Techniques for operating an environmental internet of things
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202480090123.0
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-04-02
- Publication Date
- 2026-10-30
Smart Images
Figure CN123023368A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to systems, devices, and technologies for wireless communication. Background Technology
[0002] Wireless communication technology is driving the world toward an increasingly interconnected and networked society. The rapid growth and technological advancements in wireless communication have led to greater demands for capacity and connectivity. Other factors, such as energy consumption, equipment cost, spectrum efficiency, and latency, are also important for meeting the needs of various communication scenarios. Next-generation systems and wireless communication technologies need to support a growing number of users and devices, and an increasingly mobile society, compared to existing wireless networks. Summary of the Invention
[0003] Various methods and apparatuses are provided for configuring channel state information reference signals for tracking in wireless communications.
[0004] In one example aspect, a method for wireless communication is disclosed. The method includes: a core network sending a message requesting environmental IoT coverage information from a base station or a UE (User Equipment) operable as an intermediate node between the base station and an environmental IoT (Internet of Things) device; and the core network receiving the environmental IoT coverage information from the base station or the UE.
[0005] In another example, a method for wireless communication is disclosed. The method includes: a base station sending a first message to a UE (User Equipment) operable as an intermediate node between the base station and an environmental IoT (Internet of Things) device or between the environmental IoT devices, requesting environmental IoT coverage information for the UE or requesting a coverage query, the coverage query requesting to check whether the environmental IoT device exists in a coverage area; the base station receiving a response message from the UE or the environmental IoT device; and the base station sending a second message including the environmental IoT coverage information to a core network.
[0006] In another example aspect, a method for wireless communication is disclosed. The method includes: a UE, operable as an intermediary node between a base station and an environmental IoT (Internet of Things) device, receiving from a core network or the base station a message requesting or subscribing to environmental IoT coverage information of the UE; and the UE sending a response including the UE's identifier to the core network or the base station.
[0007] In yet another example, a wireless communication device including a processor is disclosed. The processor is configured to implement the methods described herein.
[0008] In another example, the various techniques described herein can be embodied as processor-executable code and stored on a computer-readable program medium.
[0009] Details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features should be apparent from the specification, drawings, and claims. Attached Figure Description
[0010] Figure 1 An example of topology 1 of an AIoT wireless network based on some implementations of the disclosed technology is shown.
[0011] Figure 2 An example of topology 2 of an AIoT wireless network based on some implementations of the disclosed technology is shown.
[0012] Figure 3 Two example options for reporting AIoT capabilities from a user equipment (UE) to the core network based on some implementations of the disclosed technology are shown.
[0013] Figure 4 Examples of reporting AIoT capability information from a base station to the core network based on some implementations of the disclosed technology are shown.
[0014] Figure 5 Examples of AIoT coverage requests or subscriptions to base stations or base station cells based on some implementations of the disclosed technology are shown.
[0015] Figure 6 Two example options are shown for core network requests or subscriptions to AIoT coverage for UEs with AIoT capabilities, based on some implementations of the disclosed technology.
[0016] Figure 7 A flowchart is shown illustrating how UE / BS AIoT coverage information is used to optimize network resources for AIoT operation, based on some implementations of the disclosed technology.
[0017] Figure 8 An example wireless communication network based on some implementations of the disclosed technology is shown.
[0018] Figure 9 This is a block diagram illustrating examples of wireless communication devices based on some implementations of the disclosed technology.
[0019] Figure 10-12 This is an example flowchart of a wireless communication method based on some implementations of the disclosed technology. Detailed Implementation
[0020] The disclosed technology provides implementation methods and examples for configuring channel state information reference signals for tracking in wireless communication.
[0021] Tasks such as inventorying AIoT devices are typically initiated by servers on the core network side. However, the core network lacks awareness of the AIoT cells of a base station or the AIoT devices that can be managed by AIoT-capable UEs under a base station. Therefore, when the core network frequently performs AIoT operations (such as inventorying specific types or certain AIoT devices), it needs to initiate AIoT commands / paging to multiple base stations for AIoT UEs. These base stations, in turn, need to initiate AIoT commands / paging to a large number of AIoT UEs and AIoT cells under their deployment, resulting in significant consumption of communication resources. This invention primarily addresses this problem by enabling the core network or base stations to determine the devices managed by the corresponding cells or AIoT-capable UEs before initiating AIoT commands / paging to AIoT UEs. This allows for the selection of appropriate network resources for initiating AIoT commands, thereby reducing network resource consumption. Background Technology
[0022] The Internet of Things (IoT) has garnered significant attention due to its potential to improve efficiency and comfort. The goal is to deploy billions of small, low-power devices across a wide range of applications. However, powering all devices with batteries that require manual replacement or charging is impractical, expensive, and raises environmental and safety concerns. The digitalization of industry has opened up new markets for IoT technologies that support battery-free devices or energy storage devices that require no human intervention. These devices must be small enough to fit the target use cases.
[0023] Practical applications require small, simple battery-free devices or devices with limited energy storage that do not require manual charging. Energy harvesters typically output from 1µW to several hundred µW. Due to their high peak power consumption, current cellular devices may be incompatible. Barcodes and RFID have low power consumption but limited range, resulting in significant manpower requirements for operation or high deployment costs.
[0024] Furthermore, the lack of interference management solutions leads to severe interference and capacity issues between RFID readers, especially in densely deployed scenarios. RFID struggles to support large-scale networks with seamless coverage. Therefore, IoT that supports ambient power has emerged.
[0025] The 3GPP Release 19 work plan will support IoT environments with the following two topologies. Topology 1 is as follows: Figure 1 As shown. (Refer to...) Figure 1 AIoT (Environmental IoT) devices can directly send their AIoT information / data to the base station and directly receive AIoT information / data from the base station. Topology 2 is as follows. Figure 2 As shown. (Refer to...) Figure 2In AIoT systems, considering the limited coverage areas (e.g., transmission and / or reception range) of base stations and IoT devices, intermediate nodes can be used between the base station and the AIoT device to extend the coverage area. Typically, NR UEs or NR relays can be used as intermediate nodes. AIoT devices can send their AIoT information / data to the base station via an AIoT-capable UE, and receive AIoT information / data from the base station via an AIoT-capable UE.
[0026] Furthermore, hybrid topologies 1 and 2 can also be supported. Therefore, a base station supporting AIoT can include one or more AIoT cells. Within these cells, the base station can communicate directly with AIoT devices. However, these AIoT cells have a certain coverage area; devices outside the coverage area of an AIoT cell cannot communicate directly with the base station. Additionally, the base station can deploy some UEs with AIoT capabilities. In areas not covered by the AIoT cells, these UEs can act as intermediate nodes to assist the base station and devices in communication.
[0027] Tasks such as inventorying AIoT devices are typically initiated by servers on the core network side. However, the core network lacks awareness of the AIoT cells of base stations or the AIoT devices that UEs with AIoT capabilities under a base station can manage. Therefore, when the core network frequently performs AIoT operations (such as inventorying specific types or certain AIoT devices), it needs to initiate AIoT commands / paging to multiple base stations for AIoT UEs. These base stations, in turn, need to initiate AIoT commands / paging to a large number of AIoT UEs and AIoT cells deployed under their jurisdiction, resulting in significant consumption of communication resources.
[0028] Example 1 - UE's AIoT Reporting Capability
[0029] In this embodiment, there are two alternative solutions for the UE to report its AIoT capabilities to the core network. Figure 3 Two example options for a UE to report AIoT capabilities to the core network, based on some implementations of the disclosed technology, are shown.
[0030] Option 1: The UE sends a NAS message to the CN (Core Network), and includes the UE AIoT capability information in the message.
[0031] Option 2: The UE sends an RRC message to the BS (Base Station), including the UE's AIoT capability information in the message. After receiving the RRC message, the BS sends the UE's AIoT capability information to the CN via an NGAP message.
[0032] For options 1 and 2, the UE AIoT capability information includes a list of one or more AIoT device types supported by the UE.
[0033] Example 2 - AIoT reporting capability of BS
[0034] In this embodiment, the BS sends an NGAP message to the CN that includes the BS's AIoT capability information. Figure 4 Examples of AIoT reporting from a base station to the core network for reporting BS AIoT capability information are shown, based on some implementations of the disclosed technology.
[0035] BS AIoT capability information includes at least one of the following:
[0036] 1) At least one list of AIoT device types supported by a specific cell;
[0037] 2) A list of AIoT device types supported by the BS; or
[0038] 3) AIoT cell ID list (AIoT cell refers to a cell that supports direct communication with AIoT devices).
[0039] Example 3 - CN Request / Subscribe BS / Cell AIoT Coverage
[0040] In this embodiment, CN requests or subscribes to AIoT coverage information of at least one base station or its cell in order to obtain the AIoT devices that the base station or the AIoT cell can manage. Figure 5 Examples of core network requests or subscriptions to a base station or its cell for AIoT coverage, based on some implementations of the disclosed technology, are shown. AIoT coverage information refers to information about AIoT devices that can be managed by the base station / its cell.
[0041] Step 0: CN becomes aware of the BS AIoT capabilities of one or more BSs. The details of the BS AIoT capabilities discussed in Implementation Example 2, and how CN obtains the BS AIoT capabilities, can also be applied to this implementation.
[0042] Step 1: Based on the AIoT capabilities of one or more BSs, the CN determines which device type can be managed by which BS / cell. The CN may be interested in coverage information for a specific type of AIoT device for a particular BS / cell. Therefore, the CN sends an NGAP message to one or more BSs to request / subscribe to the BS's AIoT coverage, and includes at least one of the following in the message:
[0043] 1) Coverage query or subscription instructions;
[0044] 2) Instructions only to report a list of device types for one or more specific types of devices that can be managed by the cell or BS; (Note: If this information does not appear in the NGAP message, it means that all device types can be managed by the cell or base station); or
[0045] 3) Indicates a list of cell IDs for which only coverage information of one or more specific cells needs to be reported (Note: If this information does not appear in the NGAP message, it means that coverage information of all AIoT cells of the BS needs to be reported).
[0046] Step 2: The BS sends or broadcasts a UU AIoT message, including an overlay query indication, to all or one / more AIoT devices within a specific AIoT cell of the BS. In implementations of the disclosed technology, "send" can be used to include "broadcast". Note that in some implementations, this process may be initiated by OAM (Operation, Administration and Maintenance) or by the BS itself, meaning that in some implementations, Step 1 may be unnecessary.
[0047] Step 3: Each device that receives the coverage query instruction sends a UU AIoT message back to the BS, providing the coverage query result. Therefore, the UU AIoT message from that device can provide information about its presence. This UU AIoT message includes the device ID and, optionally, the device type. In this way, the BS becomes aware of devices managed by itself or by one or more specific cells.
[0048] Step 4: The BS filters the results received from the device based on the coverage query or subscription received from the CN in Step 1 or OAM.
[0049] Step 5: The BS sends an NGAP message to the CN, including filtered AIoT coverage information of the BS in the message. In this implementation, the information includes at least one of the following:
[0050] 1) A list of AIoT device IDs supported by a specific cell of a base station;
[0051] 2) A list of AIoT device IDs supported by the BS;
[0052] 3) A list of one or more specific types of AIoT devices supported by a specific cell of the base station;
[0053] 4) A list of AIoT device IDs for one or more specific device types supported by the BS.
[0054] In this way, the CN becomes aware of the devices managed by itself or by one or more specific cells.
[0055] In the case of CN subscription, BS can periodically initiate step 2, requesting devices to report their presence regularly. If the information of devices managed by itself or by one or more specific cells changes, BS will send the updated BS AIoT coverage information to CN.
[0056] Example 4 - CN requests / subscribes to AIoT coverage for UEs with AIoT capabilities
[0057] Figure 6 Two example options are shown for core network requests or subscriptions to AIoT coverage for UEs with AIoT capabilities, based on some implementations of the disclosed technology.
[0058] Step 0: The CN becomes aware of the UE AIoT capabilities of one or more UEs. The details of the UE AIoT capabilities discussed in Implementation Example 1, and how the CN obtains the UE AIoT capabilities, can also be applied to this implementation.
[0059] In this embodiment, the CN requests or subscribes to the AIoT coverage information of at least one UE to obtain the AIoT devices that the UE can manage. The UE's AIoT coverage information refers to the AIoT devices that the UE can manage. In this embodiment, there are two alternative methods for the CN to obtain the UE's AIoT coverage information.
[0060] Option 1
[0061] Step 1: Based on the UE AIoT capabilities of one or more UEs, the CN determines which device type can be managed by which UE. The CN may be interested in AIoT coverage information for a specific type of AIoT device of a particular UE. Then, the CN sends a NAS message to one or more UEs to request / subscribe to the UE's AIoT coverage. This NAS message may include at least one of the following:
[0062] 1) Coverage query or subscription instructions;
[0063] 2) Instructions only to report a list of device types of (one or more) specific types of AIoT devices that can be managed by the UE; (Note: If this information is not available, it means all device types).
[0064] (Note: If the UE is in RRC connection state, the BS routes the NAS message to the UE; otherwise, the BS first pages the UE, and if the UE is paged, the BS routes the NAS message to the UE.)
[0065] Steps 2, 3, and 4: After the UE receives the NAS message, steps 2, 3, and 4 of Option 1 are similar to steps 2 and 3 in Embodiment 3. The difference is that in this embodiment, the UE sends a UU AIoT message to all AIoT devices within its coverage area, and each AIoT device responds to the UE. Furthermore, the UE filters the results received from the AIoT devices based on the detailed coverage query or subscription received from the NAS message.
[0066] Step 5: The UE sends a NAS message to the CN, including filtered AIoT coverage information for the UE. This information includes at least one of the following:
[0067] 1) At least one list of AIoT device IDs supported by the UE;
[0068] 2) The cell ID and / or BS ID to which the UE is connected or camped; or
[0069] 3) A list of at least one AIoT device ID of a specific device type supported by the UE.
[0070] In this way, the CN becomes aware of the devices managed by the UE.
[0071] In the case of CN subscription, the UE can periodically initiate step 2 to request AIoT devices to report their presence regularly. If the information of devices managed by (one or more) UE cells changes, the UE sends the updated UE AIoT coverage information to the CN via NAS messages.
[0072] Option 2
[0073] Step 1: Based on the UE AIoT capabilities of one or more UEs, the CN determines which device type can be managed by which UE. The CN may be interested in AIoT coverage information for a specific type of AIoT device for a specific UE. Then, the CN sends an NGAP message to one or more UEs / BSs to request / subscribe to the AIoT coverage of one or more UEs, and includes at least one of the following in the message:
[0074] 1) Coverage query or subscription indication (Note: If the UE is in CM idle state, the NGAP message can be an NGAP paging message or other messages. If it is an NGAP paging message, this indication refers to the paging reason value).
[0075] 2) Instructions only to report a list of device types for one or more specific types of devices that can be managed by the UE; (Note: If this information is not available, it means that all device types need to be reported).
[0076] 3) Indicates a list of one or more UE IDs for which AIoT coverage information is required for one or more UEs of interest included in the list.
[0077] Step 2: Based on the received request / subscription, the BS sends a UU paging message to the corresponding interested UE (if the UE is not in an RRC connection state), otherwise it sends an RRC message, and the message includes at least one of the following:
[0078] 1) Coverage query or subscription instructions;
[0079] 2) Instructions to only report a list of device types for one or more specific types of devices that can be managed by the UE; (Note: If this information is not available, it means that all device types need to be reported).
[0080] Steps 3, 4 and 5: After receiving the message sent by the BS, the UE executes the same steps 3, 4 and 5 as steps 2, 3 and 4 in option 1 of this embodiment.
[0081] Step 6: The UE sends an RRC message and / or user data (e.g., small user data) to the BS, and includes filtered AIoT coverage information for the UE in the message. This information includes at least one of the following:
[0082] 1) At least one list of AIoT device IDs supported by the UE;
[0083] 2) The cell ID and / or BS ID to which the UE is connected or camped; or
[0084] 3) A list of at least one AIoT device ID of a specific device type supported by the UE.
[0085] Step 7: The gNB sends an NGAP message to the CN, and includes AIoT coverage status information for one or more UEs in the message.
[0086] In the case of CN subscription, BS can periodically initiate step 2, requesting devices to report their presence regularly. If the information of devices managed by the UE changes, the BS will send the updated AIoT coverage information of the UE to the CN.
[0087] Example 5 - Optimizing Network Resources for AIoT Operation Using UE / BS AIoT Coverage Information
[0088] Figure 7 A flowchart is shown illustrating how UE / BS AIoT coverage information is used to optimize network resources for AIoT operation, based on some implementations of the disclosed technology.
[0089] Step 0: The CN knows the BS AIoT coverage information of one or more BSs and the UE AIoT coverage information of one or more UEs. The descriptions provided in Examples 3 and 4 regarding how the CN obtains BS / UE AIoT coverage information can be applied to this example.
[0090] Step 1: Based on the BS AIoT coverage information of one or more BSs and / or the UE AIoT coverage information of one or more UEs, the CN can determine candidate resources for the operation of the device of interest. In this example, candidate resources include at least one of the following:
[0091] 1) At least one candidate AIoT cell for one or more AIoT devices;
[0092] 2) At least one candidate AIoT cell for one or more types of AIoT devices;
[0093] 3) At least one candidate AIoT-capable UE for one or more AIoT devices;
[0094] 4) At least one candidate UE with AIoT capabilities for one or more types of AIoT devices;
[0095] 5) At least one candidate BS for one or more devices; or
[0096] 6) At least one candidate BS for one or more types of AIoT devices.
[0097] In this step, the CN can also consider the UE's historical information (e.g., the cell information last visited by the UE stored on the CN side) to make a decision.
[0098] Step 2: The CN sends a message to the BS requesting AIoT action for the device of interest. In this example, the message includes at least one of the following:
[0099] 1) At least one AIoT device of interest;
[0100] 2) At least one type of AIoT device of interest; or
[0101] 3) Candidate resources.
[0102] Step 3: After receiving the AIoT operation request message from the CN, the BS further determines the resources to be used for the AIoT operation of the requested device. The decision-making process can be described as follows:
[0103] If the message does not include candidate resources, the BS determines the resources for AIoT operation based on the BS's AIoT coverage information and / or the UE's AIoT coverage information stored on the BS side.
[0104] If the message includes candidate resources, the BS determines the resources to be used for AIoT operation based on the BS's latest AIoT coverage information, and / or the latest UE AIoT coverage information stored on the BS side, and / or UE mobility information, and / or cell activation / deactivation information, and / or cell power saving status.
[0105] Step 4: The BS performs AIoT operations within the determined AIoT cell, and / or performs AIoT operations with the assistance of the determined AIoT-capable UE. The CN receives the AIoT operation results from the UE or the network.
[0106] Figure 8 An example of a wireless communication system (e.g., a Long Term Evolution (LTE), 5G, or NR cellular network) including a BS 820 and one or more user equipment (UE) 811, 812, and 813 is shown. In some embodiments, uplink transmissions (831, 832, 833) may include uplink control information (UCI), higher-layer signaling (e.g., UE assistance information or UE capabilities), or uplink information. In some embodiments, downlink transmissions (841, 842, 843) may include DCI or higher-layer signaling or downlink information. The UE may be, for example, a smartphone, tablet, mobile computer, machine-to-machine (M2M) device, terminal, mobile device, Internet of Things (IoT) device, etc.
[0107] Figure 9 This is a block diagram representation of a portion of an apparatus according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Apparatus 910, such as a network device or base station or wireless device (or UE), may include processor electronics 920, such as a microprocessor implementing one or more technologies presented herein. Apparatus 910 may include transceiver electronics 930 for transmitting and / or receiving wireless signals via one or more communication interfaces, such as antennas 940 (one or more). Apparatus 910 may include other communication interfaces for transmitting and receiving data. Apparatus 910 may include one or more memories (not explicitly shown) configured to store information such as data and / or instructions. In some embodiments, processor electronics 920 may include at least a portion of transceiver electronics 930. In some embodiments, apparatus 910 is used to implement at least some of the disclosed technologies, modules, or functions.
[0108] Some preferred embodiments may include the following solutions.
[0109] 1. A method for wireless communication (e.g., such as...) Figure 10 The method 1000 shown includes: sending (1010) a message from the core network to a base station or a UE (user equipment) operable as an intermediate node between the base station and an environmental IoT (Internet of Things) device requesting environmental IoT coverage information from the base station or the UE; and receiving (1020) the environmental IoT coverage information from the base station or the UE by the core network.
[0110] 2. The method according to Solution 1, wherein the environmental IoT coverage information received from the base station includes at least one of the following: the environmental IoT coverage information of the base station, the environmental IoT coverage information of one or more UEs residing on the base station, and wherein the environmental IoT coverage information received from the UE includes the environmental IoT coverage information of the UE.
[0111] 3. The method according to Solution 2, wherein the environmental IoT coverage information of the base station includes information on environmental IoT devices managed by the base station or at least one cell of the base station; wherein the environmental IoT coverage information of the UE includes information on environmental IoT devices managed by the UE.
[0112] 4. The method according to Solution 1, wherein the message is sent to the base station and includes at least one of the following: i) a coverage query for the base station or at least one cell of the base station, or an indication of a coverage subscription for the base station or at least one cell of the base station; ii) a list of device types in the case where only environmental IoT devices belonging to the device types in the list need to be reported in the environmental IoT coverage information; or iii) a list of cell identifiers (IDs) of a specific cell of the base station in the case where only environmental IoT coverage information for a specific cell of the base station needs to be reported.
[0113] 5. The method according to Solution 1, wherein the environmental IoT coverage information is received from a base station and includes at least one of the following: i) a list of identifiers (IDs) of environmental IoT devices supported by the cell of the base station; ii) a list of identifiers (IDs) of environmental IoT devices supported by the base station; iii) a list of identifiers (IDs) of environmental IoT devices of a specific type supported by the cell of the base station; or iv) a list of identifiers (IDs) of environmental IoT devices of a specific type supported by the base station.
[0114] 6. The method according to Solution 1, wherein the message is sent to the UE to request the UE’s environmental IoT coverage information and includes at least one of the following: i) a coverage query for the UE or an indication of a coverage subscription for the UE; or ii) a list of device types in cases where only devices belonging to the device types in the list need to be reported in the environmental IoT coverage information.
[0115] 7. The method according to Solution 1, wherein the message is sent to the base station and includes at least one of the following: i) a coverage query for the UE or an indication of coverage subscription for the UE; ii) a list of environmental IoT device types in cases where only environmental IoT devices belonging to the device types included in the list need to be reported in the environmental IoT coverage information; or iii) a list of UE identifiers indicating that environmental IoT coverage information for UEs included in the list is required.
[0116] 8. The method according to Solution 1, wherein the environmental IoT coverage information of the UE is received from the UE or a base station and includes at least one of the following: i) a list of identifiers (IDs) of environmental IoT devices supported by the UE; ii) identifiers of cells and / or base stations to which the UE is connected or resides; or iii) a list of identifiers (IDs) of environmental IoT devices of a specific type supported by the UE.
[0117] 9. The method according to Solution 1 further comprises: determining one or more candidate resources for performing environmental IoT operations by the core network, wherein the one or more candidate resources include at least one of the following: i) at least one candidate environmental IoT cell for one or more environmental IoT devices; ii) at least one candidate environmental IoT cell for one or more types of environmental IoT devices; iii) at least one candidate environmental IoT-capable UE for one or more environmental IoT devices; iv) at least one candidate environmental IoT-capable UE for one or more types of environmental IoT devices; v) at least one candidate base station for one or more environmental IoT devices; or vi) at least one candidate base station for one or more types of environmental IoT devices.
[0118] 10. The method according to Solution 1 further includes: sending a request from the core network to the base station to perform an environmental IoT operation on at least one target device, the request including at least one target device identifier, the type of the at least one target device, and candidate resources for performing the environmental IoT operation.
[0119] 11. A method for wireless communication (e.g., such as...) Figure 11The method 1100 shown includes: a base station sending (1110) a first message to a UE (user equipment) operable as an intermediate node between the base station and an environmental IoT (Internet of Things) device or between environmental IoT devices, requesting environmental IoT coverage information or requesting a coverage query, the coverage query requesting to check whether the environmental IoT device exists in the coverage area; the base station receiving (1120) a response message from the UE or the environmental IoT device; and the base station sending (1130) a second message including environmental IoT coverage information to the core network.
[0120] 12. The method according to Solution 11 further includes: receiving a third message from the core network by the base station requesting environmental IoT coverage information of the base station or the UE.
[0121] 13. The method according to solution 12, wherein the third message requests environmental IoT coverage information of the base station and includes at least one of the following: i) a coverage query for the base station or at least one cell of the base station, or an indication of a coverage subscription for the base station or at least one cell of the base station; ii) a list of device types in the case where only environmental IoT devices belonging to the device types in the list need to be reported in the environmental IoT coverage information; or iii) a list of cell identifiers (IDs) of a specific cell of the base station in the case where only environmental IoT coverage information for a specific cell of the base station needs to be reported.
[0122] 14. The method according to solution 13, wherein the third message requests environmental IoT coverage information of the base station, and wherein sending the first message to the environmental IoT device includes checking whether the UE is within the coverage of the base station for a coverage query.
[0123] 15. The method according to solution 12, wherein the third message requests environmental IoT coverage information for the UE and includes at least one of the following: i) a coverage query for the UE or an indication of a coverage subscription for the UE; ii) a list of environmental IoT device types of the user equipment in cases where only environmental IoT devices belonging to the device types included in the list need to be reported in the environmental IoT coverage information; or iii) a list of UE identifiers indicating that environmental IoT coverage information for UEs included in the list is required.
[0124] 16. The method according to solution 11, wherein the response message received from the environmental IoT device includes at least one of the environmental IoT device's identifier (ID) or type.
[0125] 17. The method according to Solution 11, wherein the second message includes environmental IoT coverage information of the base station, the environmental IoT coverage information of the base station including at least one of the following: i) a list of identifiers (IDs) of environmental IoT devices supported by the cells of the base station; ii) a list of identifiers (IDs) of environmental IoT devices supported by the base station; iii) a list of identifiers (IDs) of a specific type of environmental IoT devices supported by the cells of the base station; or iv) a list of identifiers (IDs) of a specific type of environmental IoT devices supported by the base station.
[0126] 18. The method according to solution 11, wherein the first message is sent to the UE and includes at least one of the following: i) a coverage query for the UE or an indication of a coverage subscription for the UE; or ii) a list of device types in cases where it is only necessary to report environmental IoT devices belonging to the device types in the list in the environmental IoT coverage information.
[0127] 19. The method according to Solution 11, wherein the response message is received from the UE and includes at least one of the following: i) a list of identifiers (IDs) of environmental IoT devices supported by the UE; ii) identifiers of cells and / or base stations to which the UE is connected or resides; or iii) a list of identifiers (IDs) of a specific type of environmental IoT devices supported by the UE.
[0128] 20. The method according to Solution 11 further includes: receiving from the core network a request by a base station to perform an environmental IoT operation on at least one target device, the request including at least one target device identifier, the type of the at least one target device, and candidate resources for performing the environmental IoT operation; and determining, based on the candidate resources, a final resource to be used for the environmental IoT operation for the at least one target device.
[0129] 21. A method for wireless communication (e.g., such as...) Figure 12 The method 1200 shown includes: (1210) receiving a message from the core network or the base station by a UE that is operable as an intermediate node between a base station and an environmental IoT (Internet of Things) device, requesting or subscribing to environmental IoT coverage information of the UE; and (1220) sending a response including the identifier of the UE to the core network or the base station by the UE.
[0130] 22. The method according to solution 21, wherein the message further includes at least one of the following: i) a coverage query for the UE or an indication of a coverage subscription for the UE; ii) a list of device types in cases where only environmental IoT devices belonging to a list of device types need to be reported in the environmental IoT coverage information.
[0131] 23. The method according to solution 21 further includes: the UE sending a message to the environmental IoT device, the message including a coverage query indication for requesting whether the environmental IoT device exists within a coverage area; and the UE receiving a response message from the environmental IoT device, the response message including at least one of the environmental IoT device's ID or device type.
[0132] 24. The method according to solution 21, wherein the response is included in an RRC message sent to a base station or in a NAS message sent to the core network, and further includes at least one of the following: i) a list of identifiers (IDs) of environmental IoT devices supported by the UE; ii) identifiers of cells and / or base stations to which the UE is connected or resides; or iii) a list of identifiers (IDs) of a specific type of environmental IoT devices supported by the UE.
[0133] 25. A wireless communication device, comprising a processor configured to implement the method described in any one of the above solutions.
[0134] 26. A computer storage medium having code stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to perform the method described in any one of the above solutions.
[0135] The disclosed and other embodiments, modules, and functional operations described in this application can be implemented as digital electronic circuits, or as computer software, firmware, or hardware (including the structures disclosed in this application and their equivalents), or a combination of one or more of these. The disclosed and other embodiments can be implemented as one or more computer program products, i.e., one or more modules of computer program instructions encoded on a computer-readable medium for execution by or control of the operation of a data processing apparatus. The computer-readable medium can be a machine-readable storage device, a machine-readable storage substrate, a memory device, a composition of material implementing a machine-readable propagating signal, or a combination of one or more of these. The term "data processing apparatus" encompasses all means, devices, and machines for processing data, including, for example, a programmable processor, a computer, or multiple processors or computers. In addition to hardware, the apparatus may also include code that creates an execution environment for the computer program in question, for example, code constituting processor firmware, a protocol stack, a database management system, an operating system, or a combination of one or more of these. The propagating signal is an artificially generated signal, such as a machine-generated electrical signal, optical signal, or electromagnetic signal, which is generated to encode information for transmission to a suitable receiving device.
[0136] Computer programs (also referred to as programs, software, software applications, scripts, or code) can be written in any programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, and can be deployed in any form, including as standalone programs or as modules, components, subroutines, or other units suitable for use in a computing environment. A computer program does not necessarily correspond to a file in a file system. A program can be stored as a portion of a file that holds other programs or data (e.g., one or more scripts stored in a markup language document), in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or in multiple co-located files (e.g., a file storing one or more modules, subroutines, or code sections). A computer program can be deployed to execute on a single computer or on multiple computers located at one site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected via a communication network.
[0137] The processes and logic flows described in this application can be executed by one or more programmable processors that execute one or more computer programs to perform functions by manipulating input data and generating outputs. The processes and logic flows can also be executed by dedicated logic circuits, and the apparatus can be implemented as dedicated logic circuits, such as FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays) or ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits).
[0138] Processors suitable for executing computer programs include, for example, general-purpose and special-purpose microprocessors, and any one or more processors of any kind of digital computer. Typically, the processor receives instructions and data from read-only memory or random access memory, or both. The basic components of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Typically, a computer will also include, or be operatively coupled to, one or more mass storage devices for storing data, such as magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks, to receive data from or transfer data to, or both. However, a computer does not need to have such devices. Computer-readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, media, and memory devices, including, for example, semiconductor memory devices such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM optical disks. The processor and memory may be supplemented by or incorporated into special-purpose logic circuitry.
[0139] While this application contains numerous details, these details should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claimed invention or what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments. Certain features described in the context of individual embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented individually or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple embodiments. Furthermore, although features may be described above as functioning in certain combinations, and even initially claimed in this way, one or more features from a claimed combination may be removed from that combination in some cases, and the claimed combination may be for sub-combinations or variations thereof. Similarly, although operations are depicted in a specific order in the drawings, this should not be construed as requiring such operations to be performed in the specific order shown or in sequential order, or requiring all illustrated operations to achieve the desired result.
[0140] Only a few examples and implementations are disclosed. Variations, modifications, and enhancements can be made to the described examples and implementations, as well as other implementations, based on the disclosed content.
Claims
1. A method for wireless communication, comprising: The core network sends a message to a base station or a UE (User Equipment) that is operable as an intermediate node between the base station and environmental IoT (Internet of Things) devices, requesting environmental IoT coverage information from the base station or the UE; and The core network receives the environmental IoT coverage information from the base station or the UE.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The environmental IoT coverage information received from the base station includes at least one of the following: the environmental IoT coverage information of the base station, the environmental IoT coverage information of one or more UEs residing on the base station, and wherein the environmental IoT coverage information received from the UE includes the environmental IoT coverage information of the UE.
3. The method according to claim 2, wherein, The environmental IoT coverage information of the base station includes information on environmental IoT devices managed by the base station or at least one cell of the base station; The UE's environmental IoT coverage information includes information about the environmental IoT devices managed by the UE.
4. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The message is sent to the base station and includes at least one of the following: i) An instruction for a coverage query for the base station or at least one cell of the base station, or an instruction for a coverage subscription for the base station or at least one cell of the base station; ii) A list of device types where only environmental IoT devices belonging to the listed device types need to be reported in the environmental IoT coverage information; or iii) A list of cell identifiers (IDs) for a specific cell of the base station, provided that only environmental IoT coverage information for a specific cell of the base station needs to be reported.
5. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The environmental IoT coverage information is received from the base station and includes at least one of the following: i) A list of identifiers (IDs) of IoT devices in the environment supported by the cell of the base station; ii) A list of identifiers (IDs) of IoT devices in the environment supported by the base station; iii) Having a list of identifiers (IDs) of specific types of environmental IoT devices supported by the cell of the base station; or iv) Having a list of identifiers (IDs) of specific types of environmental IoT devices supported by the base station.
6. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The message is sent to the UE to request the UE's environmental IoT coverage information, and includes at least one of the following: i) A coverage query for the UE or an indication of a coverage subscription for the UE; or ii) A list of device types where only devices belonging to the listed device types need to be reported in the environmental IoT coverage information.
7. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The message is sent to the base station and includes at least one of the following: i) A coverage query for the UE or an indication of a coverage subscription for the UE; ii) A list of environmental IoT device types where only environmental IoT devices belonging to the device types included in the list need to be reported in the environmental IoT coverage information; or iii) Indicates a list of identifiers for the UEs for which environmental IoT coverage information is required for the UEs included in the list.
8. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The environmental IoT coverage information of the UE is received from the UE or the base station, and includes at least one of the following: i) A list of identifiers (IDs) of the IoT devices in the environment supported by the UE; ii) The identifier of the cell and / or base station to which the UE is connected or camped; or iii) Having a list of identifiers (IDs) of specific types of environmental IoT devices supported by the UE.
9. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: The core network determines one or more candidate resources for performing IoT operations in the environment, and The one or more candidate resources include at least one of the following: i) At least one candidate environmental IoT cell for one or more environmental IoT devices; ii) At least one candidate environmental IoT cell for one or more types of environmental IoT devices; iii) At least one candidate UE with environmental IoT capabilities for one or more environmental IoT devices; iv) At least one candidate UE with environmental IoT capabilities for one or more types of environmental IoT devices; v) At least one candidate base station for one or more IoT devices in an environment; or vi) At least one candidate base station for one or more types of environmental IoT devices.
10. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: The core network sends a request to the base station to perform an environmental IoT operation on at least one target device. The request includes at least one target device identifier, the type of the at least one target device, and candidate resources for performing the environmental IoT operation.
11. A method for wireless communication, comprising: A first message is sent from the base station to a UE (User Equipment) that is operable as an intermediate node between the base station and environmental IoT (Internet of Things) devices or between the environmental IoT devices, requesting the UE's environmental IoT coverage information or requesting a coverage query. The coverage query request checks whether the environmental IoT device exists in the coverage area. The base station receives a response message from the UE or the environmental IoT device; as well as The base station sends a second message, including environmental IoT coverage information, to the core network.
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: The base station receives a third message from the core network requesting the environmental IoT coverage information of the base station or the UE.
13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The third message requests the environmental IoT coverage information of the base station and includes at least one of the following: i) An instruction to query the coverage of the base station or at least one cell of the base station, or an instruction to subscribe to the coverage of the base station or at least one cell of the base station; ii) A list of device types where only environmental IoT devices belonging to the listed device types need to be reported in the environmental IoT coverage information; or iii) A list of cell identifiers (IDs) for a specific cell of the base station, provided that only environmental IoT coverage information for a specific cell of the base station needs to be reported.
14. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The third message requests the environmental IoT coverage information of the base station, and Sending the first message to the environmental IoT device includes a coverage query to check whether the UE is within the coverage area of the base station.
15. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The third message requests the UE's environmental IoT coverage information and includes at least one of the following: i) A coverage query for the UE or an indication of a coverage subscription for the UE; ii) A list of environmental IoT device types for user devices that only need to report environmental IoT devices belonging to the device types included in the list in the environmental IoT coverage information; or iii) Indicates a list of identifiers for the UEs for which environmental IoT coverage information is required for the UEs included in the list.
16. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The response message received from the environmental IoT device includes at least one of the identifier (ID) or type of the environmental IoT device.
17. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The second message includes the environmental IoT coverage information of the base station, which includes at least one of the following: i) A list of identifiers (IDs) of IoT devices in the environment supported by the cell of the base station; ii) A list of identifiers (IDs) of IoT devices in the environment supported by the base station; iii) Having a list of identifiers (IDs) of specific types of environmental IoT devices supported by the cell of the base station; or iv) Having a list of identifiers (IDs) of specific types of environmental IoT devices supported by the base station.
18. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The first message is sent to the UE and includes at least one of the following: i) A coverage query for the UE or an indication of a coverage subscription for the UE; or ii) A list of device types in cases where only environmental IoT devices belonging to the device types in the list need to be reported in the environmental IoT coverage information.
19. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The response message is received from the UE and includes at least one of the following: i) A list of identifiers (IDs) of the IoT devices in the environment supported by the UE; ii) The identifier of the cell and / or base station to which the UE is connected or camped; or iii) Having a list of identifiers (IDs) of specific types of environmental IoT devices supported by the UE.
20. The method of claim 11, further comprising: The base station receives a request from the core network to perform an environmental IoT operation on at least one target device. The request includes at least one target device identifier, the type of the at least one target device, and candidate resources for performing the environmental IoT operation. Based on the candidate resources, the final resources to be used for the environmental IoT operation for the at least one target device are determined.
21. A method for wireless communication, comprising: A UE, which can operate as an intermediary node between a base station and an environmental IoT (Internet of Things) device, receives a message from the core network or the base station requesting or subscribing to the UE's environmental IoT coverage information; as well as The UE sends a response, including the identifier of the UE, to the core network or the base station.
22. The method according to claim 21, wherein, The message also includes at least one of the following: i) A coverage query for the UE or an indication of a coverage subscription for the UE; ii) A list of device types in cases where only environmental IoT devices belonging to the device types in the list need to be reported in the environmental IoT coverage information.
23. The method of claim 21, further comprising: The UE sends a message to the environmental IoT device, the message including a coverage query indication, the coverage query indication requesting whether the environmental IoT device exists within the coverage area; as well as The UE receives a response message from the environmental IoT device, the response message including at least one of the ID or device type of the environmental IoT device.
24. The method according to claim 21, wherein, The response is included in an RRC message sent to the base station, or in a NAS message sent to the core network, and also includes at least one of the following: i) A list of identifiers (IDs) of the IoT devices in the environment supported by the UE; ii) The identifier of the cell and / or base station to which the UE is connected or camped; or iii) Having a list of identifiers (IDs) of specific types of environmental IoT devices supported by the UE.
25. A wireless communication device comprising a processor configured to perform the method of any one of the preceding claims.
26. A computer storage medium having code stored thereon, said code, when executed by a processor, causing the processor to perform the method of any one of the preceding claims.