Proximity determination for environmental wireless devices

Abstract

Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communication are described. For example, a reader device can transmit a signal to one or more environmental wireless devices for a proximity determination process of the environmental wireless devices. The reader device can monitor for responses from the more environmental wireless devices. In response to receiving a response, the reader device can perform a proximity determination process to obtain proximity information of the environmental wireless device. In some examples, the proximity information can indicate one of a near proximity or a far proximity of the environmental wireless device relative to the reader device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The following text relates to wireless communication, including proximity determination for environmental wireless devices. Background Technology

[0002] Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide various types of communication content, such as voice, video, packet data, message sending and receiving, and broadcasting. These systems can support communication with multiple users by sharing available system resources (e.g., time, frequency, and power). Examples of such multiple access systems include fourth-generation (4G) systems (such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, LTE-A Advanced (LTE-A) systems, or LTE-A Pro systems) and fifth-generation (5G) systems (which may be referred to as New Radio (NR) systems). These systems may employ technologies such as Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA), or Discrete Fourier Transform Extended Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (DFT-S-OFDM). A wireless multiple access communication system may include one or more base stations, each supporting wireless communication of communication devices, which may be referred to as User Equipment (UE). Summary of the Invention

[0003] The described technology relates to improved methods, systems, devices, and apparatuses for determining proximity to ambient wireless devices. For example, a reader device may transmit signals to one or more ambient wireless devices for a proximity determination process. The reader device may monitor responses from additional ambient wireless devices. In response to receiving a response, the reader device may perform a proximity determination process to obtain proximity information about the ambient wireless devices. In some examples, the proximity information may indicate either near proximity or far proximity of the ambient wireless devices relative to the reader device.

[0004] A method for wireless communication by a reader device is described. The method may include: transmitting a signal to one or more ambient wireless devices for a proximity determination process of the one or more ambient wireless devices; monitoring responses from the one or more ambient wireless devices, the responses being associated with the proximity determination process of the one or more ambient wireless devices; and performing the proximity determination process based on the monitoring and one or more measurement parameters associated with the responses to obtain proximity information of the one or more ambient wireless devices, wherein the proximity information indicates either near proximity or far proximity of the one or more ambient wireless devices relative to the reader device.

[0005] A reader device for wireless communication is described. The reader device may include: one or more memories storing processor-executable code; and one or more processors coupled to the one or more memories. The one or more processors are capable of operating individually or jointly to execute code to cause the reader device to: transmit signals to one or more ambient wireless devices for a proximity determination process of the one or more ambient wireless devices; monitor responses from the one or more ambient wireless devices, the responses being associated with the proximity determination process of the one or more ambient wireless devices; and perform the proximity determination process based on the monitoring and one or more measurement parameters associated with the responses to obtain proximity information of the one or more ambient wireless devices, wherein the proximity information indicates either near proximity or far proximity of the one or more ambient wireless devices relative to the reader device.

[0006] Another reader device for wireless communication is described. The reader device may include: components for transmitting signals to one or more ambient wireless devices for a proximity determination process of the one or more ambient wireless devices; components for monitoring responses from the one or more ambient wireless devices, the responses being associated with the proximity determination process of the one or more ambient wireless devices; and components for performing the proximity determination process based on the monitoring and one or more measurement parameters associated with the responses to obtain proximity information of the one or more ambient wireless devices, wherein the proximity information indicates either near proximity or far proximity of the one or more ambient wireless devices relative to the reader device.

[0007] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication is described. The code may include instructions executable by one or more processors to: transmit signals to one or more ambient wireless devices for a proximity determination process of the one or more ambient wireless devices; monitor responses from the one or more ambient wireless devices, the responses being associated with the proximity determination process of the one or more ambient wireless devices; and perform the proximity determination process based on the monitoring and one or more measurement parameters associated with the responses to obtain proximity information of the one or more ambient wireless devices, wherein the proximity information indicates either near proximity or far proximity of the one or more ambient wireless devices relative to a reader device.

[0008] In some examples of the methods, reader devices, and nontransitory computer-readable media described herein, the monitoring response may include operations, features, components, or instructions for receiving a response from one or more ambient wireless devices that indicates the device type of the ambient wireless device, the power amplification factor associated with the response, the power amplification capability associated with the ambient wireless device, or any combination thereof.

[0009] In some examples of the methods, reader devices, and nontransitory computer-readable media described herein, monitoring a response may include operations, features, components, or instructions for receiving a response from one or more ambient wireless devices, the response including a power amplification factor associated with the response, wherein the power amplification factor includes one or more bits indicating whether the response can be amplified.

[0010] In some examples of the methods, reader devices, and nontransitory computer-readable media described herein, transmitting a signal to one or more ambient wireless devices may include operations, features, components, or instructions for transmitting a power control indication in the signal to one or more ambient wireless devices, the power control indication including an expected transmission power for a response, wherein a proximity determination process may be based on the power control indication.

[0011] Some examples of the methods, reader devices, and nontransitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for: instructing one or more ambient wireless devices to transmit a second signal to one or more ambient wireless devices for a contention-based access procedure based on the proximity determination process.

[0012] In some examples of the methods, reader devices, and nontransitory computer-readable media described herein, transmitting a signal may include operations, features, components, or instructions for transmitting a signal according to a first transmission power that may be different from a second transmission power of a second signal.

[0013] Some examples of the methods, reader devices, and nontransitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for transmitting a signal to one or more environmental wireless devices based on a power difference between the transmission power of a signal and the transmission power of a second signal, wherein the transmission power of the response may be based on the power difference.

[0014] Some examples of the methods, reader devices, and nontransitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for transmitting signals to one or more ambient wireless devices based on a maximum permissible transmit power, wherein the corresponding transmit power may be based on the maximum permissible transmit power.

[0015] Some examples of the methods, reader devices, and nontransitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for receiving a response from one or more ambient wireless devices, wherein a proximity determination process can be performed based on the received response. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 An example of a wireless communication system for determining the proximity of an environmental wireless device, according to one or more aspects of this disclosure, is shown.

[0017] Figure 2 An example of a wireless communication system for determining the proximity of an environmental wireless device, according to one or more aspects of this disclosure, is shown.

[0018] Figure 3 An example of a timing diagram supporting proximity determination of an environmental wireless device is shown, according to one or more aspects of this disclosure.

[0019] Figure 4 An example of a process flow for determining the proximity of an environmental wireless device, supported by one or more aspects of this disclosure, is shown.

[0020] Figure 5 and Figure 6 A block diagram of a device for determining the proximity of an environmental wireless device, according to one or more aspects of this disclosure, is shown.

[0021] Figure 7 A block diagram is shown that supports a communication manager for proximity determination of an environmental wireless device according to one or more aspects of this disclosure.

[0022] Figure 8 A diagram is shown of a system including a device that supports proximity determination for environmental wireless devices, according to one or more aspects of this disclosure.

[0023] Figure 9 A flowchart is shown, illustrating a method for determining the proximity of an environmental wireless device in support of one or more aspects of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Some wireless devices may include one or more ambient wireless devices (e.g., ambient Internet of Things (IoT) devices) that can use power from an ambient power source (e.g., from an incident radio signal, other ambient power source) to communicate with a reader device (e.g., a UE, a network entity). In some cases, communication with the ambient wireless device may be based on the proximity of the ambient wireless device to the reader device. For example, the proximity of the ambient wireless device may be a "near" proximity or a "far" proximity to the reader device. Based on the proximity, the reader device may perform one or more communications with the ambient wireless device. Therefore, methods for determining the proximity of the ambient wireless device to the reader device may be beneficial.

[0025] According to the techniques described herein, a reader device can send signals to one or more ambient wireless devices for a proximity determination process. The reader device can monitor responses from the ambient wireless devices. In some examples, the responses can be associated with the proximity determination process and can be associated with one or more measurement parameters. In response to receiving a response, the reader device can perform the proximity determination process to obtain proximity information about the ambient wireless devices. For example, the reader device can utilize various parameters associated with the response to determine whether the ambient wireless devices can be associated with a "near" or "far" proximity relative to the reader device.

[0026] The aspects of this disclosure are first described in the context of a wireless communication system. The aspects of this disclosure are further described in the context of wireless communication systems, timing diagrams, and process flows. The aspects of this disclosure are further illustrated and described with reference to apparatus diagrams, system diagrams, and flowcharts relating to proximity determination for environmental wireless devices. As used herein, the term “(pre)configured” may mean configured or pre-configured, and the term “predefined” may mean defined in an accessible format, such as one or more standard documents. For example, if a proximity threshold is (pre)configured at a device, the device may receive signaling (e.g., control signaling) that configures (e.g., instructs) the proximity threshold to the device; the device may be pre-configured with a proximity threshold, or both. Additionally or alternatively, if a proximity threshold is predefined, it may be defined in one or more standard documents.

[0027] Figure 1 An example of a wireless communication system 100 supporting proximity determination of an environmental wireless device according to one or more aspects of this disclosure is shown. The wireless communication system 100 may include one or more devices, such as one or more network devices (e.g., network entity 105), one or more UEs 115, and a core network 130. In some examples, the wireless communication system 100 may be a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, an Advanced LTE (LTE-A) network, an LTE-A Pro network, a New Radio (NR) network, or a network operating under other systems and radio technologies, including future systems and radio technologies not explicitly mentioned herein.

[0028] Network entity 105 may be distributed across a geographical area to form wireless communication system 100, and may include devices employing different forms or having different capabilities. In various examples, network entity 105 may be referred to as a network element, mobility element, radio access network (RAN) node, or network equipment, etc. In some examples, network entity 105 and UE 115 may wirelessly communicate via communication link 125 (e.g., a radio frequency (RF) access link). For example, network entity 105 may support coverage area 110 (e.g., a geographical coverage area) within which UE 115 and network entity 105 may establish communication link 125. Coverage area 110 may be an example of a geographical area within which network entity 105 and UE 115 may support the transmission of signals according to one or more radio access technologies (RATs).

[0029] UE 115 can be distributed throughout the coverage area 110 of wireless communication system 100, and each UE 115 can be stationary or mobile, or stationary and mobile at different times. UE 115 can be devices in different forms or with different capabilities. Figure 1 Examples of UE 115 are illustrated herein. The UE 115 described herein may be able to support communication with various types of devices in the wireless communication system 100 (e.g., other wireless communication devices, including UE 115 or network entity 105), such as... Figure 1 As shown.

[0030] As described herein, a node in the wireless communication system 100 (which may be referred to as a network node or wireless node) may be a network entity 105 (e.g., any network entity described herein), a UE 115 (e.g., any UE described herein), a network controller, apparatus, device, computing system, one or more components, or another suitable processing entity configured to perform any of the techniques described herein. For example, a node may be UE 115. As another example, a node may be network entity 105. As another example, a first node may be configured to communicate with a second node or a third node. In one aspect of this example, the first node may be UE 115, the second node may be network entity 105, and the third node may be UE 115. In another aspect of this example, the first node may be UE 115, the second node may be network entity 105, and the third node may be network entity 105. In other aspects of this example, the first node, the second node, and the third node may be different from these examples. Similarly, references to UE 115, network entity 105, device, equipment, computing system, etc., may include disclosures of UE 115, network entity 105, device, equipment, computing system, etc., as nodes. For example, a disclosure that UE 115 is configured to receive information from network entity 105 also discloses that a first node is configured to receive information from a second node.

[0031] In some examples, network entity 105 may communicate with core network 130, communicate with each other, or both. For example, network entity 105 may communicate with core network 130 via backhaul communication link 120 (e.g., according to S1, N2, N3, or other interface protocols). In some examples, network entities 105 may communicate with each other directly (e.g., directly between network entities 105) or indirectly (e.g., via core network 130) via backhaul communication link 120 (e.g., according to X2, Xn, or other interface protocols). In some examples, network entities 105 may communicate with each other via midhaul communication link 162 (e.g., according to midhaul interface protocol) or fronthaul communication link 168 (e.g., according to fronthaul interface protocol) or any combination thereof. The backhaul communication link 120, midhaul communication link 162, or fronthaul communication link 168 may be one or more wired links (e.g., electrical links, fiber optic links) or one or more wireless links (e.g., radio links, wireless optical links), etc., or various combinations thereof, or may include one or more wired links (e.g., electrical links, fiber optic links) or one or more wireless links (e.g., radio links, wireless optical links), etc., or various combinations thereof. UE 115 may communicate with the core network 130 via communication link 155.

[0032] One or more network entities or network equipment described herein as network entity 105 or network equipment may include or be referred to as base station 140 (e.g., transceiver base station, radio base station, NR base station, access point, radio transceiver, NodeB, eNodeB (eNB), next-generation NodeB or gigabit NodeB (any of which may be referred to as gNB), 5G NB, next-generation eNB (ng-eNB), home NodeB, home eNodeB, or other suitable terms). In some examples, network entity 105 (e.g., base station 140) may be implemented in an aggregated (e.g., monolithic, standalone) base station architecture that may be configured to utilize a protocol stack physically or logically integrated within a single network entity (e.g., network entity 105 or a single RAN node, such as base station 140).

[0033] In some examples, network entity 105 may be implemented in a decomposed architecture (e.g., a decomposed base station architecture, a decomposed RAN architecture) that can be configured to utilize protocol stacks physically or logically distributed across multiple network entities (e.g., network entity 105) such as an Integrated Access Backhaul (IAB) network, an Open RAN (O-RAN) (e.g., a network configuration sponsored by the O-RAN Alliance), or a Virtualized RAN (vRAN) (e.g., a Cloud RAN (C-RAN)). For example, network entity 105 may include one or more of the following: a Central Unit (CU) such as CU 160, a Distributed Unit (DU) such as DU 165, a Radio Unit (RU) such as RU 170, a RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) such as RIC 175 (e.g., a near real-time RIC (near RT RIC), a non-real-time RIC (non-RT RIC)), a Service Management and Orchestration (SMO) system such as SMO system 180, or any combination thereof. RU 170 may also be referred to as a radio headend, intelligent radio headend, remote radio headend (RRH), remote radio unit (RRU), or transmit / receive point (TRP). One or more components of network entity 105 in a decomposed RAN architecture may be co-located, or one or more components of network entity 105 may be located in distributed locations (e.g., separate physical locations). In some examples, one or more network entities in network entity 105 of a decomposed RAN architecture may be implemented as virtual units (e.g., virtual CU (VCU), virtual DU (VDU), virtual RU (VRU)).

[0034] The functional splitting among CU 160, DU 165, and RU 170 is flexible and can support different functionalities depending on which functions (e.g., network layer functions, protocol layer functions, baseband functions, RF functions, or any combination thereof) are performed at CU 160, DU 165, or RU 170. For example, a protocol stack functional splitting can be used between CU 160 and DU 165, allowing CU 160 to support one or more layers of the protocol stack, and DU 165 to support one or more different layers of the protocol stack. In some examples, CU 160 can host upper protocol layer (e.g., Layer 3 (L3), Layer 2 (L2)) functionality and signaling (e.g., Radio Resource Control (RRC), Serving Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP), Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP)). CU 160 (e.g., one or more CUs) may connect to DU 165 (e.g., one or more DUs) or RU 170 (e.g., one or more RUs) or a combination thereof, and DU 165, RU 170, or both may host lower protocol layers, such as Layer 1 (L1) (e.g., Physical (PHY) layer) or L2 (e.g., Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, Medium Access Control (MAC) layer) functionality and signaling, and may each be at least partially controlled by CU 160. Additionally or alternatively, a protocol stack functional split may be employed between DU 165 and RU 170, such that DU 165 may support one or more layers of the protocol stack, and RU 170 may support one or more different layers of the protocol stack. DU 165 may (e.g., via one or more different RUs, such as RU 170) support one or more different cells. In some cases, functional decomposition between CU 160 and DU 165, or between DU 165 and RU 170, can be performed within the protocol layer (e.g., some functions of the protocol layer can be performed by one of CU 160, DU 165, or RU 170, while other functions of the protocol layer can be performed by a different one of CU 160, DU 165, or RU 170). CU 160 can be further functionally decomposed into CU control plane (CU-CP) functions and CU user plane (CU-UP) functions. CU 160 can be connected to DU 165 via midhaul communication link 162 (e.g., F1, F1-c, F1-u), and DU 165 can be connected to RU 170 via fronthaul communication link 168 (e.g., open fronthaul (FH) interface). In some examples, the midhaul communication link 162 or the fronthaul communication link 168 may be implemented based on the interfaces (e.g., channels) between the layers of the protocol stack, which are supported by corresponding network entities (e.g., one or more network entities in network entity 105) that communicate via such communication links.

[0035] In some wireless communication systems (e.g., wireless communication system 100), the infrastructure and spectrum resources for radio access can support wireless backhaul link capabilities to supplement wired backhaul connections, thereby providing an IAB network architecture (e.g., to core network 130). In some cases, in an IAB network, one or more network entities of network entity 105 (e.g., network entity 105 or IAB node 104) may be partially controlled by each other. IAB node 104 may be referred to as a donor entity or IAB donor. DU 165 or RU 170 may be partially controlled by CU 160 associated with network entity 105 or base station 140 (such as a donor network entity or donor base station). One or more donor entities (e.g., IAB donors) may communicate with one or more additional devices (e.g., IAB node 104) via supported access and backhaul links (e.g., backhaul communication link 120). IAB node 104 may include an IAB mobile terminal (IAB-MT) controlled (e.g., scheduled) by one or more DUs (e.g., DU 165) of a coupled IAB donor. The IAB-MT may be equipped with a separate set of antennas for relaying communication with UE 115, or may share the same antennas (e.g., those of RU 170) for access to IAB node 104 via DU 165 of IAB node 104. (e.g., referred to as a virtual IAB-MT (vIAB-MT)). In some examples, IAB node 104 may include one or more DUs (e.g., DU 165) that support communication links with additional entities (e.g., IAB node 104, UE 115) within a relay chain or configuration (e.g., downstream) of the access network. In such cases, one or more components of the decomposed RAN architecture (e.g., IAB node 104, or components of IAB node 104) may be configured to operate according to the techniques described herein.

[0036] When the techniques described herein are applied in the context of a decomposed RAN architecture, one or more components of the decomposed RAN architecture can be configured to support the tests described herein. For example, some operations described as being performed by UE 115 or network entity 105 (e.g., base station 140) may additionally or alternatively be performed by one or more components of the decomposed RAN architecture (e.g., components such as IAB node, DU 165, CU 160, RU 170, RIC 175, SMO system 180).

[0037] UE 115 may include or be referred to as a mobile device, wireless device, remote device, handheld device, or subscriber device, or any other suitable term, wherein "device" may also be referred to as a cell, station, terminal, or client, etc. UE 115 may also include or be referred to as a personal electronic device, such as a cellular phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), tablet computer, laptop computer, or personal computer. In some examples, UE 115 may include or be referred to as a wireless local loop (WLL) station, Internet of Things (IoT) device, Internet of Everything (IoE) device, or machine-type communication (MTC) device, etc., which may be implemented in various objects such as appliances, vehicles, or meters.

[0038] The UE 115 described herein may be able to communicate with various types of devices, such as the UE 115 which sometimes operates as a repeater, and network entity 105 and network equipment including macro eNBs or gNBs, small cell eNBs or gNBs, or relay base stations, etc. Figure 1 As shown.

[0039] UE 115 and network entity 105 can wirelessly communicate with each other via communication link 125 (e.g., one or more access links) using resources associated with one or more carriers. The term "carrier" can refer to a set of RF spectrum resources having a defined PHY layer structure for supporting communication link 125. For example, a carrier for communication link 125 may include a portion of the RF spectrum band (e.g., a bandwidth portion (BWP)) operating according to one or more PHY layer channels for a given RAT (e.g., LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, NR). Each PHY layer channel may carry acquisition signaling (e.g., synchronization signals, system information), control signaling coordinating operation for the carrier, user data, or other signaling. Wireless communication system 100 can support communication with UE 115 using carrier aggregation or multi-carrier operation. Depending on the carrier aggregation configuration, UE 115 may be configured with multiple downlink component carriers and one or more uplink component carriers. Carrier aggregation can be used in conjunction with both frequency division duplex (FDD) component carriers and time division duplex (TDD) component carriers. Communication between network entity 105 and other devices can refer to communication between these devices and any part of network entity 105 (e.g., entity, sub-entity). For example, the terms “send,” “receive,” or “communicate” when referring to network entity 105 can refer to any part of the RAN’s network entity 105 (e.g., base station 140, CU 160, DU 165, RU 170) communicating with another device (e.g., directly or via one or more other network entities, such as one or more network entities in network entity 105).

[0040] In some examples, such as in carrier aggregation configurations, a carrier may have acquisition or control signaling that coordinates the operation of other carriers. A carrier may be associated with a frequency channel (e.g., an Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA) Absolute RF Channel Number (EARFCN)) and may be identified according to a channel grating used for discovery by UE 115. A carrier may operate in standalone mode, in which case initial acquisition and connection can be performed by UE 115 via that carrier, or the carrier may operate in non-standalone mode, in which case different carriers (e.g., of the same or different RATs) are used to anchor the connection.

[0041] The communication link 125 of the wireless communication system 100 may include downlink transmission (e.g., forward link transmission) from network entity 105 to UE 115, uplink transmission (e.g., return link transmission) from UE 115 to network entity 105, or both, as well as other transmission configurations. The carrier may carry downlink communication or uplink communication (e.g., in FDD mode), or may be configured to carry both downlink and uplink communication (e.g., in TDD mode).

[0042] A carrier may be associated with a specific bandwidth of the RF spectrum, and in some examples, the carrier bandwidth may be referred to as the carrier or the “system bandwidth” of the wireless communication system 100. For example, the carrier bandwidth may be one of a set of bandwidths for a carrier for a specific RAT (e.g., 1.4 MHz, 3 MHz, 5 MHz, 10 MHz, 15 MHz, 20 MHz, 40 MHz, or 80 MHz). Devices of the wireless communication system 100 (e.g., network entity 105, UE 115, or both) may have a hardware configuration that supports communication using a specific carrier bandwidth, or may be configured to support communication using one of a set of carrier bandwidths. In some examples, the wireless communication system 100 may include a network entity 105 or UE 115 that supports concurrent communication using carriers associated with multiple carrier bandwidths. In some examples, each served UE 115 may be configured to operate using a portion (e.g., subband, BWP) or all of the carrier bandwidth.

[0043] The signal waveform transmitted via a carrier may include multiple subcarriers (e.g., using multi-carrier modulation (MCM) techniques, such as orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) or discrete Fourier transform extended OFDM (DFT-S-OFDM)). In a system employing MCM, a resource element may refer to a resource of one symbol period (e.g., the duration of one modulation symbol) and one subcarrier, where the symbol period and subcarrier spacing may be inversely related. The number of bits carried by each resource element may depend on the modulation scheme (e.g., the order of the modulation scheme, the decoding rate of the modulation scheme, or both), such that a relatively high number of resource elements (e.g., in the transmission duration) and a relatively high modulation scheme order correspond to a relatively high communication rate. Wireless communication resources may refer to a combination of RF spectrum resources, temporal resources, and spatial resources (e.g., spatial layers or beams), and the use of multiple spatial resources may increase the data rate or data integrity used for communication with UE 115.

[0044] The time interval for network entity 105 or UE 115 can be expressed as a multiple of a basic time unit, such as the sampling period. seconds, in response This can represent the supported subcarrier spacing, while This can represent the supported Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) size. The time interval for organizing communication resources can be based on radio frames, each with a specified duration (e.g., 10 milliseconds (ms)). Each radio frame can be identified by a System Frame Number (SFN) (e.g., ranging from 0 to 1023).

[0045] Each frame may include multiple consecutively numbered subframes or time slots, and each subframe or time slot may have the same duration. In some examples, a frame may (e.g., in the time domain) be divided into subframes, and each subframe may also be divided into a number of time slots. Alternatively, each frame may include a variable number of time slots, and the number of time slots may depend on the subcarrier spacing. Each time slot may include a number of symbol periods (e.g., depending on the length of the cyclic prefix appended to each symbol period). In some wireless communication systems, such as wireless communication system 100, time slots may be further divided into multiple micro-time slots associated with one or more symbols. Excluding the cyclic prefix, each symbol period may be associated with one or more (e.g., The duration of a symbol period is associated with a (number) sampling period. The duration of a symbol period can depend on the subcarrier spacing or the operating frequency band.

[0046] A subframe, time slot, micro-time slot, or symbol can be the smallest scheduling unit of the wireless communication system 100 (e.g., in the time domain) and can be referred to as a transmission time interval (TTI). In some examples, the duration of the TTI (e.g., the number of symbol periods in the TTI) can be variable. Additionally or alternatively, the smallest scheduling unit of the wireless communication system 100 can be dynamically selected (e.g., in a burst of shortened TTIs (sTTIs)).

[0047] Depending on the technology, carriers can be used to multiplex physical channels for communication. One or more of Time Division Multiplexing (TDM), Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM), or hybrid TDM-FDM techniques can be used, for example, to multiplex physical control channels and physical data channels for signaling via a downlink carrier. The control region (e.g., control resource set (CORESET)) of the physical control channel can be defined by a set of symbol periods and can extend across the system bandwidth of the carrier or a subset of that bandwidth. One or more control regions (e.g., CORESET) can be configured for a set of UEs 115. For example, one or more UEs in UE 115 can monitor or search for control regions to obtain control information based on one or more search space sets, and each search space set can include one or more control channel candidates in one or more aggregation levels arranged in a concatenated manner. The aggregation level of control channel candidates can refer to the amount of control channel resources (e.g., control channel elements (CCEs)) associated with coded information for a control information format having a given payload size. The search space set may include a common search space set configured to transmit control information to UE 115 (e.g., one or more UEs), or it may include a UE-specific search space set configured to transmit control information to UE 115 (e.g., a particular UE).

[0048] Network entity 105 may provide communication coverage via one or more cells (e.g., macro cells, small cells, hotspots, or other types of cells, or any combination thereof). The term "cell" may refer to a logical communication entity used (e.g., using a carrier) to communicate with network entity 105 and may be associated with an identifier used to distinguish adjacent cells (e.g., Physical Cell Identifier (PCID), Virtual Cell Identifier (VCID)). In some examples, a cell may also refer to a coverage area 110 or a portion of coverage area 110 (e.g., a sector) in which a logical communication entity operates. Depending on various factors such as the capabilities of network entity 105, the range of such cells may be from smaller areas (e.g., structures, subsets of structures) to larger areas. For example, a cell may be a building, a subset of buildings, or external space between or overlapping coverage areas 110, etc., or may include buildings, subsets of buildings, or external space between or overlapping coverage areas, etc.

[0049] Macro cells typically cover a relatively large geographic area (e.g., a radius of several kilometers) and allow unrestricted access to UE 115 that has a service subscription with a network provider supporting the macro cell. In contrast, small cells may be associated with network entities 105 operating at lower power (e.g., base station 140 operating at lower power) and may operate using the same or different (e.g., licensed, unlicensed) frequency bands as macro cells. Small cells may provide unrestricted access to UE 115 that has a service subscription with a network provider, or restricted access to UE 115 associated with a small cell (e.g., UE 115 in a closed subscriber group (CSG), or UE 115 associated with a user in a home or office). Network entity 105 may support one or more cells and may also use one or more component carriers to support communication via one or more cells.

[0050] In some examples, a carrier can support multiple cells and can be configured with different cells based on different protocol types that can provide access for different types of devices (e.g., MTC, Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT), Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB)).

[0051] In some examples, network entity 105 (e.g., base station 140, RU 170) may be mobile, and thus provide communication coverage to mobile coverage areas (such as coverage area 110). In some examples, coverage areas 110 associated with different technologies (e.g., different coverage areas) may overlap, but coverage areas 110 (e.g., different coverage areas) may be supported by the same network entity (e.g., network entity 105). In some other examples, overlapping coverage areas (such as coverage area 110) associated with different technologies may be supported by different network entities (e.g., network entity 105). The wireless communication system 100 may include, for example, a heterogeneous network in which different types of network entities 105 use the same or different RATs to support communication to coverage areas 110 (e.g., different coverage areas).

[0052] Some UE 115 devices (such as MTC or IoT devices) can be relatively low-cost or low-complexity devices and can provide automated communication between machines (e.g., via machine-to-machine (M2M) communication). M2M communication or MTC can refer to data communication technologies that allow devices to communicate with each other or with network entity 105 (e.g., base station 140) without human intervention. In some examples, M2M communication or MTC may include communication from devices with integrated sensors or instruments to measure or acquire information and relay such information to a central server or application that uses the information or presents it to people interacting with the application. Some UE 115 devices may be designed to collect information or enable automated behavior of machines or other devices. Examples of applications for MTC devices include smart metering, inventory monitoring, water level monitoring, equipment monitoring, healthcare monitoring, wildlife monitoring, weather and geological event monitoring, fleet management and tracking, remote security sensing, physical access control, and transaction-based service charging.

[0053] Wireless communication system 100 may be configured to support ultra-reliable communication or low-latency communication, or various combinations thereof. For example, wireless communication system 100 may be configured to support ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC). UE 115 may be designed to support ultra-reliable, low-latency, or critical functions. Ultra-reliable communication may include private or group communication and may be supported by one or more services, such as push-to-talk, video, or data. Support for ultra-reliable, low-latency functions may include prioritizing services, and such services may be used for public safety or general business applications. The terms “ultra-reliable,” “low-latency,” and “ultra-reliable low-latency” are used interchangeably herein.

[0054] In some examples, UE 115 may be configured to support direct communication with other UEs (e.g., one or more UEs in UE 115) via a device-to-device (D2D) communication link (such as D2D communication link 135) (e.g., according to a peer-to-peer (P2P), D2D, or sidelink protocol). In some examples, one or more UEs 115 in a group performing D2D communication may be within the coverage area 110 of network entity 105 (e.g., base station 140, RU 170), which may support aspects of such D2D communication configured (e.g., scheduled by network entity 105). In some examples, one or more UEs 115 in such a group may be outside the coverage area 110 of network entity 105, or may otherwise be unable or not configured to receive transmissions from network entity 105. In some examples, a group of UEs 115 communicating via D2D communication can support a one-to-many (1:M) system, in which each UE 115 transmits to one or more UEs in the group. In some examples, network entity 105 can facilitate the scheduling of resources used for D2D communication. In some other examples, D2D communication can be performed between UEs 115 without involving network entity 105.

[0055] Core network 130 provides user authentication, access authorization, tracking, Internet Protocol (IP) connectivity, and other access, routing, or mobility functions. Core network 130 can be an evolved packet core (EPC) or a 5G core (5GC), which may include at least one control plane entity (e.g., a Mobility Management Entity (MME), Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF)) for managing access and mobility, and at least one user plane entity (e.g., a Serving Gateway (S-GW), Packet Data Network (PDN) Gateway (P-GW), or User Plane Function (UPF)) for routing packets or interconnecting to external networks. The control plane entity manages non-access stratum (NAS) functions, such as mobility, authentication, and bearer management of UE 115 served by network entity 105 (e.g., base station 140) associated with core network 130. User IP packets can be delivered through the user plane entity, which provides IP address allocation and other functions. The user plane entity may connect to one or more network operator IP services 150. IP services 150 may include access to the Internet, intranets, IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), or packet-switched streaming services.

[0056] Wireless communication system 100 can operate using one or more frequency bands in the range of 300 MHz to 300 GHz. Generally, the area from 300 MHz to 3 GHz is referred to as the Ultra High Frequency (UHF) band or decimeter band because the wavelength range is approximately one decimeter to one meter in length. UHF waves may be blocked or redirected by buildings and environmental features (which may be referred to as clusters), but these waves are sufficient to penetrate structures so that macrocells can provide service to UE 115 located indoors. Compared to communication using smaller frequencies and longer wavelengths in the lower frequency (HF) or very high frequency (VHF) portions of the spectrum below 300 MHz, communication using UHF waves can be associated with smaller antennas and shorter ranges (e.g., less than one hundred kilometers).

[0057] Wireless communication system 100 may utilize both licensed and unlicensed RF spectrum bands. For example, wireless communication system 100 may employ licensed assisted access (LAA), LTE-Unlicensed (LTE-U) RAT, or NR technology using unlicensed frequency bands (such as the 5 GHz Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) band). When operating with unlicensed RF spectrum, devices such as network entity 105 and UE 115 may employ carrier sensing for collision detection and avoidance. In some examples, operation using unlicensed frequency bands may be based on carrier aggregation configurations combined with component carriers operating with licensed frequency bands (e.g., LAA). Operation using unlicensed spectrum may include downlink transmission, uplink transmission, P2P transmission, or D2D transmission, etc.

[0058] Network entity 105 (e.g., base station 140, RU 170) or UE 115 may be equipped with multiple antennas that can be used to employ techniques such as transmit diversity, receive diversity, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication, or beamforming. The antennas of network entity 105 or UE 115 may be located within one or more antenna arrays or antenna panels, which can support MIMO operation or transmit or receive beamforming. For example, one or more base station antennas or antenna arrays may be co-located at an antenna assembly (such as an antenna tower). In some examples, the antennas or antenna arrays associated with network entity 105 may be located at different geographical locations. Network entity 105 may include an antenna array having a collection of multiple rows and columns of antenna ports that network entity 105 can use to support beamforming for communication with UE 115. Similarly, UE 115 may include one or more antenna arrays that can support various MIMO or beamforming operations. Additionally or alternatively, the antenna panel may support RF beamforming for signals transmitted via the antenna ports.

[0059] Network entity 105 or UE 115 can use MIMO communication to leverage multipath signal propagation and improve spectral efficiency by transmitting or receiving multiple signals via different spatial layers. This technique is known as spatial multiplexing. The multiple signals can be transmitted, for example, by a transmitting device via different antennas or different combinations of antennas. Similarly, the multiple signals can be received by a receiving device via different antennas or different combinations of antennas. Each of the multiple signals can be referred to as a separate spatial stream and can carry information associated with the same data stream (e.g., the same codeword) or different data streams (e.g., different codewords). Different spatial layers can be associated with different antenna ports used for channel measurement and reporting. MIMO techniques include: single-user MIMO (SU-MIMO), where multiple spatial layers are transmitted to the same receiving device; and multi-user MIMO (MU-MIMO), where multiple spatial layers are transmitted to multiple devices.

[0060] Beamforming (also known as spatial filtering, directional transmission, or directional reception) is a signal processing technique that can be used at a transmitting or receiving device (e.g., network entity 105, UE 115) to shape or guide an antenna beam (e.g., a transmit beam, a receive beam) along a spatial path between the transmitting and receiving devices. Beamforming can be achieved by combining signals transmitted via antenna elements of an antenna array such that some signals propagating along a particular orientation of the antenna array experience constructive interference, while other signals experience destructive interference. Adjustments to the signals transmitted via the antenna elements may include applying amplitude shifts, phase shifts, or both to the signals carried via the antenna elements associated with the device. The adjustments associated with each of these antenna elements may be defined by a beamforming weight set associated with a particular orientation (e.g., for the antenna array of the transmitting or receiving device or for some other orientation).

[0061] Network entity 105 or UE 115 may use beam scanning technology as part of beamforming operations. For example, network entity 105 (e.g., base station 140, RU 170) may use multiple antennas or antenna arrays (e.g., antenna panels) to perform beamforming operations for directional communication with UE 115. Some signals (e.g., synchronization signals, reference signals, beam selection signals, or other control signals) may be transmitted multiple times by network entity 105 along different directions. For example, network entity 105 may transmit signals according to different beamforming weight sets associated with different transmission directions. Transmission along different beam directions may be used to identify (e.g., by a transmitting device (such as network entity 105) or by a receiving device (such as UE 115)) the beam direction for later transmission or reception by network entity 105.

[0062] Some signals (such as data signals associated with a specific receiving device) may be transmitted by a transmitting device (e.g., network entity 105 or UE 115) along a single beam direction (e.g., a direction associated with a receiving device such as another network entity 105 or UE 115). In some examples, the beam direction associated with transmission along a single beam direction may be determined based on the signals transmitted along one or more beam directions. For example, UE 115 may receive one or more signals transmitted by network entity 105 along different directions and may report to network entity 105 an indication of signals received by UE 115 with the highest signal quality or other acceptable signal quality.

[0063] In some examples, transmissions performed by a device (e.g., network entity 105 or UE 115) may be performed using multiple beam directions, and the device may use a combination of digital pre-decoding or beamforming to generate a combined beam for transmission (e.g., from network entity 105 to UE 115). UE 115 may report feedback indicating pre-decoding weights for one or more beam directions, and this feedback may correspond to a configured set of beams across the system bandwidth or one or more subbands. Network entity 105 may transmit reference signals (e.g., cell-specific reference signals (CRS), channel state information reference signals (CSI-RS)) that may or may not be pre-decoded. UE 115 may provide feedback on beam selection, which may be a pre-decoding matrix indicator (PMI) or codebook-based feedback (e.g., multi-panel codebook, linear combination codebook, port selection codebook). Although these techniques are described with reference to signals transmitted by network entity 105 (e.g., base station 140, RU 170) along one or more directions, UE 115 may use similar techniques to transmit signals multiple times along different directions (e.g., to identify the beam direction used by UE 115 for subsequent transmission or reception), or to transmit signals along a single direction (e.g., to transmit data to a receiving device).

[0064] A receiving device (e.g., UE 115) may perform reception operations according to multiple reception configurations (e.g., directional listening) when receiving various signals (such as synchronization signals, reference signals, beam selection signals, or other control signals) from a transmitting device (e.g., network entity 105). For example, the receiving device may perform reception according to multiple reception directions by: receiving via different antenna subarrays; processing the received signal according to different antenna subarrays; receiving according to different sets of reception beamforming weights applied to signals received at multiple antenna elements of the antenna array (e.g., different directional listening weight sets); or processing the received signal according to different sets of reception beamforming weights applied to signals received at multiple antenna elements of the antenna array. Any of these operations may be referred to as “listening” according to different reception configurations or reception directions. In some examples, the receiving device may use a single reception configuration to receive along a single beam direction (e.g., when a data signal is received). A single receiver configuration can be aligned along a beam direction determined based on listening according to different receiver configuration directions (e.g., a beam direction determined to have the highest signal strength, highest signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), or other acceptable signal quality based on listening according to multiple beam directions).

[0065] In some cases, the wireless communication system 100 may include one or more environmental wireless devices 115, which may be examples of a UE 115, an environmental IoT device, or another device. The environmental wireless device 115 may have one or more categories. For example, a first category of environmental wireless device 115 (e.g., device 1) may include features associated with a peak power consumption of approximately 1 microwatt (μW), including energy storage, and meeting a threshold (e.g., 10). X A second category of environmental wireless devices 115 may include environmental wireless devices 115 that are associated with an initial sampling frequency offset (SFO) of less than several hundred μW (e.g., 300 μW), are incapable of performing DL and UL amplification, are capable of UL transmission via backscatter (e.g., reflecting and modulating carriers provided by external devices (e.g., UE 115, network entity 105)), or any combination thereof. A third category of environmental wireless devices 115 may include environmental wireless devices 115 that are associated with a peak power consumption of less than several hundred μW (e.g., 300 μW), include energy storage, are associated with an initial SFO that meets a threshold, are capable of performing DL and UL amplification, are capable of UL transmission via backscatter, or any combination thereof.

[0066] In some cases, the wireless communication system 100 may employ an ambient wireless device 115 in one or more topologies, where each topology may be associated with one or more characteristics, deployment scenarios, or both. For example, a first topology (e.g., Topology 1, Deployment Scenario 1) may include a network entity 105 that communicates directly with the ambient wireless device 115. In some cases, the wireless communication system may employ the first topology based on the fact that the network entity 105 and the ambient wireless device 115 are within a microcell or in the same location (e.g., co-located). A second topology (e.g., Topology 2, Deployment Scenario 2) may include an intermediate node (e.g., UE 115) that communicates directly with the ambient wireless device 115 and transmits data from the ambient wireless device 115 to the network entity 105. In some cases, the intermediate node may be under the control of the network entity 105. In some cases, the wireless communication system may employ the second topology based on the fact that the network entity 105 and the ambient wireless device 115 are within a macrocell or in the same location. Additionally or alternatively, the intermediate node may be located internally (e.g., indoors).

[0067] In any topology, a device communicating with the ambient wireless device 115 may be referred to as a reader device (e.g., UE 115, network entity 105). The ambient wireless device 115 may communicate one or more types of wireless services with the reader device, including device-initiated device termination trigger (DO-DTT) services, device termination (DT) services, rUC1 services (e.g., for indoor inventory management), and rUC4 services (e.g., for indoor command management).

[0068] An ambient wireless device 115 may initiate (e.g., or continue) communication with a reader device via a contention-based access procedure. For example, the reader device may communicate with multiple ambient wireless devices 115 simultaneously (e.g., interleaved within a cycle), and the reader device may employ a contention-based access procedure to mitigate signaling conflicts between different ambient wireless devices 115. In some cases, a contention-based access procedure may include one or more operations (e.g., steps).

[0069] In the first operation of a contention-based access procedure, the reader device may send signaling (e.g., a command, a query) that can request a response from a group of ambient wireless devices 115. For example, this group may be based on the geographic location of the ambient wireless devices 115 relative to the reader device. In some cases (e.g., if the contention-based access procedure is interleaved between contention-based access procedures associated with one or more different reader devices), the reader device may also indicate a corresponding identifier (e.g., a reader ID) in the signaling.

[0070] In the second operation of the contention-based access procedure, the ambient wireless device 115 may communicate a response to the reader device based on signaling. For example, the ambient wireless device 115 may communicate the response via a backscattered incident radio signal or via a carrier generated internally by the ambient wireless device 115. In some cases, the ambient wireless device 115 may choose a frequency shift for communicating the response, which may distinguish the response of the ambient wireless device 115 from one or more other responses from one or more other ambient wireless devices 115 (e.g., which may not be known to the reader device). To reduce the chance of conflict between responses from multiple ambient wireless devices 115, the ambient wireless device 115 may utilize orthogonal sequences (e.g., Hadamard sequences) as part of communicating the response.

[0071] In the third operation of a contention-based access procedure, the reader device may send an indication of the response (e.g., a sequence associated with the response, a frequency shift associated with the response) based on the received response. In some cases (e.g., if the contention-based access procedure is interleaved between contention-based access procedures associated with one or more different reader devices), the reader device may include a corresponding identifier (e.g., corresponding to the reader device) and a message index in the indication.

[0072] In the fourth operation of the contention-based access procedure, the ambient wireless device 115 may determine whether an indication from the reader device (e.g., from the third operation) corresponds to the ambient wireless device 115 (e.g., not one or more other ambient wireless devices 115). If the indication from the reader device corresponds to the ambient wireless device 115, the ambient wireless device 115 may send an identifier (e.g., device identifier, group identifier, related information) to the reader device for contention resolution. In some cases, the reader device may identify the ambient wireless device 115 based on the identifier received in the fourth operation and may communicate with the ambient wireless device 115 based on the identified ambient wireless device 115.

[0073] A reader device in a wireless communication system 100 can communicate with an ambient wireless device 115 based on proximity information (e.g., a binary distance indication) relative to the reader device. For example, the proximity information may include an indication of near or far proximity of the ambient wireless device 115 relative to the reader device, which can alter the communication between the reader device and the ambient wireless device 115. Therefore, methods for determining the proximity of the ambient wireless device 115 to the reader device may be advantageous.

[0074] According to the techniques described herein, a reader device can send signals to one or more ambient wireless devices 115 for a proximity determination process. The reader device can monitor responses from the ambient wireless devices 115. In some examples, the responses can be associated with the proximity determination process and can be associated with one or more measurement parameters. In response to receiving a response, the reader device can perform a proximity determination process to obtain proximity information of the ambient wireless devices 115. For example, the reader device can utilize various parameters associated with the response to determine whether the ambient wireless devices 115 can be associated with a "near" or "far" proximity relative to the reader device.

[0075] The technology disclosed herein enables a reader device to obtain proximity information of an ambient wireless device 115. The technology described herein can reduce latency and improve efficiency in communication between the ambient wireless device 115 and its associated reader device, while enabling efficient communication between the ambient wireless device 115 and the reader device. Therefore, the technology described herein can achieve improved communication reliability and reduced latency at the ambient wireless device 115, which can lead to improved user experience associated with reduced processing, more efficient use of communication resources, improved coordination between devices, and improved utilization of processing power.

[0076] Figure 2 Examples of a wireless communication system 200 supporting proximity determination of an environmental wireless device, according to one or more aspects of this disclosure, are shown. In some examples, the wireless communication system 200 may implement as referenced herein. Figure 1 The described aspects of the wireless communication system 100, or aspects that may be implemented by these aspects, are relevant hereto. For example, the wireless communication system 200 may include an environmental wireless device 115-a, which may be as described herein. Figure 1 Example of wireless device 115 in the described environment.

[0077] Wireless communication system 200 may include reader device 205 and ambient wireless device 115-a. Reader device 205 and ambient wireless device 115-a may perform wireless communication (e.g., one or more of the following: receiving, acquiring, transmitting, or outputting control information or data) via communication links 125-a and 125-b, which may be as described herein. Figure 1 An example of the described communication link 125. In Figure 2In the example, reader device 205 may be equipped with (e.g., configured) a proximity determination manager 210 to support proximity determination of ambient wireless device 115-a. For example, proximity determination manager 210 may determine whether ambient wireless device 115-a is located at a near proximity 230 or a far proximity 235 relative to reader device 205 (e.g., within).

[0078] Ambient wireless device 115-a can use power from an ambient power source to communicate with reader device 205. Where ambient wireless device 115-a can "harvest" energy in this way to communicate with reader device 205, it may be advantageous for ambient wireless device 115-a to be physically close to reader device 205, resulting in less power loss. That is, in some cases, communication between reader device 205 and ambient wireless device 115-a can be based on the proximity of ambient wireless device 115-a to reader device 205. For example, the proximity of ambient wireless device 115-a could be near proximity 230, while other ambient wireless devices 115 could be associated with far proximity 235 to reader device 205. Based on the proximity, reader device 205 can perform one or more communications with ambient wireless device 115-a. Therefore, methods for determining the proximity of ambient wireless device 115-a to reader device 205 can be advantageous.

[0079] According to the techniques described herein, reader device 205 may send a signal 215 (e.g., a proximity determination query) to ambient wireless device 115-a for a proximity determination process. Reader device 205 may monitor responses 220 from ambient wireless device 115-a. In some examples, response 220 may be associated with the proximity determination process and may be associated with one or more measurement parameters. Upon receiving response 220, proximity determination manager 210 of reader device 205 may perform a proximity determination process to obtain proximity information of ambient wireless device 115-a. For example, proximity determination manager 210 may utilize various parameters associated with response 220 to determine whether ambient wireless device 115-a can be associated with near proximity 230 or far proximity 235 (e.g., relative to reader device 205). Reader device 205 may communicate one or more contention-based signals 225 (e.g., contention-based queries) to ambient wireless device 115-a based on the determined proximity information.

[0080] For example, reader device 205 may transmit one or more signals 215 to ambient wireless device 115-a. That is, reader device 205 may transmit signal 215 to ambient wireless device 115-a via communication link 125-a for use in the proximity determination process of ambient wireless device 115-a. In some examples, reader device 205 may transmit a power control indication to ambient wireless device 115-a within signal 215. The power control indication may include a desired (e.g., target) transmission power for a response 220 transmitted or transmitted by ambient wireless device 115-a. In some examples, the power control indication may enable reader device 205 to estimate the proximity of ambient wireless device 115-a based on the desired or target transmission power of response 220.

[0081] In some examples, reader device 205 may transmit signal 215 based on a transmission power that can differ from the transmission power of other signals. For example, reader device 205 may transmit signal 215 to ambient wireless device 115-a based on a transmission power different from that of contention-based signal 225. In some examples, reader device 205 may transmit signal 215 to ambient wireless device 115-a based on the power difference between the transmission power of signal 215 and the transmission power of contention-based signal 225. Additionally or alternatively, reader device 205 may transmit signal 215 to ambient wireless device 115-a based on the maximum allowed transmission power. In some examples, the transmission power of signal 215 may be predefined or scheduled by the network (e.g., or associated entities such as reader device 205 or network entity 105). In the case of a predefined transmission power, the absolute value of the transmission power of signal 215 may differ from the transmission power for a query in a contention-based access procedure.

[0082] Reader device 205 can monitor one or more responses 220 from one or more ambient wireless devices 115. For example, reader device 205 can monitor response 220 from ambient wireless device 115-a. In some examples, response 220 may be associated with a proximity determination process performed by proximity determination manager 210. In response to reader device 205, proximity determination manager 210 can determine one or more measurement parameters of response 220.

[0083] One or more measurement parameters may include various power indications that will be used when performing the proximity determination process. For example, response 220 may include power in the form of received power, Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI), Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), Signal-to-Interference-Noise Ratio (SINR), or a combination thereof. In some examples, the power of response 220 may be an example of the average power received over a period of time via one or more various elements (e.g., frequency modulation, symbols, frequency hopping, packets). In some examples, the power of response 220 may be an example of the average power received over a period of time via a single element (e.g., frequency modulation, symbols, frequency hopping, packets). The power associated with response 220 may be greater than a power threshold. In some examples, the power threshold may be (pre-)configured by the network, reader device 205, or network entity 105.

[0084] The measurement parameters of response 220 may also include the device type of the ambient wireless device 115-a, the associated power amplification factor, or a combination thereof. For example, response 220 may indicate that the ambient wireless device 115-a may not support amplification. In the case where the ambient wireless device 115-a may not support amplification, the ambient wireless device 115-a may be an example of a first-class ambient wireless device 115 (e.g., device 1, as described in more detail herein). In some other examples, response 220 may indicate that the ambient wireless device 115-a can support amplification of the response transmit power. In the case where the ambient wireless device 115-a supports amplification, the ambient wireless device 115-a may be an example of a second or third-class ambient wireless device 115 (e.g., device 2a, device 2b as described herein). Additionally or alternatively, in the case where the ambient wireless device 115-a can support amplification, response 220 may also include an indication of the power amplification factor by which the transmit power of response 220 can be amplified. In some examples, the power amplification factor may be an example of a real-time amplification factor. If the maximum amplification factor has already been reported as a capability (e.g., by reader device 205, or by ambient wireless device 115-a), response 220 may include a scaling factor (e.g., two bits for maximum amplification {1 / 4, 1 / 2, 3 / 4, 1}) as the actual transmit power.

[0085] Response 220 can indicate one or more measurement parameters via setting bits. For example, if ambient wireless device 115-a can support a fixed level of amplification, response 220 may include bits indicating the device type of ambient wireless device 115-a, bits indicating whether response 220 is amplified, or both. In some examples, reader device 205 may send one or more bits indicating whether response 220 is amplified, while in other examples, ambient wireless device 115-a may send one or more bits indicating the device type.

[0086] The proximity determination manager 210 of reader device 205 can perform a proximity determination process. For example, after receiving response 220, proximity determination manager 210 can perform a proximity determination process to obtain proximity information of ambient wireless device 115-a. In some examples, the proximity information can (e.g., to reader device 205) indicate either a near proximity 230 or a far proximity 235 of ambient wireless device 115-a relative to reader device 205.

[0087] Reader device 205 can send a contention-based signal 225, and ambient wireless device 115-a can receive the contention-based signal. For example, if proximity determination manager 210 performs a proximity determination process and determines that the proximity of ambient wireless device 115-a is close proximity 230, reader device 205 can (e.g., send a contention-based signal 225 to ambient wireless device 115-a) for use by ambient wireless device 115-a when performing a contention-based access procedure.

[0088] Figure 3 An example of a timing diagram 300 supporting proximity determination for an environmental wireless device, according to one or more aspects of this disclosure, is shown. In some examples, timing diagram 300 may be implemented as referenced herein. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The described wireless communication system 100, wireless communication system 200, or combinations thereof, or aspects thereof, or implementations thereof. For example, timing diagram 300 may include ambient wireless device 115-b, ambient wireless device 115-c, and reader device 205-a, which may be as referenced herein. Figure 1 and Figure 2 Examples of the described environmental wireless device 115, environmental wireless device 115-a, and reader device 205.

[0089] Reader device 205-a may send one or more queries 305 (e.g., queries, signals for proximity determination procedures) to ambient wireless device 115 for the proximity determination process. In some examples, queries 305 may be associated with a transmission power lower than that of a contention-based query. Additionally, reader device 205-a may use one or more transmission resource blocks to send one or more queries 305, and these transmission resource blocks may differ from those used in contention-based communication to reduce fading effects. Because the transmission power of one or more queries 305 may be lower than that of a contention-based query, only ambient wireless device 115 associated with “near” proximity may be able to receive queries 305, respond to queries 305, or combinations thereof. In some examples, reader device 205-a may define a maximum allowed transmission power for queries 305. In some other examples, reader device 205-a may define a power difference between the power of a query 305 (e.g., a query for proximity determination procedures) and the power of a query for a contention-based access procedure.

[0090] In some examples, reader device 205-a may indicate the type of query to ambient wireless devices 115-b and 115-c via query 305. To prompt ambient wireless device 115 that reader device 205-a may begin one or more proximity determination procedures, reader device 205-a may send one or more indications. For example, reader device 205-a may add bits to each query in query 305 to indicate that query 305 is used for a proximity determination procedure. In other examples, reader device 205-a may send a preamble along with query 305 to indicate the purpose of query 305 to ambient wireless device 115. Additionally or alternatively, reader device 205-a may associate a defined proximity identifier with each ambient wireless device 115 to indicate the near or far proximity of each ambient wireless device 115. For example, reader device 205-a may send both near and far proximity identifiers along with each query in query 305. Reader device 205-a can determine the proximity of each ambient wireless device 115, and reader device 205-a can append an identifier from the identifier to each ambient wireless device 115, such that each ambient wireless device 115 can include a proximity identifier.

[0091] For example, reader device 205-a may send query 305-a to ambient wireless devices 115-b and 115-c for proximity determination. In some examples, ambient wireless devices 115-b and 115-c may be located too far from reader device 205-a and may not be able to receive query 305-a, or may not be able to collect enough power to respond to query 305-a or a combination thereof. In cases where reader device 205-a may not receive a response to query 305-a (e.g., from ambient wireless device 115-b or ambient wireless device 115-c), reader device 205-a may determine that ambient wireless devices 115-b and 115-c are associated with a "far" proximity.

[0092] In another example, reader device 205-a may send query 305-b to ambient wireless devices 115-b and 115-c for proximity determination. In some examples, ambient wireless device 115-b may be located closer to reader device 205-a, and ambient wireless device 115-c may be located farther from reader device 205-a. That is, ambient wireless device 115-b may be located close enough to reader device 205-a to receive query 305-b and return response 310 to reader device 205-a, while ambient wireless device 115-c may be located far enough not to receive query 305-b, not to respond to query 305-b, or a combination thereof. If reader device 205-a can receive response 310, reader device 205-a may determine that ambient wireless device 115-b is associated with a "near" proximity, and may determine that ambient wireless device 115-c is associated with a "far" proximity. In some examples, the ambient wireless device 115-b may send a response 310 at the beginning of a contention-based duration 315 (e.g., response 310 may initiate a contention-based duration 315).

[0093] In some examples, reader device 205-a may receive response 310 and may determine that ambient wireless device 115-b is associated with proximity. For example, based on response 310, reader device 205-a may determine that ambient wireless device 115-b is associated with proximity, as described in more detail herein. In some examples, reader device 205-a may utilize setting bits to indicate that ambient wireless device 115-b is associated with proximity (e.g., is a nearby device). In response to determining that ambient wireless device 115-b is associated with proximity, reader device 205-a and ambient wireless device 115-b may continue to transmit various data during a contention-based duration 315.

[0094] Where reader device 205-a may send query 305 (e.g., one or more queries for the proximity determination process) and one or more queries for the contention-based access process during a short duration (e.g., simultaneously), reader device 205-a may send query 305 (e.g., one or more queries for the proximity determination process) before sending the queries for the contention-based access process. Additionally or alternatively, reader device 205-a may control the transmission duration of query 305 to determine which of the ambient wireless devices 115 is associated with proximity. For example, reader device 205-a may send query 305-b during a short duration such that ambient wireless devices 115 (e.g., ambient wireless device 115-b) within a short distance of reader device 205-a can receive query 305-b and be able to collect sufficient power to respond to query 305-b. In other examples, reader device 205-a may send query 305 over a relatively long duration, allowing ambient wireless devices 115 (e.g., ambient wireless devices 115-b, ambient wireless devices 115-c) at a relatively long distance from reader device 205-a to receive the longer query 305 and be able to collect sufficient energy to respond to the query 305. In other words, reader device 205-a can control how far away the “near” proximity is from reader device 205-a by varying the duration of query 305 transmission.

[0095] Figure 4 An example of a process flow 400 supporting proximity determination for an ambient wireless device according to one or more aspects of this disclosure is shown. Aspects of process flow 400 may implement aspects of, or be implemented by, wireless communication system 100, wireless communication system 200, timing diagram 300, or combinations thereof. For example, process flow 400 illustrates signaling and configuration that enables a reader device to perform a proximity determination process to obtain the proximity of one or more ambient wireless devices.

[0096] Process flow 400 includes environmental wireless device 115-d and reader device 205-b, which can be examples of environmental wireless device 115, reader device 205, and other wireless devices described herein. For example, Figure 4 The wireless device 115-d and reader device 205-b illustrated herein can be referenced separately. Figures 1 to 3 Examples of the described environmental wireless devices 115-a, 115-b, 115-c, reader device 205, reader device 205-a, or combinations thereof.

[0097] In some examples, the operations illustrated in process flow 400 may be performed by hardware (e.g., including circuits, processing blocks, logic components, and other components), code executed by a processor such as processor-executable code (e.g., software or firmware), or any combination thereof. Alternative examples are possible, some of which may be performed in a different order than described or not at all. In some cases, steps may include additional features not mentioned below, or additional steps may be added.

[0098] At 405, reader device 205-b can transmit one or more signals to one or more ambient wireless devices 115. For example, reader device 205-b can transmit a signal to ambient wireless device 115-d for use in the proximity determination process of ambient wireless device 115-d. In some examples, transmitting a signal may include reader device 205-b additionally transmitting various indications and transmitting according to various criteria. For example, reader device 205-b may transmit a power control indication to ambient wireless device 115-d within the signal. The power control indication may include the expected transmission power from one or more responses from ambient wireless device 115-d. In some examples, reader device 205-b can transmit a signal based on a transmission power that may differ from the transmission power of other signals. For example, reader device 205-b can transmit a signal to ambient wireless device 115-d based on a transmission power that differs from the transmission power of a contention-based signal. In some examples, reader device 205-b can transmit a signal to ambient wireless device 115-d based on the power difference between the transmission power of the signal and the transmission power of the contention-based signal. Additionally or alternatively, reader device 205-b may transmit signals to ambient wireless device 115-d based on the maximum permissible transmit power.

[0099] At 410, reader device 205-b can monitor responses from one or more ambient wireless devices 115. For example, reader device 205-b can monitor responses to transmitted signals from ambient wireless device 115-d. In some examples, the responses can be associated with a proximity determination process of ambient wireless device 115-d and can be associated with one or more measurement parameters.

[0100] At 415, one or more ambient wireless devices can transmit a response, and reader device 205-b can receive the response. For example, ambient wireless device 115-d can transmit a response including various data, and reader device 205-b can receive a response including various data. In some examples, the response may indicate the device type of ambient wireless device 115-d, a power amplification factor associated with the response, a power amplification capability associated with ambient wireless device 115-d, or any combination thereof. In some examples, the power amplification factor may include one or more bits indicating whether the response is amplified. In some cases, the transmission power of the response may be based on the power difference between the transmission power of a signal and the transmission power of a competing signal.

[0101] At 420, reader device 205-b may perform a proximity determination process. For example, based on monitoring and in response to receiving a response, reader device 205-b may perform a proximity determination process to obtain proximity information of ambient wireless device 115-d. In some examples, the proximity information may (e.g., to reader device 205-b) indicate either near or far proximity of ambient wireless device 115-d relative to the reader device. In some cases, the proximity determination process may be based on a power control instruction (e.g., sent to ambient wireless device 115-d at 405).

[0102] At 425, reader device 205-b can send a second signaling, and ambient wireless device 115-d can receive the second signaling. For example, based on a proximity determination process indicating the proximity of ambient wireless device 115-d, reader device 205-b can (e.g., to ambient wireless device 115-d) send a second signal (e.g., a contention-based signal) for a contention-based access process of ambient wireless device 115-d.

[0103] Based on these technologies, reader device 205-b can determine proximity information relative to ambient wireless device 115-d. In some cases, such technologies can allow reader device 205-b and ambient wireless device 115-d to perform wireless communication with higher reliability.

[0104] Figure 5A block diagram 500 is shown of a device 505 supporting proximity determination for an environmental wireless device according to one or more aspects of this disclosure. Device 505 may be an example of various aspects of a reader device as described herein. Device 505 may include a receiver 510, a transmitter 515, and a communication manager 520. Device 505 or one or more components of device 505 (e.g., receiver 510, transmitter 515, communication manager 520) may include at least one processor that may be coupled to at least one memory to individually or jointly support or implement the described techniques. Each of these components may communicate with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0105] Receiver 510 may provide components for receiving information (such as packets, user data, control information, or any combination thereof) associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels related to proximity determination for environmental wireless devices). The information may be delivered to other components of device 505. Receiver 510 may utilize a single antenna or a collection of antennas.

[0106] Transmitter 515 may provide components for transmitting signals generated by other components of device 505. For example, transmitter 515 may transmit information (such as packets, user data, control information, or any combination thereof) associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels related to proximity determination of environmental wireless devices). In some examples, transmitter 515 may be co-located with receiver 510 in a transceiver module. Transmitter 515 may utilize a single antenna or a collection of multiple antennas.

[0107] The communication manager 520, receiver 510, transmitter 515, or various combinations or components thereof may be examples of components used to perform various aspects of proximity determination for an environmental wireless device as described herein. For example, the communication manager 520, receiver 510, transmitter 515, or various combinations or components thereof may be able to perform one or more of the functions described herein.

[0108] In some examples, the communication manager 520, receiver 510, transmitter 515, or various combinations or components thereof may be implemented in hardware (e.g., in communication management circuitry). The hardware may include at least one of a processor, DSP, CPU, ASIC, FPGA, or other programmable logic device, microcontroller, discrete gate or transistor logic unit, discrete hardware component, or any combination thereof, configured as or otherwise individually or collectively to support components for performing the functions described herein. In some examples, at least one processor and at least one memory coupled to said at least one processor may be configured to perform one or more of the functions described herein (e.g., instructions stored in at least one memory are executed individually or collectively by one or more processors).

[0109] Additionally or alternatively, the communication manager 520, receiver 510, transmitter 515, or various combinations or components thereof may be implemented in code (e.g., as communication management software or firmware) (e.g., referred to as processor executable code) executed by at least one processor. If implemented in code executed by at least one processor, the functionality of the communication manager 520, receiver 510, transmitter 515, or various combinations or components thereof may be performed by (e.g., a general-purpose processor, DSP, CPU, ASIC, FPGA, microcontroller, or any combination of these or other programmable logic devices configured, either individually or collectively, as components for performing the functions described in this disclosure).

[0110] In some examples, the communication manager 520 may be configured to use a receiver 510, a transmitter 515, or both, or otherwise cooperate with them to perform various operations (e.g., receiving, acquiring, monitoring, outputting, transmitting). For example, the communication manager 520 may receive information from the receiver 510, transmit information to the transmitter 515, or integrate with the receiver 510, the transmitter 515, or both to acquire information, output information, or perform various other operations as described herein.

[0111] The communication manager 520 may support wireless communication according to examples disclosed herein. For example, the communication manager 520 may be capable of, configured to, or operable to support components for transmitting signals to one or more ambient wireless devices for use in a proximity determination process of one or more ambient wireless devices. The communication manager 520 may be capable of, configured to, or operable to support components for monitoring responses from one or more ambient wireless devices associated with a proximity determination process of one or more ambient wireless devices. The communication manager 520 may be capable of, configured to, or operable to support components for performing a proximity determination process based on monitoring and one or more measurement parameters associated with the response to obtain proximity information of one or more ambient wireless devices, wherein the proximity information indicates either near or far proximity of one or more ambient wireless devices relative to a reader device.

[0112] By including or configuring a communication manager 520 according to an example as described herein, device 505 (e.g., controlling receiver 510, transmitter 515, communication manager 520 or a combination thereof or at least one processor otherwise coupled to them) can support techniques for reducing power consumption and utilizing communication resources more efficiently.

[0113] Figure 6 A block diagram 600 is shown of a device 605 supporting proximity determination for an environmental wireless device according to one or more aspects of this disclosure. Device 605 may be an example of aspects of a device 505 or a reader device as described herein. Device 605 may include a receiver 610, a transmitter 615, and a communication manager 620. Device 605 or one or more components of device 605 (e.g., receiver 610, transmitter 615, communication manager 620) may include at least one processor that may be coupled to at least one memory to support the described techniques. Each of these components may communicate with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0114] Receiver 610 may provide components for receiving information (such as packets, user data, control information, or any combination thereof) associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels related to proximity determination for environmental wireless devices). The information may be delivered to other components of device 605. Receiver 610 may utilize a single antenna or a collection of antennas.

[0115] Transmitter 615 may provide components for transmitting signals generated by other components of device 605. For example, transmitter 615 may transmit information (such as packets, user data, control information, or any combination thereof) associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels related to proximity determination of environmental wireless devices). In some examples, transmitter 615 may be co-located with receiver 610 in a transceiver module. Transmitter 615 may utilize a single antenna or a collection of multiple antennas.

[0116] Device 605 or its various components may be examples of parts used to perform various aspects of proximity determination for an environmental wireless device as described herein. For example, communication manager 620 may include signaling manager 625, response manager 630, proximity determination manager 635, or any combination thereof. Communication manager 620 may be examples of aspects of communication manager 520 as described herein. In some examples, communication manager 620 or its various components may be configured to use receiver 610, transmitter 615, or both, or otherwise cooperate with them to perform various operations (e.g., receiving, acquiring, monitoring, outputting, transmitting). For example, communication manager 620 may receive information from receiver 610, transmit information to transmitter 615, or be integrated in combination with receiver 610, transmitter 615, or both to acquire information, output information, or perform various other operations as described herein.

[0117] Communication manager 620 may support wireless communication according to examples disclosed herein. Signaling manager 625 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support components for transmitting signals to one or more ambient wireless devices for use in a proximity determination process of one or more ambient wireless devices. Response manager 630 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support components for monitoring responses from one or more ambient wireless devices associated with a proximity determination process of one or more ambient wireless devices. Proximity determination manager 635 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support components for performing a proximity determination process based on monitoring and one or more measurement parameters associated with the response to obtain proximity information of one or more ambient wireless devices, wherein the proximity information indicates either near or far proximity of one or more ambient wireless devices relative to a reader device.

[0118] Figure 7A block diagram 700 is shown illustrating a communication manager 720 supporting proximity determination for an ambient wireless device according to one or more aspects of this disclosure. The communication manager 720 may be an example of aspects of the communication manager 520, communication manager 620, or both as described herein. The communication manager 720 or its various components may be examples of parts for performing the various aspects of proximity determination for an ambient wireless device as described herein. For example, the communication manager 720 may include a signaling manager 725, a response manager 730, a proximity determination manager 735, a contention-based signaling manager 740, a transmit power manager 745, or any combination thereof. Each of these components, or its components or sub-components (e.g., one or more processors, one or more memories), may communicate directly or indirectly with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0119] Communication Manager 720 may support wireless communication according to examples disclosed herein. Signaling Manager 725 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support components for transmitting signals to one or more ambient wireless devices for a proximity determination process of one or more ambient wireless devices. Response Manager 730 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support components for monitoring responses from one or more ambient wireless devices associated with a proximity determination process of one or more ambient wireless devices. Proximity Determination Manager 735 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support components for performing a proximity determination process based on monitoring and one or more measurement parameters associated with the response to obtain proximity information of one or more ambient wireless devices, wherein the proximity information indicates either near or far proximity of one or more ambient wireless devices relative to a reader device.

[0120] In some examples, to support monitoring responses, the response manager 730 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support components for receiving responses from one or more ambient wireless devices, the responses indicating the device type of the ambient wireless device, the power amplification factor associated with the response, the power amplification capability associated with the ambient wireless device, or any combination thereof.

[0121] In some examples, to support monitoring responses, the response manager 730 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support components for receiving responses from one or more ambient wireless devices, the responses including a power amplification factor associated with the responses, wherein the power amplification factor includes one or more bits indicating whether the responses are amplified.

[0122] In some examples, in order to support the transmission of signals to one or more ambient wireless devices, the signaling manager 725 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support components for transmitting a power control indication in the signal to one or more ambient wireless devices, the power control indication including an expected transmission power for response, wherein the proximity determination process is based on the power control indication.

[0123] In some examples, the contention-based signaling manager 740 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support components for sending a second signal to one or more ambient wireless devices for a contention-based access procedure based on the proximity determination process indicating the proximity of one or more ambient wireless devices.

[0124] In some examples, in order to support the transmission of signals, the transmit power manager 745 is capable of, can be configured to, or can operate to support components for transmitting signals based on a first transmit power that is different from a second transmit power of the second signal.

[0125] In some examples, the signaling manager 725 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support components for transmitting signals to one or more ambient wireless devices based on the power difference between the transmission power of a signal and the transmission power of a second signal, wherein the corresponding transmission power is based on the power difference.

[0126] In some examples, the signaling manager 725 is capable of, configured to, or can operate to support components for transmitting signals to one or more ambient wireless devices based on the maximum allowed transmit power, wherein the corresponding transmit power is based on the maximum allowed transmit power.

[0127] In some examples, the response manager 730 is capable of, configured to, or operable to support components for receiving responses from one or more ambient wireless devices, wherein a proximity determination process is performed based on the received responses.

[0128] Figure 8A diagram is shown of a system 800 including device 805 supporting proximity determination for environmental wireless devices, according to one or more aspects of this disclosure. Device 805 may be an example of device 505, device 605, or reader device as described herein, or may include components thereof. Device 805 may include components for bidirectional voice and data communication, including components for transmitting and receiving communications, such as a communication manager 820, an I / O controller (such as I / O controller 810), a transceiver 815, one or more antennas 825, at least one memory 830, code 835, and at least one processor 840. These components may communicate electronically or be coupled in other ways (e.g., operative ground, communication ground, functional ground, electronic ground, electrical ground) via one or more buses (e.g., bus 845).

[0129] I / O controller 810 manages the input and output signals of device 805. I / O controller 810 can also manage peripheral devices not integrated into device 805. In some cases, I / O controller 810 may represent a physical connection or port to an external peripheral device. In some cases, I / O controller 810 may utilize an operating system such as iOS. ® ANDROID ® MS-DOS ® MS-WINDOWS ® OS / 2 ® UNIX ® LINUX ® Or another known operating system. Additionally or alternatively, the I / O controller 810 may represent or interact with a modem, keyboard, mouse, touchscreen, or similar device. In some cases, the I / O controller 810 may be implemented as part of one or more processors, such as at least one processor 840. In some cases, a user may interact with the device 805 via the I / O controller 810 or via hardware components controlled by the I / O controller 810.

[0130] In some cases, device 805 may include a single antenna. However, in other cases, device 805 may have more than one antenna, which may be capable of concurrently transmitting or receiving multiple wireless transmissions. Transceiver 815 may communicate bidirectionally via one or more antennas 825 using a wired or wireless link as described herein. For example, transceiver 815 may represent a wireless transceiver and may communicate bidirectionally with another wireless transceiver. Transceiver 815 may also include a modem for: modulating packets; providing the modulated packets to one or more antennas 825 for transmission; and demodulating packets received from one or more antennas 825. Transceiver 815, or transceiver 815 and one or more antennas 825, may be an example of transmitter 515, transmitter 615, receiver 510, receiver 610, or any combination thereof or components thereof as described herein.

[0131] At least one memory 830 may include RAM and ROM. At least one memory 830 may store computer-readable code, computer-executable code, or processor-executable code, such as code 835. Code 835 may include instructions that, when executed by at least one processor 840, cause device 805 to perform the various functions described herein. Code 835 may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as system memory or another type of memory. In some cases, code 835 may not be directly executable by at least one processor 840, but may enable a computer (e.g., when compiled and executed) to perform the functions described herein. In some cases, at least one memory 830 may include a BIOS, etc., which controls basic hardware or software operations, such as interaction with peripheral components or devices.

[0132] At least one processor 840 may include one or more intelligent hardware devices (e.g., one or more general-purpose processors, one or more DSPs, one or more CPUs, one or more graphics processing units (GPUs), one or more neural processing units (NPUs) (also referred to as neural network processors or deep learning processors (DLPs)), one or more microcontrollers, one or more ASICs, one or more FPGAs, one or more programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic units, one or more discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof). In some cases, at least one processor 840 may be configured to use a memory controller to operate a memory array. In some other cases, the memory controller may be integrated into at least one processor 840. At least one processor 840 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in memory (e.g., at least one memory 830) to cause device 805 to perform various functions (e.g., supporting functions or tasks for proximity determination of environmental wireless devices). For example, device 805 or components of device 805 may include at least one processor 840 and at least one memory 830 coupled to or coupled to at least one processor 840, wherein at least one processor 840 and at least one memory 830 are configured to perform the various functions described herein.

[0133] In some examples, at least one processor 840 may include multiple processors, and at least one memory 830 may include multiple memories. One or more of the multiple processors may be coupled to one or more of the multiple memories, which may be configured individually or collectively to perform the various functions described herein. In some examples, at least one processor 840 may be a component of a processing system, which may refer to a system of machines (such as a series of machines), circuitry (including, for example, one or both of processor circuitry (which may include at least one processor 840) and memory circuitry (which may include at least one memory 830)) that receives or receives input and processes the input to produce, generate, or obtain a set of outputs. The processing system may be configured to perform one or more of the functions described herein. For example, at least one processor 840 or a processing system including at least one processor 840 may be configured, capable of being configured, or operable to cause device 805 to perform one or more of the functions described herein. Furthermore, as described herein, “configured to,” “capable of being configured to,” and “capable of operating to” are used interchangeably and can be associated with the ability to perform one or more of the functions described herein when executing code 835 (e.g., processor-executable code) stored in at least one memory 830 or otherwise executing the code.

[0134] The communication manager 820 may support wireless communication according to examples disclosed herein. For example, the communication manager 820 may be capable of, configured to, or operable to support components for transmitting signals to one or more ambient wireless devices for use in a proximity determination process of one or more ambient wireless devices. The communication manager 820 may be capable of, configured to, or operable to support components for monitoring responses from one or more ambient wireless devices associated with a proximity determination process of one or more ambient wireless devices. The communication manager 820 may be capable of, configured to, or operable to support components for performing a proximity determination process based on monitoring and one or more measurement parameters associated with the response to obtain proximity information of one or more ambient wireless devices, wherein the proximity information indicates either near or far proximity of one or more ambient wireless devices relative to a reader device.

[0135] By including or configuring the communication manager 820 according to the examples described herein, the device 805 can support techniques for improved communication reliability, improved user experience associated with reduced processing, and improved coordination between devices.

[0136] In some examples, the communication manager 820 may be configured to perform various operations (e.g., receiving, monitoring, transmitting) using a transceiver 815, one or more antennas 825, or any combination thereof, or otherwise cooperating with them. Although the communication manager 820 is illustrated as a separate component, in some examples, one or more functions described with reference to the communication manager 820 may be supported or performed by at least one processor 840, at least one memory 830, code 835, or any combination thereof. For example, code 835 may include instructions that can be executed by at least one processor 840 to cause device 805 to perform various aspects of proximity determination for an ambient wireless device as described herein, or at least one processor 840 and at least one memory 830 may be otherwise configured to perform or support such operations individually or jointly.

[0137] Figure 9 A flowchart illustrating a method 900 for determining proximity of an environmental wireless device according to one or more aspects of this disclosure is shown. Operation of method 900 may be implemented by a reader device or its components as described herein. For example, operation of method 900 may be implemented by, as referenced... Figures 1 to 8 The described reader device performs the functions described herein. In some examples, the reader device may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the reader device to perform the described functions. Additionally or alternatively, the reader device may use dedicated hardware to perform aspects of the described functions.

[0138] At 905, the method may include sending a signal to one or more ambient wireless devices for a proximity determination process of the one or more ambient wireless devices. Operation of 905 may be performed according to examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of operation of 905 may be provided by reference to [reference needed]. Figure 7 The signaling manager 725 described is used to execute this.

[0139] At 910, the method may include monitoring responses from one or more ambient wireless devices, the responses being associated with a proximity determination process for the one or more ambient wireless devices. Operation of 910 may be performed according to examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of operation of 910 may be derived from references... Figure 7 The described response manager 730 is used to execute this.

[0140] At 915, the method may include performing a proximity determination process based on monitoring and one or more measurement parameters associated with a response to obtain proximity information for one or more environmental wireless devices, wherein the proximity information indicates either near proximity or far proximity of the one or more environmental wireless devices relative to a reader device. Operation of 915 may be performed according to examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of operation of 915 may be derived from references... Figure 7 The proximity determination manager 735 is used to perform the described operation.

[0141] The following provides an overview of the various aspects of this disclosure:

[0142] Aspect 1: A method for wireless communication at a reader device, the method comprising: transmitting a signal to one or more ambient wireless devices for a proximity determination process of the one or more ambient wireless devices; monitoring responses from the one or more ambient wireless devices, the responses being associated with the proximity determination process of the one or more ambient wireless devices; and performing the proximity determination process at least in part based on the monitoring and one or more measurement parameters associated with the responses to obtain proximity information of the one or more ambient wireless devices, wherein the proximity information indicates either near proximity or far proximity of the one or more ambient wireless devices relative to the reader device.

[0143] Aspect 2: According to the method of aspect 1, wherein monitoring the response comprises: receiving the response from an environmental wireless device among the one or more environmental wireless devices, the response indicating the device type of the environmental wireless device, a power amplification factor associated with the response, a power amplification capability associated with the environmental wireless device, or any combination thereof.

[0144] Aspect 3: According to the method of aspect 2, monitoring the response includes: receiving the response from one or more environmental wireless devices, the response including the power amplification factor associated with the response, wherein the power amplification factor includes one or more bits indicating whether the response is amplified.

[0145] Aspect 4: The method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 3, wherein sending the signal to the one or more environmental wireless devices comprises: sending a power control indication to the one or more environmental wireless devices in the signal, the power control indication including an expected transmission power for the response, wherein the proximity determination process is based at least in part on the power control indication.

[0146] Aspect 5: The method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 4, the method further comprising: sending a second signal to the one or more environmental wireless devices for a contention-based access procedure of the one or more environmental wireless devices, at least in part based on the proximity determination process indicating the proximity of the one or more environmental wireless devices.

[0147] Aspect 6: According to the method of aspect 5, transmitting the signal includes: transmitting the signal according to a first transmission power different from a second transmission power of the second signal.

[0148] Aspect 7: The method according to any one of Aspects 5 to 6, the method further comprising: transmitting the signal to the one or more environmental wireless devices at least in part based on the power difference between the transmission power of the signal and the transmission power of the second signal, wherein the transmission power of the response is at least in part based on the power difference.

[0149] Aspect 8: The method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 7, the method further comprising: transmitting the signal to the one or more environmental wireless devices at least in part based on a maximum allowed transmission power, wherein the transmission power of the response is at least in part based on the maximum allowed transmission power.

[0150] Aspect 9: The method according to any one of aspects 1 to 8, the method further comprising: receiving the response from the one or more environmental wireless devices, wherein the proximity determination process is performed at least in part based on receiving the response.

[0151] Aspect 10: A reader device for wireless communication, the reader device comprising: one or more memories storing processor-executable code; and one or more processors coupled to the one or more memories and capable of operating individually or jointly to execute the code to cause the reader device to perform a method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 9.

[0152] Aspect 11: A reader device for wireless communication, the reader device comprising at least one component for performing the method according to any one of aspects 1 to 9.

[0153] Aspect 12: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication, said code including instructions executable by one or more processors to perform the method according to any one of aspects 1 to 9.

[0154] It should be noted that the methods described herein describe possible specific implementations. Operations and steps may be rearranged or otherwise modified, and other specific implementations are also possible. Furthermore, aspects from two or more of these methods may be combined.

[0155] While aspects of LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, or NR systems may be described for illustrative purposes, and the terms LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, or NR may be used in most of the description, the techniques described herein are also applicable to networks outside of LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, or NR networks. For example, the techniques described are applicable to a variety of other wireless communication systems, such as Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, Flash-OFDM, and other systems and radio technologies not explicitly mentioned herein.

[0156] The information and signals described herein can be represented using any of a variety of different techniques and skills. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips mentioned throughout the description can be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, light fields or optical particles, or any combination thereof.

[0157] The various exemplary blocks and components described herein can be implemented or performed using general-purpose processors, DSPs, ASICs, CPUs, graphics processing units (GPUs), neural processing units (NPUs), FPGAs or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic units, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in alternatives, a processor may be any processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices (e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors combined with a DSP core, or any other such configuration). Any function or operation described herein that can be performed by a processor may be performed by multiple processors capable of performing the described functions or operations individually or jointly.

[0158] The functions described herein can be implemented using hardware, software executed by a processor, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software executed by a processor, the functions can be stored as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium or transmitted using one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Other examples and specific implementations are within the scope of this disclosure and the appended claims. For example, due to the nature of software, the functions described herein can be implemented using software executed by a processor, hardware, firmware, hardwiring, or any combination of these. Features implementing the functions can also be physically located in various locations, including various portions distributed such that the functions are implemented in different physical locations.

[0159] Computer-readable media includes both non-transitory computer storage media and communication media, encompassing any medium that facilitates the transfer of a computer program from one location to another. Non-transitory storage media can be any available medium accessible by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer. By way of example, and not limitation, non-transitory computer-readable media may include RAM, ROM, electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory, compressed optical disc (CD) ROM or other optical disc storage devices, magnetic disk storage devices or other magnetic storage devices, or any other non-transitory medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code components in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer or a general-purpose or special-purpose processor. Furthermore, any connection is appropriately referred to as computer-readable media. For example, if software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included within the definition of computer-readable media. As used herein, disks and optical discs include CDs, laser discs, optical discs, digital multifunction discs (DVDs), floppy disks, and Blu-ray discs. Disks can magnetically reproduce data, and optical discs can optically reproduce data using lasers. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of computer-readable media. Any function or operation described herein that can be performed by memory can be performed by multiple memories capable of performing the described function or operation individually or jointly.

[0160] As used herein, the word "or" in a list of items (e.g., a list of items accompanied by phrases such as "at least one of" or "one or more of") in the claims indicates an inclusive list, such that a list of at least one of, for example, A, B, or C means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Furthermore, as used herein, the phrase "based on" should not be construed as a reference to a closed set of conditions. For example, an example step described as "based on condition A" could be based on both condition A and condition B without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In other words, as used herein, the phrase "based on" should be interpreted in the same manner as the phrase "at least partially based on".

[0161] As used herein, including in claims, the article “a” preceding a noun is open-ended and is understood to refer to “at least one” or “one or more” of those nouns. Therefore, the terms “a,” “at least one,” “one or more,” and “at least one of one or more” are interchangeable. For example, where a claim enumerates “components” performing one or more functions, each of the individual functions may be performed by a single component or by any combination of multiple components. Thus, the term “component” having a characteristic or performing a function may refer to “at least one of one or more components” having a particular characteristic or performing a particular function. Subsequent references to a component introduced with the article “a” using the terms “the” or “the” can refer to any or all of the one or more components. For example, a component introduced with the article “a” can be understood to mean “one or more components,” and subsequent reference to “the component” in a claim can be understood as equivalent to referring to “at least one of the one or more components.” Similarly, subsequent references to a component introduced with the terms “the” or “the” as “one or more components” can refer to any or all of the one or more components. For example, reference to "the one or more components" in the subsequent claims can be understood as equivalent to reference to "at least one of the one or more components".

[0162] The term "determine" encompasses a variety of actions, and therefore, "determine" can include calculation, computation, processing, derivation, investigation, searching (such as by searching in a table, database, or other data structure), ascertainment, etc. Furthermore, "determine" can include receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing data stored in memory), etc. Moreover, "determine" can include parsing, acquiring, selecting, choosing, creating, and other similar actions.

[0163] In the accompanying drawings, similar components or features may have the same reference numerals. Furthermore, various components of the same type can be distinguished by adding a dash after the reference numeral and a second numeral for differentiation between similar components. If only the first reference numeral is used in the specification, the description applies to any of the similar components having the same first reference numeral, regardless of the second or other subsequent reference numerals.

[0164] The description herein, illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, describes an example configuration and does not represent all achievable examples or those within the scope of the claims. The term "example" as used herein means "serving as an example, instance, or illustration," not "preferred" or "advantageous over other examples." The detailed description includes specific details used to provide an understanding of the described techniques. However, these techniques can be practiced without these specific details. In some of the drawings, known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring the concept of the described examples.

[0165] The description herein is provided to enable those skilled in the art to implement or use this disclosure. Various modifications to this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is not limited to the examples and designs described herein, but should be granted the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A reader device, the reader device comprising: One or more memories, wherein the one or more memories store processor-executable code; and One or more processors, coupled to the one or more memories and capable of operating individually or jointly to execute the code to enable the reader device: Sending signals to one or more environmental wireless devices for a proximity determination process of the one or more environmental wireless devices; Monitor responses from the one or more environmental wireless devices, the responses being associated with the proximity determination process of the one or more environmental wireless devices; as well as The proximity determination process is performed at least in part based on the monitoring and one or more measurement parameters associated with the response to obtain proximity information of the one or more environmental wireless devices, wherein the proximity information indicates either near proximity or far proximity of the one or more environmental wireless devices relative to the reader device.

2. The reader device of claim 1, wherein, in order to monitor the response, the one or more processors are capable of operating individually or jointly to execute the code to cause the reader device to: The response is received from one or more of the ambient wireless devices, the response indicating the device type of the ambient wireless device, the power amplification factor associated with the response, the power amplification capability associated with the ambient wireless device, or any combination thereof.

3. The reader device of claim 2, wherein, in order to monitor the response, the one or more processors are capable of operating individually or jointly to execute the code to cause the reader device to: The response is received from one or more of the environmental wireless devices, the response including the power amplification factor associated with the response, wherein the power amplification factor includes one or more bits indicating whether the response is amplified.

4. The reader device of claim 1, wherein, in order to transmit the signal to the one or more environmental wireless devices, the one or more processors are capable of operating individually or jointly to execute the code to cause the reader device to: The signal sends a power control indication to the one or more environmental wireless devices, the power control indication including an expected transmission power for the response, wherein the proximity determination process is based at least in part on the power control indication.

5. The reader device of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors are further capable of operating individually or jointly to execute the code to cause the reader device to: At least in part, based on the proximity determination process, the proximity of the one or more environmental wireless devices is used to instruct the one or more environmental wireless devices to send a second signal to the one or more environmental wireless devices for a contention-based access procedure.

6. The reader device of claim 5, wherein, in order to transmit the signal, the one or more processors are capable of operating individually or jointly to execute the code to cause the reader device to: The signal is transmitted according to a first transmission power that is different from the second transmission power of the second signal.

7. The reader device of claim 5, wherein the one or more processors are further capable of operating individually or jointly to execute the code to cause the reader device to: The signal is transmitted to the one or more environmental wireless devices at least in part based on the power difference between the transmission power of the signal and the transmission power of the second signal, wherein the transmission power of the response is at least in part based on the power difference.

8. The reader device of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors are further capable of operating individually or jointly to execute the code to cause the reader device to: The signal is transmitted to one or more environmental wireless devices at least in part based on the maximum allowed transmission power, wherein the transmission power of the response is at least in part based on the maximum allowed transmission power.

9. The reader device of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors are further capable of operating individually or jointly to execute the code to cause the reader device to: The response is received from one or more environmental wireless devices, wherein the proximity determination process is performed at least in part based on the receipt of the response.

10. A method for wireless communication at a reader device, the method comprising: Sending signals to one or more environmental wireless devices for a proximity determination process of the one or more environmental wireless devices; Monitor responses from the one or more environmental wireless devices, the responses being associated with the proximity determination process of the one or more environmental wireless devices; as well as The proximity determination process is performed at least in part based on the monitoring and one or more measurement parameters associated with the response to obtain proximity information of the one or more environmental wireless devices, wherein the proximity information indicates either near proximity or far proximity of the one or more environmental wireless devices relative to the reader device.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein monitoring the response comprises: The response is received from one or more of the ambient wireless devices, the response indicating the device type of the ambient wireless device, the power amplification factor associated with the response, the power amplification capability associated with the ambient wireless device, or any combination thereof.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein monitoring the response comprises: The response is received from one or more of the environmental wireless devices, the response including the power amplification factor associated with the response, wherein the power amplification factor includes one or more bits indicating whether the response is amplified.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein sending the signal to the one or more environmental wireless devices comprises: The signal sends a power control indication to the one or more environmental wireless devices, the power control indication including an expected transmission power for the response, wherein the proximity determination process is based at least in part on the power control indication.

14. The method according to claim 10, further comprising: At least in part, based on the proximity determination process, the proximity of the one or more environmental wireless devices is used to instruct the one or more environmental wireless devices to send a second signal to the one or more environmental wireless devices for a contention-based access procedure.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein sending the signal comprises: The signal is transmitted according to a first transmission power that is different from the second transmission power of the second signal.

16. The method of claim 14, further comprising: The signal is transmitted to the one or more environmental wireless devices at least in part based on the power difference between the transmission power of the signal and the transmission power of the second signal, wherein the transmission power of the response is at least in part based on the power difference.

17. The method according to claim 10, further comprising: The signal is transmitted to one or more environmental wireless devices at least in part based on the maximum allowed transmission power, wherein the transmission power of the response is at least in part based on the maximum allowed transmission power.

18. The method according to claim 10, further comprising: The response is received from one or more environmental wireless devices, wherein the proximity determination process is performed at least in part based on the receipt of the response.

19. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication, the code comprising instructions executable by one or more processors to: The reader device sends a signal to one or more ambient wireless devices for the proximity determination process of the one or more ambient wireless devices. Monitoring responses from the one or more environmental wireless devices, the responses being associated with the proximity determination process of the one or more environmental wireless devices; and The proximity determination process is performed at least in part based on the monitoring and one or more measurement parameters associated with the response to obtain proximity information of the one or more environmental wireless devices, wherein the proximity information indicates either near proximity or far proximity of the one or more environmental wireless devices relative to the reader device.

20. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 19, wherein the instructions are further executable by the one or more processors to: The response is received from one or more of the ambient wireless devices, the response indicating the device type of the ambient wireless device, the power amplification factor associated with the response, the power amplification capability associated with the ambient wireless device, or any combination thereof.

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