectrum regulations).

[0087] SCU 420 estimates (440) the required response range. This requires estimating the activator (i.e., UE1 415) and multiple reader locations / links. SCU 420 determines (445) the mode of response for AIoT device 405 based on the following (as an example of a second configuration): the duplex distance in phase 2 and the options and required response range.

[0088] In phase 4, AIoT device 405 is notified (450) of an FDD subband shift (e.g., a frequency shift indicated by a second configuration). This frequency shift can be smaller if configured accordingly. During this phase, an activation signal for the configuration with the FDD subband shift can be transmitted to AIoT device 405. AIoT device 405 can respond with an ACK based on the configured response frequency. For example, AIoT device 405 (e.g., a tag) can respond immediately with the configured frequency shift. UE2 415 (e.g., a reader) can be configured to listen at this frequency and determine whether it is an ACK based on successful reception (RX).

[0089] In Phase 5, signaling and communication / location sessions are performed using agreed-upon backscatter or active UL transmissions. For example, an activation signal is transmitted to AIoT device 405 based on an FDD subband shift configuration. AIoT device 405 can respond with the required data according to the configured response frequency.

[0090] Figure 5 A flowchart of an example method 500 implemented at a first device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. For the purposes of discussion, [the following will be discussed]. Figure 1 The angle description method of the first device 110 in the middle is 500.

[0091] At box 510, the first device 110 receives a request for capability information for the first device 110.

[0092] At block 520, the first device 110 transmits capability information of the first device 110 based on a first configuration of frequency shift between the transmission frequency and the reception frequency of the first device 110.

[0093] At frame 530, the first device 110 receives the second configuration of the frequency shift.

[0094] At frame 540, the first device 110 transmits a signal based on a second configuration with frequency shift.

[0095] In some example embodiments, capability information may indicate at least one of the following: backscatter capability without frequency shift, passive frequency shift capability, active frequency shift capability, transmission power capability, or one or more supported configurations of frequency shift.

[0096] In some example embodiments, the first configuration of the frequency shift may include a default configuration of the frequency shift, which may indicate backscattering without frequency shift.

[0097] In some example embodiments, the second configuration of the frequency shift may indicate one of the following: backscattering without frequency shift, backscattering with a first frequency shift, or active transmission with a second frequency shift.

[0098] In some example embodiments, the first frequency shift may be less than the second frequency 120.

[0099] In some example embodiments, the request may be received from the second device 120 via a first activation signal. Capability information of the first device 110 may be transmitted to the third device 130 via a first response signal to the first activation signal.

[0100] In some example embodiments, the second configuration of the frequency shift may be received via a second activation signal from the second device. The signal may then be transmitted to the third device as a second response signal to the second activation signal.

[0101] In some example embodiments, the transmitted signal may carry at least one of data or confirmation of a second configuration for frequency shift.

[0102] Figure 6 A flowchart of an example method 600 implemented at a third device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. For the purposes of discussion, [the following will be discussed]. Figure 1 The angle description method of the third device 130 in the 600.

[0103] At frame 610, the third device 130 receives capability information of the first device 110 from the first device 110.

[0104] At frame 620, the third device 130 transmits the capability information of the first device to the fourth device 140.

[0105] At frame 630, the third device 130 receives a second configuration of the frequency shift of the transmission frequency and the reception frequency of the first device 110.

[0106] At frame 640, the third device 130 receives the result of the second configuration of the frequency shift from the first device 110 based on the second configuration of the frequency shift.

[0107] At frame 650, the third device 130 transmits the result to the fourth device 140.

[0108] Figure 7 A flowchart of an example method 700 implemented at a fourth device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. For the purposes of discussion, [the following will be discussed]. Figure 1 The angle description method of the fourth device 140 in 700.

[0109] At frame 710, the fourth device 140 receives capability information from the first device 110.

[0110] At box 720, the fourth device 140 determines a second configuration of frequency shifts of the transmission frequency and the reception frequency of the first device 110, based at least on the capability information of the first device 110.

[0111] At frame 730, the fourth device 140 transmits a second configuration of frequency shift to the first device 110.

[0112] At box 740, the result of the second configuration of the receive frequency shift is obtained.

[0113] In some example embodiments, capability information may indicate at least one of the following: backscatter capability without frequency shift, passive frequency shift capability, active frequency shift capability, transmission power capability, or one or more supported configurations of frequency shift.

[0114] In some example embodiments, the first configuration of the frequency shift may include a default configuration of the frequency shift, which may indicate backscattering without frequency shift.

[0115] In some example embodiments, the second configuration of frequency shift may also be determined based on at least one of the following: frequency division duplex spectrum requirements, the option to transmit and receive at a frequency less than the frequency division duplex spectrum interval, the option to apply no frequency shift between the transmission frequency and the reception frequency of the first device 110, or the desired transmission range of the first device 110.

[0116] In some example embodiments, the fourth device 140 may instruct the second device 120 to transmit a request for capability information to the first device 110.

[0117] In some example embodiments, capability information may be received from the third device 130.

[0118] In some example embodiments, the second configuration of the frequency shift can be transmitted to the first device 110 via the second device 120.

[0119] In some example embodiments, the results can be received from the third device 130.

[0120] In some example embodiments, the fourth device 140 may transmit a second configuration with a frequency offset to the third device 130.

[0121] Reference above Figures 1 to 4 All operations and features described in relation to the first device 110, the third device 130, and the fourth device 140 are equally applicable to methods 500 to 700 and have similar effects.

[0122] In some example embodiments, the apparatus capable of performing method 500 (e.g., Figure 1 The first device 110 may include components for performing the corresponding operations of method 500. The components may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the components may be implemented in a circuit system or a software module. The device may be implemented as... Figure 1 The first device 110 or included in Figure 1 In the first device 110.

[0123] In some example embodiments, the apparatus includes components for receiving a request for capability information of a first apparatus; components for transmitting capability information of the first apparatus based on a first configuration of a frequency shift between a transmission frequency and a reception frequency of the first apparatus; components for receiving the frequency shift in a second configuration; and components for transmitting a signal based on the second configuration of the frequency shift.

[0124] In some example embodiments, the capability information indicates at least one of the following: backscatter capability without frequency shift, passive frequency shift capability, active frequency shift capability, transmission power capability, or one or more supported configurations of frequency shift.

[0125] In some example embodiments, the first configuration of the frequency shift includes a default configuration of the frequency shift, which indicates backscattering without frequency shift.

[0126] In some example embodiments, the second configuration of the frequency shift indicates one of the following: backscattering without frequency shift, backscattering with a first frequency shift, or active transmission with a second frequency shift.

[0127] In some example embodiments, the first frequency shift is less than the second frequency.

[0128] In some example embodiments, the request is received from the second device via a first activation signal, and the capability information of the first device is transmitted to the third device via a first response signal to the first activation signal.

[0129] In some example embodiments, the second configuration of the frequency shift is received via a second activation signal from the second device, and the signal is transmitted to the third device as a second response signal to the second activation signal.

[0130] In some example embodiments, the transmitted signal carries at least one of data or confirmation of a second configuration for frequency shift.

[0131] In some example embodiments, the apparatus capable of performing method 600 (e.g., Figure 1 The third device 130 in the process may include components for performing the corresponding operations of method 600. The components may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the components may be implemented in a circuit system or a software module. The device may be implemented as... Figure 1 The third device 130 or included in Figure 1 The third device 130 in the middle.

[0132] In some example embodiments, the apparatus includes components for receiving capability information of the first device from a first device; components for transmitting the capability information of the first device to a fourth device; components for receiving a second configuration of a transmission frequency and a reception frequency shift of the first device; components for receiving a result of the second configuration of the frequency shift from the first device based on the second configuration of the frequency shift; and components for transmitting the result to the fourth device.

[0133] In some example embodiments, the apparatus capable of performing method 700 (e.g., Figure 1The fourth device 140 may include components for performing the corresponding operations of method 700. The components may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the components may be implemented in a circuit system or a software module. The device may be implemented as... Figure 1 The fourth device 140 or included in Figure 1 The fourth device 140 in the middle.

[0134] In some example embodiments, the apparatus includes components for receiving capability information of a first device; components for determining a second configuration of frequency shifts of the transmission frequency and reception frequency of the first device based at least on the capability information of the first device; components for transmitting the second configuration of the frequency shifts to the first device; and components for receiving the result of the second configuration of the frequency shifts.

[0135] In some example embodiments, the capability information indicates at least one of the following: backscatter capability without frequency shift, passive frequency shift capability, active frequency shift capability, transmission power capability, or one or more supported configurations of frequency shift.

[0136] In some example embodiments, the first configuration of the frequency shift includes a default configuration of the frequency shift, which indicates backscattering without frequency shift.

[0137] In some example embodiments, the second configuration of frequency shift is also determined based on at least one of the following: frequency division duplex spectrum requirements, the option to transmit and receive at a frequency less than the frequency division duplex spectrum interval, the option to apply no frequency shift between the transmission frequency and the reception frequency of the first device, or the required transmission range of the first device.

[0138] In some example embodiments, the apparatus further includes a component for instructing the second apparatus to transmit a request for capability information to the first apparatus.

[0139] In some example embodiments, capability information is received from a third device.

[0140] In some example embodiments, the second configuration of the frequency shift is transmitted to the first device via the second device.

[0141] In some example embodiments, the result is received from a third device.

[0142] In some example embodiments, the apparatus further includes a component for transmitting a second configuration of frequency offset to a third device.

[0143] Figure 8 This is a simplified block diagram of a device 800 suitable for implementing exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The device 800 can be provided to implement a communication device, such as... Figure 1The first device 110, the third device 130, or the fourth device 140 are shown. As shown, the device 800 includes one or more processors 810, one or more memories 820 coupled to the processors 810, and one or more communication modules 840 coupled to the processors 810.

[0144] Communication module 840 is used for bidirectional communication. Communication module 840 has one or more communication interfaces to facilitate communication with one or more other modules or devices. The communication interface can represent any interface required for communication with other network elements. In some example embodiments, communication module 840 may include at least one antenna.

[0145] As a non-limiting example, processor 810 can be any type suitable for a local technology network and 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 800 can have multiple processors, such as application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chips that are time-dependent on a clock used to synchronize the main processor.

[0146] Memory 820 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) 824, electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, hard disk, optical disc (CD), digital video disc (DVD), optical disc, laser disc, and other magnetic and / or optical storage. Examples of volatile memories include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM) 822 and other volatile memories that are not retained during power loss.

[0147] Computer program 830 includes computer-executable instructions that are executed by an associated processor 810. The instructions of program 830 may include instructions for performing operations / actions of some example embodiments of this disclosure. Program 830 may be stored in memory (e.g., ROM 824). Processor 810 can perform any suitable actions and processes by loading program 830 into RAM 822.

[0148] Example embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented by program 830, enabling device 800 to perform as described in the reference. Figures 1 to 4 Any process discussed in this disclosure. Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure may also be implemented by hardware or by a combination of software and hardware.

[0149] In some example embodiments, program 830 may be tangibly contained in a computer-readable medium, which may be included in device 800 (such as memory 820) or other storage devices accessible by device 800. Device 800 may load program 830 from the computer-readable medium into RAM 822 for execution. In some example embodiments, the computer-readable medium may include any type of non-transitory storage medium, such as ROM, EPROM, flash memory, hard disk, CD, DVD, etc. As used herein, the term "non-transitory" is a limitation on the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not tactile), rather than a limitation on the persistence of data storage (e.g., RAM and ROM).

[0150] Figure 9 An example of a computer-readable medium 900 is shown, which may be in the form of a CD, DVD, or other optical storage disc. A program 830 is stored on the computer-readable medium 900.

[0151] 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 that 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 using some other graphical representation, it should be understood that, as non-limiting examples, the blocks, apparatuses, systems, techniques, or methods described herein can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuitry or logic, general-purpose hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0152] Some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure also provide at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a computer-readable medium, such as a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The computer program product includes computer-executable instructions that execute in a device on a target physical or virtual processor, such as those included in a program module, to perform any of the methods described above. Typically, a program module includes routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc., that perform a particular task or implement a particular abstract data type. 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 execute within a local or distributed device. In a distributed device, the program module can reside in both local and remote storage media.

[0153] Program code used to perform the methods of this disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. The 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.

[0154] In the context of this disclosure, computer program code or related data may be carried by any suitable carrier to enable a device, apparatus, or processor to perform the various processes and operations described above. Examples of carriers include signals, computer-readable media, etc.

[0155] Computer-readable media can be computer-readable signal media or computer-readable storage media. Computer-readable media can include, but is not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, apparatuses, or devices, or any suitable combination thereof. 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 fibers, portable optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0156] Furthermore, although operations are described in a specific order, this should not be construed as requiring that such operations be performed in the specific order shown or sequentially, or that all shown operations be performed to achieve the desired result. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Similarly, although several specific implementation details are included in the discussion above, these details should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, certain features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, unless explicitly stated otherwise, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented individually or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple embodiments.

[0157] Although this disclosure has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological actions, it should be understood that the disclosure as defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. Rather, the specific features and actions described above are disclosed as exemplary forms for implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A first device, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first device to at least: Receive a request for capability information regarding the first device; Based on a first configuration of frequency shift between the transmission frequency and the reception frequency of the first device, the capability information of the first device is transmitted; A second configuration for receiving the frequency shift; as well as The signal is transmitted based on the second configuration of the frequency shift.

2. The first device according to claim 1, wherein the capability information indicates at least one of the following: It has no frequency-shifting backscattering capability. Passive frequency shift capability, Active frequency shift capability, Transmission power capability, or One or more supported configurations for the frequency shift.

3. The first apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first configuration of the frequency shift includes a default configuration of the frequency shift, the default configuration indicating backscattering without frequency shift.

4. The first device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second configuration of the frequency shift indicates one of the following: Backscattering without frequency shift Backscattering with the first frequency shift, or Active transmission with a second frequency shift.

5. The first device according to claim 4, wherein the first frequency shift is less than the second frequency.

6. The first device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein The request is received from the second device via a first activation signal, and The capability information of the first device is transmitted to the third device via a first response signal in response to the first activation signal.

7. The first apparatus according to claim 6, wherein The second configuration of the frequency shift is received via a second activation signal from the second device, and The signal is transmitted to the third device as a second response signal to the second activation signal.

8. The first apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the transmitted signal carries at least one of data or confirmation of the second configuration for the frequency shift.

9. A third device, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the third device to at least: Receive capability information of the first device from the first device; Transmit the capability information of the first device to the fourth device; A second configuration for receiving the frequency shift of the transmission frequency and the reception frequency of the first device; Based on the second configuration of the frequency shift, the result of the second configuration of the frequency shift is received from the first device; as well as The result is transmitted to the fourth device.

10. A fourth device, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the fourth device to at least: Receive capability information from the first device; Based at least on the capability information of the first device, a second configuration of frequency shift for the transmission frequency and reception frequency of the first device is determined; The second configuration of the frequency shift is transmitted to the first device; as well as The result of the second configuration of the frequency shift is received.

11. The fourth device according to claim 10, wherein the capability information indicates at least one of the following: It has no frequency-shifting backscattering capability. Passive frequency shift capability, Active frequency shift capability, Transmission power capability, or One or more supported configurations for the frequency shift.

12. The fourth apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first configuration of the frequency shift includes a default configuration of the frequency shift, the default configuration indicating backscattering without frequency shift.

13. The fourth device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the second configuration of the frequency shift is further determined based on at least one of the following: Frequency division duplex spectrum requirements, The option to transmit and receive according to a frequency division duplex spectrum interval less than the frequency division duplex spectrum interval. Apply a frequency-shift-free option between the transmission frequency and the reception frequency of the first device, or The required transmission range of the first device.

14. The fourth device according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the at least one memory and the at least one processor further enable the fourth device to: The second device is instructed to transmit a request for the capability information to the first device.

15. The fourth device according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the capability information is received from the third device.

16. The fourth device according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the second configuration of the frequency shift is transmitted to the first device via the second device.

17. The fourth device according to any one of claims 10 to 13 and claim 16, wherein the result is received from the third device.

18. The fourth device according to claim 17, wherein the at least one memory and the at least one processor further enable the fourth device to: The second configuration of the frequency offset is transmitted to the third device.

19. A method comprising: Receive a request for capability information regarding the first device; Based on a first configuration of frequency shift between the transmission frequency and the reception frequency of the first device, the capability information of the first device is transmitted; A second configuration for receiving the frequency shift; as well as The signal is transmitted based on the second configuration of the frequency shift.

20. A method comprising: Receive capability information of the first device from the first device; Transmit the capability information of the first device to the fourth device; A second configuration for receiving the frequency shift of the transmission frequency and the reception frequency of the first device; Based on the second configuration of the frequency shift, the result of the second configuration of the frequency shift is received from the first device; as well as The result is transmitted to the fourth device.

21. A method comprising: Receive capability information from the first device; Based at least on the capability information of the first device, a second configuration of frequency shift for the transmission frequency and reception frequency of the first device is determined; The second configuration of the frequency shift is transmitted to the first device; as well as The result of the second configuration of the frequency shift is received.

22. An apparatus comprising: A component for receiving a request for capability information of the first device; Components for transmitting the capability information of the first device based on a first configuration of frequency shift between the transmission frequency and the reception frequency of the first device; A component for receiving the frequency shift in a second configuration; as well as Components for transmitting signals based on the second configuration of the frequency shift.

23. An apparatus comprising: A component for receiving capability information of the first device from the first device; Components for transmitting the capability information of the first device to the fourth device; A component of a second configuration for receiving the frequency shift of the transmission frequency and the reception frequency of the first device; Components for receiving the result of the second configuration of the frequency shift from the first device based on the second configuration of the frequency shift; as well as A component for transmitting the result to the fourth device.

24. An apparatus comprising: A component for receiving capability information of the first device; A component for determining the frequency shift of the transmission frequency and the reception frequency of the first device based at least on the capability information of the first device; The component for transmitting the second configuration for causing the frequency shift to the first device; as well as A component for receiving the result of the second configuration of the frequency shift.

25. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions stored thereon for causing a device to perform at least the method of claim 19, the method of claim 20, or the method of claim 21.

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