Method and apparatus for triggering an uplink transmission at an ambient IoT device based on a level of stored electrical energy and a channel quality value

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatus for enabling a user equipment (UE) (20) including a wireless device (25) having an energy harvesting unit (254) that stores electrical energy in an energy storage unit (255) of the wireless device to determine whether to initiate an uplink data transmission based on an amount of electrical energy stored in the energy storage unit (255) and based on a channel quality value.

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present disclosure relates to wireless communication systems, and more particularly, to methods and apparatus for enabling a very low power wireless device to determine whether to initiate an uplink data transmission based on at least a measure of electrical energy stored in an energy storage unit of the wireless device. background

[0002] The Internet of Things (IoT) enables various devices to connect to the internet to send data, receive instructions, or both. Tens of billions of IoT devices are already deployed, and the global number of IoT devices is expected to grow rapidly. Thus, massive connectivity is required. However, powering these billions of IoT devices presents a critical challenge, and deploying power cables or regularly replacing / recharging batteries is not a practical solution.

[0003] 3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project) is currently investigating new IoT technologies to open up new markets within 3GPP systems. These technologies can provide orders of magnitude higher connection counts and / or device density than existing 3GPP IoT technologies, and can provide orders of magnitude lower complexity and power consumption than existing 3GPP technologies, such as narrow-band IoT (NB-IoT) and long-term evolution-machine-type communications (LTE-MTC). Specifically, 3GPP currently defines A-IoT (Ambient-IoT) technologies (see, for example, technical report TR 38.848 V18.0).0) aiming to enable very low-power IoT devices, which could be either battery-less devices without energy storage capability (performing backscatter transmission) or devices with an energy storage that does not need to be manually replaced or recharged (performing wireless ambient energy harvesting (EH) from one or more energy sources).

[0004] By "very low-power" or "A-IoT" devices, the authors mean devices with a peak power consumption of less than 1 mW, or even less than 100 µW, or less than 10 µW. For example, Ambient IoT currently aims to enable A-IoT devices that have the following characteristics: - about 1 µW peak power consumption with energy storage, with neither DL (downlink) nor UL (uplink) amplification in the device (the UL transmission of the device is backscattered on an externally provided carrier wave), - below a few hundred µW peak power consumption with energy storage, with DL and / or UL amplification in the device (the UL transmission of the device can be generated internally by the device or backscattered on an externally provided carrier wave).

[0005] Typically, such A-IoT devices have limited energy storage, and the use of stored electrical energy must be optimized to reduce the likelihood of uplink data transmission failure. Failed data transmissions lead to wasted uplink resources and increased electrical power consumption and must be avoided. Brief description

[0006] The present disclosure aims to improve the situation. In particular, the present disclosure aims to address at least some of the limitations of the prior art discussed above. In particular, the present disclosure aims to propose a solution that makes it possible to reduce the probability of failed uplink data transmissions from wireless devices, such as A-IoT devices.

[0007] To this end, it is proposed to evaluate a level of electrical energy stored in a wireless device and to use the level of stored electrical energy to determine whether the wireless device can proceed with an uplink data transmission or whether the uplink data transmission should instead be delayed.

[0008] According to a first aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for exchanging data in a wireless communication system, wherein the method is implemented by a wireless device of the wireless communication system, wherein the wireless device comprises an energy harvesting unit configured to convert ambient energy into electrical energy that is stored in an energy storage unit of the wireless device, wherein the wireless device further comprises a communication unit configured to exchange data with a radio access network (RAN) of the wireless communication system, wherein the method comprises determining a threshold value of the energy measure based on an estimated channel quality value of a propagation channel between the RAN and the wireless device, and, in response to determining that uplink data should be sent to the RAN,Includes:, - Measuring a measure of the electrical energy stored in the energy storage unit, - Evaluating a trigger criterion for an uplink transmission by comparing the level of stored electrical energy with the determined threshold value of the energy level, - in response to the trigger criterion for an uplink transmission being verified: transmitting uplink data to the RAN, - in response to the trigger criterion for an uplink transmission not being verified: Delay the transmission of the uplink data to the RAN.

[0009] In some embodiments, the method according to the first aspect may further comprise one or more of the following optional features, which are contemplated either alone or in a technically possible combination.

[0010] In some embodiments of the method according to the first aspect, the energy measure threshold is selected from a plurality of different energy measure thresholds using a preconfigured mapping between the plurality of different energy measure thresholds and respective associated channel quality values.

[0011] In some embodiments of the method according to the first aspect, the association between the plurality of different threshold values of the energy measure and their respective associated channel quality values is predefined or is received in system information broadcast by the RAN or in a signaling message specifically addressed to the wireless device or to a group of wireless devices including the wireless device.

[0012] In some embodiments of the method according to the first aspect, the transmission of the uplink data to the RAN is delayed until the trigger criterion for an uplink transmission is verified.

[0013] In some embodiments of the method according to the first aspect, the trigger criterion for an uplink transmission is verified when the level of stored electrical energy is greater than the determined threshold value of the energy level.

[0014] In some embodiments of the method according to the first aspect, the trigger criterion for an uplink transmission is verified regardless of the amount of stored electrical energy: - if the delay introduced to perform the transmission of the uplink data reaches a predetermined maximum delay or - when the number of rejected uplink transmission opportunities reaches a specified maximum number of rejected uplink transmission opportunities.

[0015] In some embodiments of the method according to the first aspect, the wireless device determines that uplink data should be transmitted by receiving an uplink transmission trigger signal from the RAN.

[0016] In some embodiments of the method according to the first aspect, the energy harvesting unit is a radio unit configured to convert a received radio frequency signal into electrical energy.

[0017] According to a second aspect, the present disclosure relates to a wireless device comprising at least one memory and at least one processor configured to perform a method according to any one of the embodiments of the first aspect.

[0018] According to a third aspect, the present disclosure relates to a user equipment (UE) comprising a wireless device according to any one of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] According to a fourth aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for exchanging data in a wireless communication system, wherein the method is implemented by a base station (BS) of a radio access network (RAN) of the wireless communication system, wherein the BS is configured to exchange data with a wireless device comprising an energy harvesting unit configured to convert ambient energy into electrical energy that is stored in an energy storage unit of the wireless device, the method comprising transmitting, to the wireless device, information regarding at least one channel quality value and at least one threshold value of the energy measure.

[0020] In some embodiments, the method according to the fourth aspect may further comprise one or more of the following optional features, which are contemplated either alone or in a technically possible combination.

[0021] In some embodiments of the method according to the fourth aspect, the information regarding at least one channel quality value and at least one threshold value of the energy measure comprises an association between a plurality of different threshold values of the energy measure and respective associated channel quality values.

[0022] In some embodiments, the method according to the fourth aspect comprises transmitting an uplink transmission trigger signal to the wireless device as an indication that uplink data is to be transmitted by the wireless device to the RAN.

[0023] In some embodiments, the method according to the fourth aspect comprises beginning to transmit an energy harvesting signal to the wireless device before transmitting the trigger signal for an uplink transmission to that wireless device.

[0024] In some embodiments of the method according to the fourth aspect, the information regarding at least one channel quality value and at least one threshold value of the energy measure is broadcast in system information and / or transmitted in a signaling message specifically addressed to the wireless device or to a group of wireless devices including the wireless device.

[0025] According to a fifth aspect, the present disclosure relates to a base station (BS) comprising at least one memory and at least one processor configured to perform a method according to one of the embodiments of the fourth aspect.

[0026] According to a sixth aspect, the present disclosure relates to a wireless communication system comprising at least one base station according to one of the embodiments of the present disclosure and at least one user device according to one of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027] According to a seventh aspect, the present disclosure relates to a computer program product comprising instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, configure the at least one processor to perform a method for exchanging data according to any one of the embodiments of the present disclosure. The computer program product may use any programming language and may be in the form of source code, object code, or any form between source code and object code, such as in a partially compiled form, or in any other desired form.

[0028] According to an eighth aspect, the present disclosure relates to a (non-transitory) computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, configure the at least one processor to perform a method for transmitting control messages according to any one of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Short description of the drawings

[0029] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given as a non-limiting example, with reference to the figures in which: - Fig. 1: schematic representations of various possible topologies of a wireless communication system, - Fig. 2: a schematic representation of an example of a wireless device, - Fig. 3: a schematic representation of an example of a BS, - Fig. 4 and Fig. 5: Flowcharts illustrating examples of methods for exchanging data implemented by a wireless device of a UE and a BS, respectively, - Fig. 6 and Fig. 7: Flowcharts illustrating other examples of methods for exchanging data implemented by a wireless device of a UE and a BS, respectively, - Fig. 8 and Fig. 9: Flowcharts illustrating other examples of methods for exchanging data implemented by a wireless device of a UE and a BS, respectively.

[0030] In these figures, reference numerals that are identical from one figure to another indicate identical or similar elements. For clarity, the elements shown are not to scale unless expressly stated otherwise. Detailed description

[0031] The following detailed description with reference to the figures is intended to be a description of various configurations and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the presently described concepts may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the various concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts may be practiced without these specific details. For example, while this disclosure may use 3GPP terminology, e.g., from 5G NR, to explain embodiments herein, this should not be seen as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

[0032] In general, all terms used herein should be interpreted according to their usual meaning in the relevant technical field, unless another meaning is clearly indicated and / or clear from the context in which it is used. All references to an element, facility, component, means, step, etc., should be interpreted as referring to at least one occurrence of the element, facility, component, means, step, etc., unless expressly stated otherwise.Likewise, the order of steps of any methods disclosed herein, particularly in the figures, is provided for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, which may be applied with the same steps performed in a different order and / or with all or part of the steps performed in parallel or together, unless a step is expressly described as following or preceding another step and / or where it is implicit that a step must follow or precede another step. Furthermore, steps depicted in a figure that are surrounded by a dashed line are to be considered optional for the embodiment depicted in that figure. Any feature of any of the embodiments disclosed herein may be applied to any other embodiment, as appropriate.Likewise, any advantage of one embodiment may apply to any other embodiment, and vice versa. Other objects, features, and advantages of the included embodiments will become apparent from the following description.

[0033] Fig. Figure 1 schematically illustrates an example of a wireless communication system, which may be, for example, a 5G NR wireless communication system. In particular, Fig. 1 depicts a RAN of the wireless communication system used to exchange data with UEs 20 via radio signals. The RAN can, for example, send data to the UEs 20 (DL - downlink), such as data received from a core network (CN - core network, not shown in the figures). The RAN can also receive data from the UEs 20 (UL - uplink), and this data can be forwarded to the CN.

[0034] In the Fig. In the example illustrated in Figure 1, the RAN includes a base station (BS) 30. Of course, the RAN may include more than one BS 30 to expand the coverage area of the wireless communication system. Each of these BSs may be referred to as an NB, eNodeB (or eNB), gNodeB (or gNB in the case of a 5G NR wireless communication system), an access point, or the like, depending on the wireless communication standard(s) implemented.

[0035] In the Fig. In the example illustrated in Figure 1, only one UE 20 is shown, which includes a wireless device 25 that provides the UE 20 with wireless connectivity to the RAN of the wireless communication system. Part a) of Fig. Figure 1 schematically illustrates an example in which the UE 20 exchanges data (payload and control data) directly with a BS 30 of the RAN (referred to as Topology 1 in TR 38.848 V18.0.0). Part b) of Fig. Figure 1 schematically illustrates an example in which the UE 20 exchanges data (payload and control data) indirectly with a BS 30 of the RAN via one or more intermediate nodes 31 (referred to as Topology 2 in TR 38.848 V18.0.0). Each intermediate node 31 can be, for example, a relay, an IAB (integrated access and backhaul) node, another UE 20, a repeater, a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS), etc.

[0036] Fig. 2 schematically illustrates an example of a wireless device 25 suitable for implementing any method discussed in the present disclosure and performed on a UE 20. Essentially, the wireless device 25 corresponds to a device that provides wireless connectivity to the RAN of the wireless communication system and that can be used to exchange data with the RAN. The wireless device 25 is, for example, an A-IoT device, i.e., a wireless device that has a peak power consumption of less than 1 mW, or even less than 100 µW, or even less than 10 µW.

[0037] Such a wireless device 25 may be incorporated in a UE 20 as shown by Fig. 2. The UE 20 may be, for example, a mobile phone, a wireless modem, a wireless communication device, a handheld device, a laptop computer, or the like. In preferred examples, the UE 20 may also be an Internet of Things (IoT) device, such as a wireless camera, a smart sensor, a smart meter, smart glasses, a (manned or unmanned) vehicle, a Global Positioning System device, etc., or any other device capable of executing applications that require exchanging data with remote receivers via the wireless device 25.

[0038] As through Fig. 2, the wireless device 25 includes one or more processors 250 and one or more memories 251. The one or more processors 250 may include, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc. The one or more memories 251 may include any type of computer-readable volatile and non-volatile memory (magnetic hard drive, solid state memory, optical disk, electronic memory, etc.).The one or more memories 251 may store a computer program product 252 in the form of a set of program-encoded instructions to be executed by the one or more processors 250 to implement all or part of the steps of a method for exchanging data performed on the side of a UE according to any of the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0039] As through Fig. As illustrated in Figure 2, the wireless device 25 also includes a (wireless) communication unit 253 configured to exchange data (directly or indirectly) with BSs 30 of the RAN using radio signals. The communication unit 253 may implement one or more wireless communication protocols and may, for example, be a 3G, 4G, 5G, NR, WiFi, WiMax, etc., transceiver or the like. In preferred embodiments, the (wireless) communication unit 253 includes a 5G NR wireless communication unit.

[0040] As discussed above, in some examples, communication unit 253 may include neither DL (downlink) nor UL (uplink) amplification capability (the UL transmission is backscattered on an externally provided carrier wave). In other examples, communication unit 253 may include DL and / or UL amplification (the UL transmission may be generated internally by the wireless device or backscattered on an externally provided carrier wave).

[0041] As through Fig. 2, the wireless device 25 also includes an energy harvesting unit 254 and a wireless device energy storage unit 255.

[0042] The energy storage unit 255 may be any type of electrical energy accumulator and may include, for example, one or more capacitors, one or more batteries, etc. The energy storage unit 255 is used to provide electrical energy to the other features of the wireless device 25 that require electrical energy, such as the one or more processors 250, the one or more memories 251, and in some cases, the (wireless) communication unit 253.

[0043] The energy harvesting unit 254 is configured to convert ambient energy into electrical energy, which is stored in the energy storage unit 255. By "ambient energy," the authors mean energy from energy sources external to the wireless device 25 that is received at the wireless device 25 without any wires between the energy sources and the wireless device 25. Thus, the energy harvesting unit 254 is configured such that the wireless device 25 can operate autonomously without the need to manually replace or recharge the energy storage unit 255. The energy harvesting unit 254 can, for example, collect energy from various energy sources, including solar, heat, motion or vibration, radio frequency (RF), etc.

[0044] In preferred embodiments, the energy harvesting unit 254 comprises at least one radio unit configured to convert RF signals into electrical energy, which is stored in the energy storage unit 255. These RF signals may, for example, be external RF signals, i.e., RF signals that do not originate from within the wireless communication system itself, but from RF sources located outside the wireless communication system. For example, external RF signals may originate from external 3G, 4G, 5G, NR, WiFi, WiMax, Bluetooth, DAB, etc. devices located in the vicinity of the wireless device 25.Alternatively, or in combination, the RF signals may originate from within the wireless communication system, for example, from BSs 30 of the RAN that may transmit an energy harvesting (RF) signal to wireless (A-IoT) devices 25 within their coverage area, and / or from devices separate from the BSs 30 but deployed to enable energy harvesting on the wireless (A-IoT) devices 25 of the wireless communication system. In some examples, if RF signals are used to feed electrical energy to the energy storage unit 255, the energy harvesting unit 254 may be included in the (wireless) communication unit 253.

[0045] Fig. 3 schematically illustrates an example of a BS 30 suitable for implementing a method discussed in the present disclosure as well as performed by the RAN.

[0046] As through Fig. 3, the OS 30 includes one or more processors 300 and one or more memories 301. The one or more processors 300 may include, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc. The one or more memories 301 may include any type of computer-readable volatile and non-volatile memory (magnetic hard disk, solid state memory, optical disk, electronic memory, etc.).The one or more memories 301 may store a computer program product 302 in the form of a set of program-encoded instructions to be executed by the one or more processors 300 to implement all or part of the steps of a method for exchanging data performed at the RAN side according to any of the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0047] As through Fig. 3, the BS 30 also includes a wireless communication unit 303 configured to exchange data with UEs 20 using radio signals, and in particular with (wireless) communication units 253 of wireless devices 25 included in these UEs 20. The wireless communication unit 303 may, for example, be a 3G, 4G, 5G, NR, WiFi, WiMax, etc. transceiver or the like. In preferred embodiments, the wireless communication unit 303 of the BS 30 includes a 5G NR transceiver. In some examples, the wireless communication unit 303 may also transmit carrier waves to the wireless devices 25, performing uplink transmissions with backscatter.

[0048] As through Fig. As illustrated in Figure 3, in some examples, the BS 30 may also include a network communication unit 304 configured to exchange data with other base stations of the RAN and / or with the CN. The network communication unit 305 may support one or more suitable communication protocols, which may be wired (including fiber optic) and / or wireless.

[0049] As through Fig. 3, in some examples, the BS 30 may also include an energy harvesting signal generator 305 that generates energy harvesting (RF) signals that enable wireless devices 25 in its coverage area to feed electrical energy into their energy storage units 255 via their energy harvesting units 254. The energy harvesting (RF) signals may take any suitable form that enables the energy harvesting units 254 to store electrical energy in the energy storage units 255 of the wireless devices 25. The choice of a specific energy harvesting (RF) signal format is a specific and non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure. As noted above, such energy harvesting (RF) signals may, where appropriate, alternatively or in combination, be generated by other devices separate from the RAN's BSs 30.

[0050] As discussed above, the above disclosure aims to enable a wireless device 25 to decide whether an uplink data transmission can be initiated by directly or indirectly considering an amount of electrical energy stored in its energy storage unit 255. Considering the amount of stored electrical energy can be used, for example, to avoid initiating the uplink data transmission when the stored electrical energy is low, which could lead to a failed uplink data transmission. Thus, considering the amount of stored electrical energy can reduce the likelihood of failed uplink transmissions for A-IoT devices.

[0051] The authors now present examples of signaling and decision strategies that can be implemented to achieve a higher probability of successful uplink data transmissions by the wireless device 25 and thereby reduce waste of uplink resources and energy consumption. Amount of stored electrical energy

[0052] Fig. 4 illustrates a diagram showing steps of an exemplary embodiment of a method 40 for exchanging data implemented by a wireless device 25 of a UE 20. Fig. 5 illustrates a diagram showing respective steps of an exemplary embodiment of a method 50 for exchanging data implemented by a BS 30 of the RAN.

[0053] As through Fig. 4, the method 40 for exchanging data includes a step S40 of determining that uplink data should be sent by the wireless device 25.

[0054] In some examples, step S40 may consist of detecting that uplink data is available at the UE 20 and is to be transmitted by the wireless device 25 to the RAN.

[0055] Alternatively, or in combination, the wireless device 25 may determine that uplink data should be transmitted to the RAN when it detects an upcoming UL transmission opportunity. For example, a UL transmission opportunity corresponds to UL resources that the wireless device 25 may use. For example, such UL resources may be contention-based UL resources, such as random-access channel (RACH) UL resources or configured-grant (CG) UL resources, etc. In other examples, such UL resources may be specifically assigned to the wireless device 25, such as scheduling request (SR) resources.

[0056] Alternatively, or in combination therewith, an uplink data transmission may be initiated by the RAN. In such examples, step S40 may include receiving an uplink transmission trigger signal from the RAN. Thus, when the wireless device 25 receives such an uplink transmission trigger signal from the RAN, the wireless device 25 may evaluate whether the uplink data transmission may be initiated, for example, upon an upcoming UL transmission opportunity. Of course, such an uplink data transmission should only be initiated if uplink data is available at the UE 20 or can be collected by the UE in response to receiving the uplink transmission trigger signal from the RAN.In the present disclosure, the authors assume, in a non-limiting manner, that uplink data is available or can be collected by the UE 20, and focus on other conditions that the wireless device 25 can consider to decide whether to initiate uplink data transmission.

[0057] To reduce its electrical power consumption, the wireless device 25 may be placed in a sleep mode. In such a case, the wireless device 25 must transition to an active mode to be able to perform the uplink data transmission. Such a transition may be triggered by the RAN sending a wake-up signal to the wireless device 25. In such a case, the uplink transmission trigger signal may correspond to the wake-up signal transitioning the wireless device 25 from a sleep mode to an active mode, or it may be transmitted by the RAN after the RAN transmits a wake-up signal to the wireless device 25.

[0058] As through Fig. 4, the method 40 for exchanging data includes, in response to determining at step S40 that uplink data is to be transmitted, a step S41 of measuring a measure of the electrical energy stored in the energy storage unit 255. The measure of stored electrical energy may be measured using any method known to those skilled in the art, and the selection of a specific method corresponds to a specific, but non-limiting, embodiment of the present disclosure. Also, the measured measure of electrical energy may take any suitable format that allows it to be compared, for example, to a threshold value. For example, the measure of stored electrical energy may correspond to an energy value expressed, for example, in joules or watt-hours, or a percentage indicating the charge of the energy storage unit 255 (where, for example,0% indicates that the energy storage unit 255 is empty, and 100% indicates that the energy storage unit 255 is fully charged), etc.

[0059] As through Fig. 4, the method 40 for exchanging data comprises a step S42 of evaluating a trigger criterion for an uplink transmission by comparing the level of stored electrical energy with a predetermined threshold value of the energy level. If the trigger criterion for an uplink transmission is verified (reference symbol S42a in Fig. 4), the method 40 for exchanging data comprises a step S43 of transmitting uplink data (ie, all or part of the uplink data available at the wireless device 25) to the RAN. If, however, the trigger criterion for an uplink transmission is not verified (reference sign S42b in Fig. 4), the method 40 for exchanging data comprises a step S44 of delaying the transmission of the uplink data to the RAN.

[0060] Thus, before initiating the uplink data transmission, the wireless device 25 considers the level of stored electrical energy stored in the energy storage unit 255 to evaluate whether the level of stored electrical energy is sufficient for the uplink data transmission to be likely to succeed. For example, the trigger criterion for an uplink transmission is verified when the level of stored electrical energy is greater than the predetermined threshold energy level. If the level of stored electrical energy is deemed insufficient, the uplink data transmission is delayed, e.g., until a subsequent uplink transmission opportunity, to enable the wireless device 25 to continue feeding electrical energy to the energy storage unit 255.

[0061] It is noted that in some examples, it is also possible to consider other parameters for determining whether the wireless device 25 can initiate the uplink data transmission. For example, the evaluation of the trigger criterion for an uplink transmission may also consider the volume of uplink data to be transmitted, the channel quality of the propagation channel between the RAN and the wireless device 25, etc. More generally, the trigger criterion for an uplink transmission may consider any parameter relevant to assessing whether the uplink data transmission is likely to succeed, with the level of stored electrical energy being an important parameter in the context of A-IoT devices.Thus, in some examples, the trigger criterion for an uplink transmission may be considered verified if the stored electrical energy measure is greater than the predetermined threshold of the energy measure and if one or more other conditions are verified, for example, if the channel quality value is greater than a predetermined threshold of the channel quality value, etc.

[0062] For example, the threshold value of the energy measure at the wireless device 25 may be predefined (e.g., specified by a standard or by calibration of the wireless device 25).

[0063] In other examples and as Fig. 4, the method 40 for exchanging data may include a prior step S45 of receiving, from the RAN, information regarding at least one energy metric threshold, and the energy metric threshold may be determined by the wireless device 25 based on the received information. For example, the received information may include the values for one or more energy metric thresholds that may be used by the wireless device 25. For example, the received information may consist of a single energy metric threshold that the wireless device 25 may directly use in evaluating the trigger criterion for an uplink transmission. In other examples, the received information may include a plurality of different energy metric thresholds, e.g., associated with respective traffic classes (e.g.,a priority of uplink data to be transmitted, etc.), respective channel quality values, respective volumes of uplink data to be transmitted, etc. In such a case, the wireless device 25 may select an energy measure threshold from the plurality of received energy measure thresholds based on the transmission context of the uplink data (traffic class, channel quality value, volume of uplink data, etc.).

[0064] For example, the information regarding at least one threshold value of the energy measure may be received in system information broadcast by the RAN and / or in a signaling message specifically addressed to the wireless device 25 or to a group of wireless devices 25 including the wireless device. In the latter case, the trigger signal for an uplink transmission may optionally include an identifier of the wireless device 25 or the group of wireless devices to enable the wireless device 25 to detect that it is the recipient of this information.

[0065] As stated above, if the trigger criterion for an uplink transmission is not verified, the uplink data transmission is delayed (step S44). For example, the uplink data transmission may be delayed by a predetermined delay, which begins when it is determined that the uplink data transmission should be delayed. In such a case, the uplink data transmission may be initiated once the predetermined delay has elapsed without the need to re-evaluate the trigger criterion for an uplink transmission.

[0066] In other examples and as Fig. As illustrated in Figure 4, the evaluation of the trigger criterion for an uplink transmission may be performed repeatedly, for example, at each subsequent uplink transmission opportunity, until the trigger criterion for an uplink transmission is verified. For example, the uplink data transmission may be initiated as soon as the level of stored electrical energy is greater than the predetermined threshold value of the energy measure.

[0067] In some examples, the trigger criterion for an uplink transmission may be verified at some point, regardless of the amount of stored electrical energy, to ensure that the uplink data transmission is not delayed indefinitely. For example, the trigger criterion for an uplink transmission may be verified when the delay introduced to perform the transmission of the uplink data reaches a predetermined maximum delay. According to another example, the trigger criterion for an uplink transmission may be verified when the number of missed uplink transmission opportunities reaches a predetermined maximum number of missed uplink transmission opportunities. Thus, such specifications ensure that the uplink data transmission is not delayed by more than a predetermined maximum delay or by more than a predetermined maximum number of missed uplink transmission opportunities.

[0068] In alternative examples, the uplink data to be transmitted may be discarded if the trigger criterion for an uplink transmission is still not verified after a predetermined maximum delay or after a predetermined maximum number of rejected uplink transmission opportunities.

[0069] As discussed above, Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating corresponding steps of an exemplary embodiment of a method 50 for exchanging data that may be implemented by a BS 30 when the wireless device 25 executes the method 40 for exchanging data that may be implemented by Fig. 4 is implemented.

[0070] As through Fig. 5, the method 50 for exchanging data includes a step S50 of transmitting, to the wireless device 25, information regarding at least one threshold value of the energy measure (received by the wireless device 25 at step S45) to be used by the wireless device 25 to evaluate the trigger criterion for an uplink transmission. As discussed above, this information may, for example, be broadcast in system information and / or transmitted in a signaling message specifically addressed to the wireless device 25 or to a group of wireless devices including the wireless device 25.

[0071] In some examples, the method 50 for exchanging data may include a step (not shown in the figures) of estimating a channel quality value of the propagation channel between the BS 30 and the wireless device 25 and a step (not shown in the figures) of determining the at least one energy measure threshold based on the estimated channel quality value. This is because the energy measure threshold may be adjusted based on the channel quality value. For example, the energy measure threshold may be lower when the channel quality is good than when the channel quality is poor. For example, the BS 30 may select an energy measure threshold from a plurality of predetermined energy measure thresholds associated with respective different channel quality values.

[0072] In the example of Fig. 5, it is assumed in a non-limiting manner that the wireless device 25 determines that uplink data should be transmitted when it receives an uplink transmission trigger signal from the RAN. Accordingly, the method 50 for exchanging data includes a step S51 of transmitting an uplink transmission trigger signal to the wireless device 25 as an indication that uplink data should be transmitted to the RAN. It is noted that any suitable format may be used for the uplink transmission trigger signal, and that the selection of a specific format for the uplink transmission trigger signal corresponds to a specific, but non-limiting, embodiment of the present disclosure.It is also noted that in some examples, the information regarding at least one threshold value of the energy measure may be included in the trigger signal for an uplink transmission, ie, steps S50 and S51 may correspond to one and the same step.

[0073] For example, in examples where the BS 30 includes an energy harvesting signal generator 305, the BS 30 may begin transmitting an energy harvesting (RF) signal to the wireless device 25 before transmitting the trigger signal for an uplink transmission to the wireless device 25.

[0074] Level of stored electrical energy and channel quality value

[0075] Fig. 6 illustrates a diagram showing steps of an exemplary embodiment of a method 60 for exchanging data implemented by a wireless device 25 of a UE 20. Fig. 7 illustrates a diagram showing respective steps of an exemplary embodiment of a method 70 for exchanging data implemented by a BS 30 of the RAN.

[0076] As through Fig. 6, the method 60 for exchanging data includes a step S60 of determining a threshold value of the energy measure based on an estimated channel quality value of the propagation channel between the RAN and the wireless device 25.

[0077] The channel quality value may be estimated by the wireless device 25 or by the RAN and transmitted to the wireless device 25. For example, the channel quality value may correspond to one or more of a reference signal received power (RSRP), a received signal strength indicator (RSSI), a reference signal received quality (RSRQ), a channel quality indicator (CQI), a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), etc. The present disclosure may use any method known to those skilled in the art for estimating the channel quality value, and the selection of a specific method corresponds to a specific, but non-limiting, embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0078] For example, the wireless device 25 may determine a threshold energy measure to use using a preconfigured function that outputs a threshold energy measure in response to an input channel quality value.

[0079] For example, the wireless device 25 may be preconfigured with an association between a plurality of different energy measure threshold values and respective associated channel quality values, and the wireless device 25 may select the energy measure threshold value associated with the estimated channel quality value according to the preconfigured association.

[0080] For example, the mapping between the plurality of different energy measure threshold values and the respective associated channel quality values may be predefined at the wireless device 25 (e.g., specified by a standard or by a calibration of the wireless device 25).

[0081] In other examples and as Fig. 6, the method 60 for exchanging data may include a prior step S66 of receiving, from the RAN, the association between the plurality of different threshold values of the energy measure and the respective associated channel quality values. In some examples, the wireless device 25 may receive a plurality of these associations, which may be associated, for example, with respective traffic classes (e.g., a priority of uplink data to be transmitted, etc.), with respective volumes of transmitted uplink data, etc. In such a case, the wireless device 25 may select one association from the plurality of associations based on the transmission context of the uplink data (traffic class, volume of uplink data, etc.).

[0082] For example, the at least one association between the plurality of different energy measure threshold values and the respective associated channel quality values may be received in system information broadcast by the RAN and / or in a signaling message specifically addressed to the wireless device 25 or to a group of wireless devices including the wireless device 25. In the latter case, the trigger signal for an uplink transmission may optionally include an identifier of the wireless device 25 or the group of wireless devices to enable the wireless device 25 to detect that it is the recipient of this information.

[0083] As through Fig. 6, the method 60 for exchanging data includes a step S61 of determining that uplink data should be sent by the wireless device 25. Everything that is required for step S40 of the method 40 for exchanging data in Fig. 4, applies similarly to step S61 of the method 60 for exchanging data in Fig. 6.

[0084] In Fig. 6, step S60 of determining the energy measure threshold is illustrated as being performed before step S61 of determining that uplink data should be transmitted. As stated above, the order of the steps in the figures is provided for illustrative purposes only and is in no way limiting. For example, step S61 of determining the energy measure threshold may be performed concurrently with or after step S61 of determining that uplink data should be transmitted. For example, if the wireless device 25 receives an uplink transmission trigger signal as an indication from the RAN that uplink data should be transmitted, it is then possible to estimate the channel quality value using the received uplink transmission trigger signal or, where appropriate, using the received wake-up signal.

[0085] As through Fig. 6, the method 60 for exchanging data comprises, in response to determining at step S61 that uplink data is to be transmitted, a step S62 of measuring a measure of the electrical energy stored in the energy storage unit 255. Everything that is required for step S41 of the method 40 for exchanging data in Fig. 4, applies similarly to step S62 of the method 60 for exchanging data in Fig. 6.

[0086] As through Fig. 6, the method 60 for exchanging data then comprises a step S63 of evaluating a trigger criterion for an uplink transmission by comparing the stored electrical energy measure with the threshold value of the energy measure determined in step S62. If the trigger criterion for an uplink transmission is verified (reference symbol S63a in Fig. 6), the method 60 for exchanging data includes a step S64 of transmitting uplink data (ie, all or part of the uplink data available at the wireless device 25) to the RAN. However, if the trigger criterion for an uplink transmission is not verified (reference sign S63b in Fig. 6), the method 60 for exchanging data comprises a step S65 of delaying the transmission of the uplink data to the RAN. Everything that is required for step S42 of the method 40 for exchanging data in Fig. 4, applies similarly to step S63 of the method 60 for exchanging data in Fig. 6.

[0087] As discussed above, Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating corresponding steps of an exemplary embodiment of a method 70 for exchanging data that may be implemented by a BS 30 when the wireless device 25 executes the method 60 for exchanging data that may be implemented by Fig. 6 is implemented.

[0088] As through Fig. 7, the method 70 for exchanging data includes a step S70 of transmitting, to the wireless device 25, information regarding at least one threshold of the channel quality value and at least one associated threshold of the energy measure (received by the wireless device 25 at step S66). As discussed above, the transmitted information corresponds, for example, to a function that outputs a threshold of the energy measure in response to an input channel quality value, or an association between a plurality of different thresholds of the energy measure and respective associated channel quality values, etc. As discussed above, this information may, for example,in system information broadcast and / or transmitted in a signaling message specifically addressed to the wireless device 25 or to a group of wireless devices including the wireless device 25.

[0089] In the example of Fig. 7, it is assumed, in a non-limiting manner, that the wireless device 25 determines that uplink data should be transmitted when it receives a trigger signal for an uplink transmission from the RAN. Accordingly, the method 70 for exchanging data comprises a step S71 of transmitting a trigger signal for an uplink transmission to the wireless device 25 as an indication that uplink data should be transmitted to the RAN. Everything that is required for step S51 of the method 50 for exchanging data in Fig. 5, applies similarly to step S71 of the method 70 for exchanging data in Fig. 7.

[0090] For example, in examples where the BS 30 includes an energy harvesting signal generator 305, the BS 30 may begin transmitting an energy harvesting (RF) signal to the wireless device 25 before transmitting the trigger signal for an uplink transmission to the wireless device 25. Amount of stored electrical energy and volume of uplink data

[0091] Fig. 8 illustrates a diagram showing steps of an exemplary embodiment of a method 80 for exchanging data implemented by a wireless device 25 of a UE 20. Fig. 9 illustrates a diagram showing respective steps of an exemplary embodiment of a method 90 for exchanging data implemented by a BS 30 of the RAN.

[0092] As through Fig. 8, the method 80 for exchanging data includes a step S80 of determining that uplink data should be sent by the wireless device 25. Everything that is required for step S40 of the method 40 for exchanging data in Fig. 4, applies similarly to step S80 of the method 80 for exchanging data in Fig. 8.

[0093] As through Fig. 8, the method 80 for exchanging data comprises, in response to determining, at step S80, that uplink data is to be transmitted: - a step S81 of measuring a measure of the electrical energy stored in the energy storage unit 255 and - a step S82 of determining a volume of uplink data to be transmitted.

[0094] Everything that is required for step S41 of the method 40 for exchanging data in Fig. 4, applies similarly to step S81 of the method 80 for exchanging data in Fig. 8.

[0095] The volume of uplink data to be transmitted may take any suitable format that allows it to be compared, for example, to a threshold. For example, the volume of uplink data may correspond to a number of bits, a number of bytes, etc., that the wireless device 25 must transmit to the RAN.

[0096] As through Fig. 8, the method 80 for exchanging data then comprises a step S83 of evaluating a trigger criterion for an uplink transmission by comparing the level of stored electrical energy with a predetermined threshold value of the energy measure and by comparing the volume of uplink data to be transmitted with at least one predetermined maximum uplink data volume associated with the at least one threshold value of the energy measure. If the trigger criterion for an uplink transmission is verified (reference symbol S83a in Fig. 8), the method 80 for exchanging data includes a step S84 of transmitting uplink data (ie, all or part of the uplink data available at the wireless device 25) to the RAN. However, if the trigger criterion for an uplink transmission is not verified (reference sign S83b in Fig. 8), the method 80 for exchanging data includes a step S85 of delaying the transmission of the uplink data to the RAN.

[0097] Thus, the wireless device 25 considers both the level of stored electrical energy and the volume of uplink data before initiating the uplink data transmission. For example, the trigger criterion for an uplink transmission to be verified may require a higher level of stored electrical energy for transmitting a large volume of uplink data than for transmitting a small volume of uplink data. Thus, in some examples, the wireless device 25 may adjust the threshold energy level based on the volume of uplink data to be transmitted, or alternatively, it may adjust the maximum uplink data volume based on the level of energy stored in the energy storage unit 255.

[0098] It is noted that in some examples, it is also possible to consider other parameters for determining whether the wireless device 25 can initiate the uplink data transmission. For example, the evaluation of the trigger criterion for an uplink transmission may also consider the channel quality of the propagation channel between the RAN and the wireless device 25. For example, the trigger criterion for an uplink transmission may be considered unverified once the channel quality value is below a predetermined minimum channel quality value. Conversely, if the channel quality value is above the predetermined minimum channel quality value, the wireless device may further evaluate the amount of stored electrical energy and the volume of uplink data to be transmitted, as discussed above, to decide whether the uplink data transmission can be initiated.

[0099] In some examples, the evaluation of the trigger criterion for an uplink transmission may use a preconfigured mapping between a plurality of different energy measure thresholds and respective associated different maximum uplink data volumes.

[0100] For example, the mapping between the plurality of different energy measure thresholds and the respective associated maximum uplink data volumes may be predefined at the wireless device 25 (e.g., specified by a standard or by a calibration of the wireless device 25).

[0101] In other examples and as Fig. 8, the method 80 for exchanging data may include a prior step S86 of receiving, from the RAN, the mapping between the plurality of different energy measure threshold values and the respective associated maximum uplink data volumes. In some examples, the wireless device 25 may receive a plurality of these mappings, e.g., associated with respective traffic classes (e.g., a priority of uplink data to be transmitted, etc.), with respective channel quality values, etc. In such a case, the wireless device 25 may select one mapping from the plurality of mappings based on the transmission context of the uplink data (traffic class, channel quality value, etc.).

[0102] For example, the at least one association between the plurality of different energy metric thresholds and the respective associated maximum uplink data volumes may be received in system information broadcast by the RAN and / or in a signaling message specifically addressed to the wireless device 25 or to a group of wireless devices including the wireless device 25. In the latter case, the uplink transmission trigger signal may optionally include an identifier of the wireless device 25 or the group of wireless devices to enable the wireless device 25 to detect that it is the recipient of this information.

[0103] Table 1 provides an example of a mapping between the majority of energy measure thresholds and the majority of respective maximum uplink data volumes. Table 1 Schwellenwert des Energiemaßes Maximales Uplink-Datenvolumen EL1 DV1 EL2 DV2 EL3 DV3

[0104] In the example of Table 1, the different thresholds of the energy measure are defined by different values EL1, EL2, and EL3, such that: 0 < EL1 < EL2 < EL3. The different maximum uplink data volumes are defined by different values DV1, DV2, and DV3, such that: 0 < DV1 < DV2 < DV3. For example, if EL denotes the measured amount of electrical energy stored in the energy storage unit 255 and DV denotes the specific volume of uplink data to be transmitted by the wireless device 25, the following applies: - if EL < EL1, then the trigger criterion for an uplink transmission is not verified, regardless of the volume of uplink data to be transmitted, - if EL1 < EL < EL2, then the maximum uplink data volume is DV1 and the trigger criterion for an uplink transmission is verified if DV < DV1 (and not verified if DV > DV1), - if EL2 < EL < EL3, then the maximum uplink data volume is DV2 and the trigger criterion for an uplink transmission is verified if DV < DV2 (and not verified if DV > DV2), - if EL > EL3, then the maximum uplink data volume is DV3 and the trigger criterion for an uplink transmission is verified if DV < DV3 (and unverified if DV > DV3).

[0105] Thus, the trigger criterion for an uplink transmission is verified, for example, if the volume of uplink data to be transmitted is less than the maximum uplink data volume associated with the largest energy measure threshold, which is less than the stored electrical energy measure. Of course, other formats for mapping between a plurality of energy measure thresholds and a plurality of maximum uplink data volumes can be considered, and other decision strategies can also be considered when using such a mapping.

[0106] As stated above, if the trigger criterion for an uplink transmission is not verified, the uplink data transmission is delayed (step S85). For example, the uplink data transmission may be delayed by a predetermined delay that begins when it is determined that the uplink data transmission should be delayed. In such a case, the uplink data transmission may be initiated once the predetermined delay has elapsed without the need to re-evaluate the trigger criterion for an uplink transmission.

[0107] In other examples and as Fig. 8, the evaluation of the trigger criterion for an uplink transmission may be performed repeatedly, for example, on each subsequent uplink transmission occasion, until the trigger criterion for an uplink transmission is verified. For example, the uplink data transmission may be initiated once the level of stored electrical energy is greater than the predetermined threshold energy level. In some examples, the trigger criterion for an uplink transmission may also be verified at some point, regardless of the level of stored electrical energy, to ensure that the uplink data transmission is not delayed indefinitely. For example, the trigger criterion for an uplink transmission may be verified when the delay introduced to perform the transmission of the uplink data reaches a predetermined maximum delay.According to another example, the trigger criterion for an uplink transmission may be verified when the number of rejected uplink transmission opportunities reaches a predetermined maximum number of rejected uplink transmission opportunities.

[0108] In alternative examples, the uplink data to be transmitted may be discarded if the trigger criterion for an uplink transmission is still not verified after a predetermined maximum delay or after a predetermined maximum number of rejected uplink transmission opportunities.

[0109] As discussed above, Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating corresponding steps of an exemplary embodiment of a method 90 for exchanging data that may be implemented by a BS 30 when the wireless device 25 executes the method 80 for exchanging data that may be implemented by Fig. 8 is implemented.

[0110] As through Fig. 9, the method 90 for exchanging data includes a step S90 of transmitting, to the wireless device 25, information regarding at least one energy measure threshold and at least one maximum uplink data volume (received by the wireless device 25 at step S86) to be used during the evaluation of the trigger criterion for an uplink transmission. As discussed above, the transmitted information corresponds, for example, to an association between a plurality of energy measure thresholds and a plurality of maximum uplink data volumes. As discussed above, this information may, for example, be broadcast in system information and / or transmitted in a signaling message specifically addressed to the wireless device 25 or to a group of wireless devices including the wireless device 25.

[0111] In some examples, the method 90 for exchanging data may include a step (not shown in the figures) of estimating a (current or future) utilization level of the BS 30, and a step (not shown in the figures) of adapting, based on the estimated utilization level, information regarding at least one threshold value of the energy measure and at least one maximum uplink data volume transmitted to the wireless device 25. The utilization level represents the amount of traffic that the BS 30 must handle. For example, the utilization level may correspond to: a total number of UEs 20 having data to exchange with the BS 30, a total amount of uplink data to be received by the BS 30 from multiple UEs 20, etc. For example, the maximum uplink data volumes may be lower when the utilization level is high (e.g.,near network congestion) than when the utilization level is low. Alternatively, or in combination, the energy metric thresholds may be higher when the utilization level is high (e.g., near congestion) than when the utilization level is low. For example, the BS 30 may select an association between a plurality of energy metric thresholds and a plurality of maximum uplink data volumes from a plurality of predetermined associations associated with respective different utilization levels.

[0112] In the example of Fig. 9, it is assumed, in a non-limiting manner, that the wireless device 25 determines that uplink data should be transmitted when it receives an uplink transmission trigger signal from the RAN. Accordingly, the method 90 for exchanging data includes a step S91 of transmitting an uplink transmission trigger signal to the wireless device 25 as an indication that uplink data should be transmitted to the RAN.

[0113] For example, in examples where the BS 30 includes an energy harvesting signal generator 305, the BS 30 may begin transmitting an energy harvesting (RF) signal to the wireless device 25 before transmitting the trigger signal for an uplink transmission to the wireless device 25. Everything required for step S51 of the method 50 for exchanging data in Fig. 5, applies similarly to step S91 of the method 90 for exchanging data in Fig. 9.

[0114] It is emphasized that the present disclosure is not limited to the above exemplary embodiments. Variants of the above exemplary embodiments also fall within the scope of the present disclosure. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited non-patent literature

[0000] TR 38.848 V18.0.0

[0003]

Claims

[1] A method (60) for exchanging data in a wireless communication system, the method being implemented by a wireless device (25) of the wireless communication system, the wireless device comprising an energy harvesting unit (254) configured to convert ambient energy into electrical energy that is stored in an energy storage unit (255) of the wireless device, the wireless device further comprising a communication unit (253) configured to exchange data with a radio access network (RAN) of the wireless communication system, the method comprising determining (S60) a threshold value of the energy measure based on an estimated channel quality value of a propagation channel between the RAN and the wireless device (25), and, in response to determining that uplink data is to be sent to the RAN, the following: - (S62) measuring a measure of the electrical energy stored in the energy storage unit, - (S63) evaluating a trigger criterion for an uplink transmission by comparing the level of stored electrical energy with the determined threshold value of the energy level, - in response to the trigger criterion for an uplink transmission being verified: (S64) transmitting uplink data to the RAN, - in response to the trigger criterion for an uplink transmission not being verified: (S65) Delaying the transmission of the uplink data to the RAN. [2] The method (60) of claim 1, wherein the energy measure threshold is selected from a plurality of different energy measure thresholds using a preconfigured mapping between the plurality of different energy measure thresholds and respective associated channel quality values. [3] The method (60) of claim 2, wherein the association between the plurality of different threshold values of the energy measure and their respective associated channel quality values is predefined or received in system information broadcast by the RAN or received in a signaling message specifically addressed to the wireless device or to a group of wireless devices including the wireless device. [4] Method (60) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transmission of the uplink data to the RAN is delayed until the trigger criterion for an uplink transmission is verified. [5] Method (60) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the trigger criterion for an uplink transmission is verified when the level of stored electrical energy is greater than the determined threshold value of the energy level. [6] Method (60) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the trigger criterion for an uplink transmission is verified regardless of the amount of stored electrical energy: - if the delay introduced to perform the transmission of the uplink data reaches a predetermined maximum delay or - when the number of rejected uplink transmission opportunities reaches a specified maximum number of rejected uplink transmission opportunities. [7] The method (60) of any preceding claim, wherein the wireless device determines that uplink data is to be transmitted based on receiving an uplink transmission trigger signal from the RAN. [8] The method (60) of any preceding claim, wherein the energy harvesting unit is a radio unit configured to convert a received radio frequency signal into electrical energy. [9] A wireless device (25) comprising at least one memory and at least one processor configured to perform a method (60) according to any one of the preceding claims. [10] A user equipment (UE) (20) comprising a wireless device according to claim 9. [11] A method (70) for exchanging data in a wireless communication system, the method being implemented by a base station (BS) (30) of a radio access network (RAN) of the wireless communication system, the BS being configured to exchange data with a wireless device (25) comprising an energy harvesting unit (254) configured to convert ambient energy into electrical energy that is stored in an energy storage unit (255) of the wireless device, the method comprising transmitting (S70) to the wireless device (25) information relating to at least one channel quality value and at least one threshold value of the energy measure. [12] The method (70) of claim 11, wherein the information regarding at least one channel quality value and at least one threshold value of the energy measure comprises an association between a plurality of different threshold values of the energy measure and respective associated channel quality values. [13] The method (70) of any one of claims 11 to 12, comprising transmitting (S71) an uplink transmission trigger signal to the wireless device as an indication that uplink data is to be transmitted by the wireless device (25) to the RAN. [14] The method (70) of claim 13, comprising beginning to transmit an energy harvesting signal to the wireless device (25) prior to transmitting the trigger signal for an uplink transmission to that wireless device. [15] The method (70) of any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the information regarding at least one channel quality value and at least one threshold value of the energy measure is broadcast in system information and / or transmitted in a signaling message specifically addressed to the wireless device or to a group of wireless devices including the wireless device. [16] Base station (BS - base station) (30) comprising at least one memory and at least one processor configured to carry out a method (70) according to any one of claims 11 to 15. [17] A wireless communication system comprising at least one base station (30) according to claim 16 and at least one user device (20) according to claim 10. [18] A computer program product (252, 302) comprising instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, configure the at least one processor to perform a method (60) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 or a method (70) according to any one of claims 11 to 15. [19] A computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, configure the at least one processor to perform a method (60) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 or a method (70) according to any one of claims 11 to 15.

Images