A method for avoiding redundant and missed random access transmissions for Ambient IoT devices

Abstract

To avoid redundant access transmissions from ambient internet of things (A-IoT) devices, when an A-IoT access procedure is triggered by a reader sending a trigger / paging message indicating a new acces

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD:

[0001] The teachings in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of this invention relate generally to a method that ensures that A-IoT device(s), upon receiving the new access occasion / round indication avoids redundant and / or unnecessary new access transmissions if its previous access trial has been successful, and tries to re-access the networks, such as by sending a new access transmission and, more specifically, relate to a method that ensures that A-IoT device(s), upon receiving the new access occasion / round indication avoids redundant and / or unnecessary new access transmissions if its previous access trial has been successful, and tries to re-access the networks, such as by sending a new access transmission if its previous access trial has failed. BACKGROUND:

[0002] This section is intended to provide a background or context to the invention that is recited in the claims. The description herein may include concepts that could be pursued, but are not necessarily ones that have been previously conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated herein, what is described in this section is not prior art to the description and claims in this application and is not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section.

[0003] Certain abbreviations that may be found in the description and / or in the Figures are herewith defined as follows: A-IoT Ambient internet-of-things CW Carrier wave D2R A-IoT device to reader DL Downlink DO-A Device-originated - autonomous DO-DTT Device-originated - device-terminated triggered DT Device-terminated FDD Frequency division duplexing gNB 5G Base Station NR New Radio (5G) R2D Reader to A-IoT device TRP Transmission Reception Point UE User Equipment UL Uplink

[0004] Example embodiments of this invention relate to Ambient-IoT (Intemet-of-Thing), devices which is approved in a part of Rel-19 NR study item, as found in RP-240826.

[0005] Example embodiments of this invention propose improved operations for contention-based random access procedures for such Ambient-loT devices. SUMMARY:

[0006] This section contains examples of possible implementations and is not meant to be limiting.

[0007] In an example aspect of the invention, there is an apparatus, such as a ambient loT device, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one non-transitory memory storing instructions, that when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: receive at least one initial access indication message within an access round from a transmitting reader to initiate an access procedure; send at least one access transmission to a receiving reader using resources for contention-based access indicated by the transmitting reader in the at least one access indication message; receive from the transmitting reader a subsequent new access occasion indication within the access round along with a list of at least one accessed device identification during the previous access occasion based on an indicated report by a receiving reader, or receive from the transmitting reader, after a last access occasion within the access round, a list of at least one accessed device identification during the access round; and resend the access transmission and complete the access procedure with the receiving reader based on the indicated list of at least one accessed device identification.

[0008] In still another example aspect of the invention, there is a method, comprising: receiving at least one initial access indication message from a transmitting reader to initiate an access procedure; sending at least one access transmission to a receiving reader using the indicated resources for contention-based access by the transmitting reader in the at least one access indication message; receiving from the transmitting reader a subsequent new access occasion indication along with a list of at least one accessed device identification during the previous occasion based on the indicated report by a receiving reader; and resending the access transmission and completing the access procedure with the receiving reader based on the indicated list of at least one accessed device identification by the transmitting reader in the at least one access indication message.

[0009] A further example embodiment is an apparatus and a method comprising the apparatus and the method of the previous paragraphs, wherein accessed devices will not try to contend again as the long as the new access is indicated to be within a same ongoing inventory session or procedure, wherein at least one device that failed to access in a previous access occasion in addition to the devices which try to access the network for the first time send a new access transmission once it receives the new access indication, wherein all devices within a specific round will continue contending for all occasions within that round and the accessed devices within this round will stop contending only when a new round indication is sent along with their identifications by the transmitting reader, wherein the at least one contention-based message is using indicated resources by the transmitting reader for the at least one contentionbased access procedure, wherein the information sent to the transmitting reader comprises a form of identification of the devices of the at least one device that have successfully completed their contention-based access procedure, wherein the form of identification is based on devices that have successfully completed a contention-based access procedure, wherein the form of identification of the at least one at least one device is sent after a last access occasion of the at least one access round, wherein the form of identification of the devices that successfully completed their access procedure within the access occasion of the access round is stored, wherein the the form of identification of the devices of the at least one device is sent, wherein based on an expiration of a timer started before reception of the at least one response from the at least one device that has used the initial at least one random-access occasion, wherein the determination of successful use of the at least one contention-based random-access procedure by the one or more device is based on information from the at least one device, wherein based on the information reporting of the list of one or more device that have successfully completed their access procedure, the subsequent at least one access occasion indication message is received with a list of devices of the at least one device that have successfully completed their access procedure, wherein one of the receiving reader or a core network function may use a timer or counter-based method while waiting for a response to either the trigger message or while waiting for A-IoT Msg3, wherein the another at least one contention-based random-access procedure is using at least one of a random-access procedure Msg 1 and a Msg 3, wherein the list of one or more device that have successfully completed their access procedure is determined based on successful decoding of one or more of messages received from the device, wherein the initial at least one random access occasion indication message is using at least one of a paging message or an initial access indication to initiate the at least one contention-based randomaccess procedure with at least one device, and / or wherein the one or more devices comprise one or more ambient internet of things In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above.

[0010] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing program code, the program code executed by at least one processor to perform at least the method as described in the paragraphs above.

[0011] In yet another example aspect of the invention, there is an apparatus comprising: means for using an initial at least one access occasion from a transmitting reader to perform at least one contention-based random-access procedure with at least one device; means, based on determination of a successful use of the at least one contention-based random-access procedure by one or more device, for sending to the transmitting reader information reporting of a list of one or more device that have successfully completed their access procedure, wherein the information comprises a request to terminate the at least one contention-based random-access procedure; means for using a subsequent at least one access occasion indication message from the transmitting reader to perform at least one contention-based random-access procedure with at least one device that has failed or is performing for a first time a contention-based access procedure with the transmitting reader; means, based on the subsequent at least one access occasion indication message, for performing another at least one contention-based randomaccess procedure with at least one device.

[0012] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraph above, at least the means for performing, sending, and receiving comprises a network interface, and computer program code stored on a computer-readable medium and executed by at least one processor.

[0013] In another example aspect of the invention, there is an apparatus, such as a network side apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one non-transitory memory storing instructions, that when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: communicate an initial at least one random access occasion indication message with at least one device to perform at least one contention-based random access procedure with the at least one device; receive from the receiving reader, based on at least one response from the at least one device that has used the initial at least one random access occasion indication message, information reporting of a list of one or more device that have successfully completed their access procedure, wherein the information comprises a request to terminate the at least one contention-based random access procedure; send a subsequent at least one access occasion indication message to perform at least one contention-based random-access procedure with at least one device that has failed or is performing for a first time a contention-based access procedure with the transmitting reader, wherein based on the subsequent at least one random access occasion indication message, another at least one contention-based access procedure with at least one device is performed.

[0014] In still another example aspect of the invention, there is a method, comprising: communicating an initial at least one random access occasion indication message with at least one device to perform at least one contention-based random access procedure with the at least one device; receiving from the receiving reader, based on at least one response from the at least one device that has used the initial at least one random access occasion indication message, information reporting of a list of one or more device that have successfully completed their access procedure, wherein the information comprises a request to terminate the at least one contention-based random access procedure; sending a subsequent at least one access occasion indication message to perform at least one contention-based random-access procedure with at least one device that has failed or is performing for a first time a contention-based access procedure with the transmitting reader, wherein based on the subsequent at least one random access occasion indication message, another at least one contention-based access procedure with at least one device is performed.

[0015] A further example embodiment is an apparatus and a method comprising the apparatus and the method of the previous paragraphs, wherein the at least one contention-based message is using indicated resources by the transmitting reader for the at least one contentionbased access, wherein the information received from the receiving reader comprises a form of identification of the devices of the at least one device that have successfully completed their contention-based access procedure, wherein the form of identification is based on devices that have successfully completed a contention-based access procedure, wherein the form of identification of the at least one at least one device is received after a last access occasion of the at least one access round, and wherein the form of identification of the devices that successfully completed their access procedure within the access occasion of the access round is stored, wherein based on the information reporting of the list of one or more device that have successfully completed their access procedure, the subsequent at least one access occasion indication message is received with a list of devices of the at least one device that have successfully completed their access procedure, wherein the another at least one contentionbased access procedure is using at least one of a random-access A-IoT Msg 1 and an A-IoT Msg 3, wherein the initial at least one random access occasion indication message is using at least one of a paging message or an initial access indication to initiate the at least one contentionbased random access procedure with the least one device, and / or wherein the one or more devices comprise one or more ambient internet of things.

[0016] In yet another example aspect of the invention, there is an apparatus comprising: means for communicating an initial at least one random access occasion indication message with at least one device to perform at least one contention-based random access procedure with the at least one device; means for receiving from the receiving reader, based on at least one response from the at least one device that has used the initial random access occasion indication message, information reporting of a list of one or more device that have successfully completed their access procedure, wherein the information comprises a request to terminate the at least one contention-based random access procedure; means for sending a subsequent at least one access occasion indication message to perform at least one contention-based random-access procedure with at least one device that has failed or is performing for a first time a contention-based access procedure with the transmitting reader, wherein based on the subsequent at least one random access occasion indication message, another at least one contention-based access procedure with at least one device is performed.

[0017] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraph above, at least the means for communicating, receiving, and terminating comprises a network interface, and computer program code stored on a computer-readable medium and executed by at least one processor.

[0018] A communication system comprising the network side apparatus and the user equipment side apparatus performing operations as described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

[0019] The above and other aspects, features, and benefits of various embodiments of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference signs are used to designate like or equivalent elements. The drawings are illustrated for facilitating better understanding of the embodiments of the disclosure and are not necessarily drawn to scale, in which:

[0020] FIG. 1A shows a 4-step and Fig. IB a 2-step A-IoT contention-based access procedure;

[0021] FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B show a flow chart of proposed signaling for A-IOT contention based access in accordance with example embodiments of the invention;

[0022] FIG. 3 shows a high level block diagram of various devices used in carrying out various aspects of the invention; and

[0023] FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B each show a method in accordance with example embodiments of the invention which may be performed by an apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION:

[0024] In example embodiments of this invention there is proposed at least a method and apparatus for a method that ensures that an A-IoT device, upon receiving the new access occasion / round indication 1) avoids redundant and / or unnecessary new access transmissions if its previous access trial has been successful, and 2) tries to re-access the networks, such as by sending a new access transmission if its previous access trial has failed.

[0025] As similarly stated above, this invention is about Ambient-IoT (Internet-of-Thing), which is approved in a part of Rel-19 NR study item. The SID (study item description) can be found in 3GPP RP-240826. A skeleton for TR 38.769 that was endorsed during the 3GPP RAN1#116 meeting can be found in 3GPP RI-2401795.

[0026] The spectrum considered is FR1 licensed spectrum in FDD, which can be in-band to NR, in guard-band to NR, or in standalone band(s). The traffic types considered are DO-DTT and DT, focusing on indoor inventory and indoor command representative use cases. The study also assesses whether the harmonized air interface can address the DO-A use case.

[0027] FIG. 1A and IB show an illustration of the 4-step and 2-step contention-based random access procedures for A-IoT devices. The access procedure is triggered by the reader by sending a trigger message that can be followed by either a 4-step or 2-step procedure. The access procedure (i.e., all steps) are completed within one occasion (i.e., a time or frequency resource allocation) to give access to one device. An access round comprises several occasions to give access to multiple devices and the process is repeated using multiple rounds within an inventory session until all targeted devices to be triggered access the network (i.e., establish a communication link with the reader). Each access occasion round is preceded by a new access occasion / round indication message to indicate the devices (who failed or did not try to access in the previous occasion) to contend and try to access the network.

[0028] FIG. 1A and FIG. IB respectively show a 4-step and 2-step A-IoT contentionbased access procedure.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 1A, during a first access round there is a trigger / paging message from the Reader to a Device, such as an ambient device. Then in FIG. 1A an access occasion / round indication is sent from the Reader to the Device. Following this, in FIG. IB there is A-IoT Msgl: random ID from the Device to the Reader. In response, an A-IoT Msg2 random ID echo from the Reader to the Device. Then, in FIG. 1A an A-IoT Msg3 device ID from the Device to the Reader. Optionally followed by an A-IoT Msg3 ACK / NACK from the Reader to the Device.

[0030] In FIG. IB, during another access round there is a trigger / paging message from the Reader to a Device, such as an ambient device. Then in FIG. IB an access occasion / round indication is sent from the Reader to the Device. Following this, in FIG. IB there is A-IoT MsgA: Device ID from the Device to the Reader. The, optionally there is an A-IoT MsgB echo from the Reader to the Device.

[0031] Hence, on one hand, it is essential to ensure that the devices who successfully accessed the network in an access occasion do not try to re-access again when they receive an indication for a new access occasion. Redundant (i.e., unnecessary) access trials consume the limited energy resources at the devices, lead to high levels of collisions and access failures. On the other hand, it is also essential to ensure that the devices who failed or did not try to access in an access occasion always try to re-access again upon receiving the new access occasion indication. Missing re-access trials when previous access transmissions fail leads to device reachability issues, in which the network cannot reach the device for long time periods. Assuming that the reader always responds to the device’s A-IoT Msg3 (FIG. 1 A) or MsgA (FIG. IB) transmission with either an ACK or NACK, the device may not receive the A-IoT Msg3 NACK (i.e., A-IoT Msg3 failure indication) and skip trying to re-access upon receiving the new access occasion / round indication thinking that the previous access trial was successful. In some other scenarios, when A-IoT Msg3 transmission is successful, the device may not receive the Msg3 ACK and try to re-access (i.e., send a new A-IoT Msgl) upon receiving the new access occasion / round indication thinking that the previous access trial (i.e., A-IoTMsg3 transmission) has failed.

[0032] Using a counter / timer-based mechanism at the device side to start a count-down timer once A-IoT Msg3 / MsgA is sent to conclude that the access trial has failed if the timer expires before receiving Msg3 ACK / NACK or MsgB, as discussed in R2-2402379, may not be feasible because of the large SFO and timing drift errors that the low-complexity low-cost A-loT suffer from.

[0033] In a related 3 GPP discussion, it was agreed that a response to A-IoT Msg3 or MsgA does not need to be always sent (i.e., is optional) as highlighted in RAN2 agreements, which only makes the problem worse.

[0034] The main question that this invention aims to answer is how can the device know whether MsgA (in 2-step RA) or Msg3 (in 4-step RA) is successfully received or not to decide whether to access or not upon reception of the next access round / occasion indication? This includes the possible case when MsgA or Msg3 is received successfully but MsgB or Msg4 fails (in case Msg4 is not optional). If Msg4 is not received, device still does not know if Msg3 is successfully received.

[0035] Before describing the example embodiments as disclosed herein in detail, reference is made to FIG. 3 for illustrating a simplified block diagram of various electronic devices that are suitable for use in practicing the example embodiments of this invention.

[0036] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of one possible and non-limiting system in which the example embodiments of the invention may be practiced.

[0037] Turning to FIG. 3, this figure shows a block diagram of one possible and non-limiting example in which the examples may be practiced. A device 110, radio access network (RAN) node 170, and network element(s) 190 are illustrated. In the example of FIG. 3, the device 110 is in wireless communication with a wireless network 100. A UE is a wireless device that can access the wireless network 100. The device 110 includes one or more processors 120, one or more memories 125, and one or more transceivers 130 interconnected through one or more buses 127. Each of the one or more transceivers 130 includes a receiver, Rx, 132 and a transmitter, Tx, 133. The one or more buses 127 may be address, data, or control buses, and may include any interconnection mechanism, such as a series of lines on a motherboard or integrated circuit, fiber optics or other optical communication equipment, and the like. The one or more transceivers 130 are connected to one or more antennas 128. The one or more memories 125 include computer program code 123. The device 110 includes a RA module 140, comprising one of or both parts 140-1 and / or 140-2, which may be implemented in a number of ways. The RA module 140 may be implemented in hardware as RA module 140-1, such as being implemented as part of the one or more processors 120. The RA module 140-1 may be implemented also as an integrated circuit or through other hardware such as a programmable gate array. In another example, the RA module 140 may be implemented as RA module 140-2, which is implemented as computer program code 123 and is executed by the one or more processors 120. For instance, the one or more memories 125 and the computer program code 123 may be configured to, with the one or more processors 120, cause the device 110 to perform one or more of the operations as described herein. The device 110 communicates with RAN node 170 via a wireless link 111.

[0038] The RAN node 170 in this example is a base station that provides access by wireless devices such as the device 110 to the wireless network 100. The RAN node 170 may be, for example, a base station for 5G, also called New Radio (NR). In 5G, the RAN node 170 may be a NG-RAN node, which is defined as either a gNB or an ng-eNB. A gNB is a node providing NR user plane and control plane protocol terminations towards the UE, and connected via the NG interface to a 5GC (such as, for example, the network element(s) 190). The ng-eNB is a node providing E-UTRA user plane and control plane protocol terminations towards the UE, and connected via the NG interface to the 5GC. The NG-RAN node may include multiple gNBs, which may also include a central unit (CU) (gNB-CU) 196 and distributed umt(s) (DUs) (gNB-DUs), of which DU 195 is shown. Note that the DU may include or be coupled to and control a radio unit (RU). The gNB-CU is a logical node hosting radio resource control (RRC), SDAP and PDCP protocols of the gNB or RRC and PDCP protocols of the en-gNB that controls the operation of one or more gNB-DUs. The gNB-CU terminates the Fl interface connected with the gNB-DU. The Fl interface is illustrated as reference 198, although reference 198 also illustrates a link between remote elements of the RAN node 170 and centralized elements of the RAN node 170, such as between the gNB-CU 196 and the gNB-DU 195. The gNB-DU is a logical node hosting RLC, MAC and PHY layers of the gNB or en-gNB, and its operation is partly controlled by gNB-CU. One gNB-CU supports one or multiple cells. One cell is supported by only one gNB-DU. The gNB-DU terminates the Fl interface 198 connected with the gNB-CU. Note that the DU 195 is considered to include the transceiver 160, e.g., as part of a RU, but some examples of this may have the transceiver 160 as part of a separate RU, e.g., under control of and connected to the DU 195. The RAN node 170 may also be an eNB (evolved NodeB) base station, for LTE (long term evolution), or any other suitable base station or node.

[0039] The RAN node 170 includes one or more processors 152, one or more memories 155, one or more network interfaces (N / W I / F(s)) 161, and one or more transceivers 160 interconnected through one or more buses 157. Each of the one or more transceivers 160 includes a receiver, Rx, 162 and a transmitter, Tx, 163. The one or more transceivers 160 are connected to one or more antennas 158. The one or more memories 155 include computer program code 153. The CU 196 may include the processor(s) 152, memories 155, and network interfaces 161. Note that the DU 195 may also contain its own memory / memories and processor(s), and / or other hardware, but these are not shown.

[0040] The RAN node 170 includes a RA module 150, comprising one of or both parts 150-1 and / or 150-2, which may be implemented in a number of ways. The RA module 150 may be implemented in hardware as RA module 150-1, such as being implemented as part of the one or more processors 152. The RA module 150-1 may be implemented also as an integrated circuit or through other hardware such as a programmable gate array. In another example, the RA module 150 may be implemented as RA module 150-2, which is implemented as computer program code 153 and is executed by the one or more processors 152. For instance, the one or more memories 155 and the computer program code 153 are configured to, with the one or more processors 152, cause the RAN node 170 to perform one or more of the operations as described herein. Note that the functionality of the RA module 150 may be distributed, such as being distributed between the DU 195 and the CU 196, or be implemented solely in the DU 195.

[0041] The one or more network interfaces 161 communicate over a network such as via the links 176 and 131. Two or more gNBs 170 may communicate using, e.g., link 176. The link 176 may be wired or wireless or both and may implement, for example, an Xn interface for 5G, an X2 interface for LTE, or other suitable interface for other standards.

[0042] The one or more buses 157 may be address, data, or control buses, and may include any interconnection mechanism, such as a series of lines on a motherboard or integrated circuit, fiber optics or other optical communication equipment, wireless channels, and the like. For example, the one or more transceivers 160 may be implemented as a remote radio head (RRH) 195 for LTE or a distributed unit (DU) 195 for gNB implementation for 5G, with the other elements of the RAN node 170 possibly being physically in a different location from the RRH / DU, and the one or more buses 157 could be implemented in part as, for example, fiber optic cable or other suitable network connection to connect the other elements (e.g., a central unit (CU), gNB-CU) of the RAN node 170 to the RRH / DU 195. Reference 198 also indicates those suitable network link(s).

[0043] It is noted that description herein indicates that “cells” perform functions, but it should be clear that equipment which forms the cell may perform the functions. The cell makes up part of a base station. That is, there can be multiple cells per base station. For example, there could be three cells for a single carrier frequency and associated bandwidth, each cell covering one-third of a 360 degree area so that the single base station’s coverage area covers an approximate oval or circle. Furthermore, each cell can correspond to a single carrier and a base station may use multiple carriers. So if there are three 120 degree cells per carrier and two carriers, then the base station has a total of 6 cells.

[0044] The wireless network 100 may include a network element or elements 190 that may include core network functionality, and which provides connectivity via a link or links 181 with a further network, such as a telephone network and / or a data communications network (e.g., the Internet). Such core network functionality for 5G may include access and mobility management function(s) (AMF(S)) and / or user plane functions (UPF(s)) and / or session management function(s) (SMF(s)). Such core network functionality for LTE may include MME (Mobility Management Entity) / SGW (Serving Gateway) functionality. These are merely example functions that may be supported by the network element(s) 190, and note that both 5G and LTE functions might be supported. The RAN node 170 is coupled via a link 131 to the network element 190. The link 131 may be implemented as, e.g., an NG interface for 5G, or an SI interface for LTE, or other suitable interface for other standards. The network element 190 includes one or more processors 175, one or more memories 171, and one or more network interfaces (N / W I / F(s)) 180, interconnected through one or more buses 185. The one or more memories 171 include computer program code 173. The one or more memories 171 and the computer program code 173 are configured to, with the one or more processors 175, cause the network element 190 to perform one or more operations.

[0045] The wireless network 100 may implement network virtualization, which is the process of combining hardware and software network resources and network functionality into a single, software-based administrative entity, a virtual network. Network virtualization involves platform virtualization, often combined with resource virtualization. Network virtualization is categorized as either external, combining many networks, or parts of networks, into a virtual unit, or internal, providing network-like functionality to software containers on a single system. Note that the virtualized entities that result from the network virtualization are still implemented, at some level, using hardware such as processors 152 or 175 and memories 155 and 171, and also such virtualized entities create technical effects.

[0046] The computer readable memories 125, 155, and 171 may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor based memory devices, flash memory, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory. The computer readable memories 125, 155, and 171 may be means for performing storage functions. The processors 120, 152, and 175 may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment, and may include one or more of general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs) and processors based on a multi-core processor architecture, as non-limiting examples. The processors 120, 152, and 175 may be means for performing functions, such as controlling the device 110, RAN node 170, network element(s) 190, and other functions as described herein.

[0047] In general, the various embodiments of the device 110 can include, but are not limited to, cellular telephones such as smart phones, tablets, personal digital assistants (PDAs) having wireless communication capabilities, portable computers having wireless communication capabilities, image capture devices such as digital cameras having wireless communication capabilities, gaming devices having wireless communication capabilities, music storage and playback appliances having wireless communication capabilities, Internet appliances permitting wireless Internet access and browsing, tablets with wireless communication capabilities, as well as portable units or terminals that incorporate combinations of such functions.

[0048] Further, the various embodiments of any of these devices can be used with a UE vehicle, a High Altitude Platform Station, or any other such type node associated with a terrestrial network or any drone type radio or a radio in aircraft or other airborne vehicle or a vessel that travels on water such as a boat.

[0049] One or more of RA modules 140-1, 140-2, 150-1, and 150-2 may be configured to implement random access in accordance with example embodiments of the invention. Computer program code 173 may also be configured to implement high level syntax for random access transmissions by ambient IOT device, for example, based on the examples described herein.

[0050] As similarly stated above, one main question that example embodiments of this invention aims to answer is how can the device know whether MsgA (in 2-step RA) or Msg3 (in 4-step RA) is successfully received or not to decide whether to access or not upon reception of the next access round / occasion indication? This includes the possible case when MsgA or Msg3 is received successfully but MsgB or Msg4 fails (in case Msg4 is not optional). If Msg4 is not received, device still does not know if Msg3 is successfully received.

[0051] One main aspect in accordance with example embodiments of the invention is to introduce, as similarly stated above, a method that ensures that the A-IoT device, upon receiving the new access occasion / round indication 1) avoids redundant (i.e., unnecessary) new access transmissions if its previous access trial has been successful, and 2) tries to re-access the network (i.e., send a new access transmission) if its previous access trial has failed.

[0052] This can be done be enabling the transmitting reader to send a list of accessed devices along with the new access round / occasion indication so that accessed devices avoid reaccess during an ongoing inventory session and all other devices (i.e., other than the accessed device) try to re-access upon receiving the new access indication until they are announced / indicated successful. By doing so, excessive energy consumption because of redundant access transmissions can be avoided and the number of access collisions / failures can be minimized by ensuring that the contending devices within any access occasion are only the devices which failed to access during an ongoing inventory session.

[0053] The proposed method needs to be configured with new behaviour and signalling to the transmitting / receiving reader (can be a UE or a gNB based on the underlying topology and deployment scenario), the device, and the network. The inventive steps and the signalling flow of the invention are at least provided below.

[0054] Improvements in accordance with example embodiments of the invention include at least:

[0055] Step 0(a) 0(b)- The transmitting reader triggers the A-IoT devices by sending paging message and initial access indication to initiate an access procedure. The trigger message and access indication may target multiple unknown or known devices or group(s) of devices;

[0056] Step 1- The A-IoT devices contend by sending access transmissions (A-IoT Msg Is) to the receiving reader using the indicated resources for contention-based access in the trigger / access indication message.

[0057] A-IoT Msgl may include a random device identifier generated by the device or a group ID, a combination of both, or any other form of random / temporary device identification.

[0058] Step 2- A random access procedure (either 4-step or 2-step procedure as explained in FIG. 1A and FIG. IB is performed between the devices, receiving reader, and transmitting reader.

[0059] Step 3- The receiving reader determines the list of devices that successfully completed the access procedure.

[0060] For example, for the 4-step procedure in FIG. 1 A, the reader may determine that the access procedure is successful if it successfully decoded the A-IoT Msg3. For the 2-step procedure in FIG. IB, this can be done if the reader successfully decoded the A-IoT Msg A.

[0061] Additional embodiment, the receiving reader and / or CN / A-IoT AF (core network / A-IoT function) may use a timer / counter-based method while waiting for the device’s response to either the trigger message (i.e., while waiting for A-IoT Msgl) or while waiting for A-IoT Msg3 (in case of the 4-step procedure). In case the timer / counter expires without receiving the device’s response, the receiving reader and the CN / A-IoT AF may consider the access procedure failed and send the transmitting reader an indication to terminate the current access occasion as described in Step 4.

[0062] Step 4 The receiving reader sends a report with a list of accessed devices during the access occasion and a request to terminate the current access occasion to the transmitting reader.

[0063] For example, the list may include the random ID(s), device ID(s), group ID(s), or any other form of identification that the devices that successfully accessed the network used for their access transmissions. In FIG. 2A and / or FIG. 2B, it can be assumed that A-IoT devicel was able to access the network and device(s)2 failed to do so.

[0064] In an alternative embodiment, when the coordination between the receiving and transmitting is done only thorough the network, the receiving reader may send this report to the network and the network may indicate the transmitting reader with this list in preparation for the transmission of the new access occasion / round indication.

[0065] In another alternative embodiment, the receiving reader may send all accessed IDs during a certain access round only after the last access occasion within that specific round (i.e., the reader stores temporary information about all the devices that successfully completed their access procedure within a specific round). This is only valid for multiple round scenarios, but the advantage is that the receiving reader may not to indicate the list of accessed ID(s) to the transmitting reader after every access occasion saving some signalling overhead.

[0066] Due to the large SFO and timing drift errors at the device and the availability issues on the D2R (device to reader) link because of the limited energy resources at the devices, it is likely that the transmitting reader may send a new access occasion indication while the receiving reader is waiting for an A-IoT Msgl / A or Msg3 transmission from the device. In such scenarios, the device may not know whether to respond to the new access indication with a new access transmission or wait for a response to its delayed access transmission during the previous access occasion. Sending a request from the receiving reader to the transmitting reader to terminate the current access occasion before sending a new access occasion may help the devices to avoid such scenarios and achieve a better alignment / synchronization between the receiving and transmitting readers.

[0067] Step 5 The transmitting reader starts a new access occasion by terminating the current occasion and sending the devices a new access occasion indication along with the list of accessed device ID(s) during the previous occasion based on the indicated report by the receiving reader.

[0068] By doing so, the transmitting reader ensures that the contending devices within a specific access occasion are only devices that have failed to access the network during the previous access occasions / rounds (in addition to the devices which try to access the network for the first time). The accessed devices will not try to contend again as the long as the new access is indicated to be within the same ongoing inventory session / procedure. This can be shown in FIG. 2A and / or FIG. 2B in which A-IoT device(s)l does not try to re-access the network upon receiving the new access indication because it successfully accessed the network in the previous occasion while the failed device(s)2 (i.e., the device(s) that failed to access the network in the previous access occasion) sends a new access transmission once it receives the new access indication.

[0069] In an alternative embodiment, the transmitting reader may include information about the access device ID(s) during the previous access round only in the new access round indication. This may slightly reduce the signalling overhead between the reader and devices by sending this information along with only the new access round indication (i.e., no need to send it along with the indication for a new access occasion). In such case, all devices (including the accessed devices during an occasion) within a specific round will continue contending for all occasions within that round and the accessed devices within this round will stop contending only when a new round indication is sent along with their IDs by the transmitting reader.

[0070] Step 6 and 7- The access procedure can be completed by exchanging the next D2R (i.e., Msgl / A and Msg3) and R2D (i.e., Msg4) transmissions between the receiving reader, transmitting reader, and only failed devices who failed to complete their access procedure during the previous access occasions / rounds (e.g., device(s)2 in FIG. 2A and / or FIG. 2B, in addition to the devices which try to access the network for the first time.

[0071] It should be noted that an entity between the CN / A-IoT AF and the transmitting / receiving readers may exist which can centralize the control for multiple readers nodes. How the CN / A-IoT AF communicates with the reader(s) (i.e., through a gNB or some other node) is not a concern for this invention.

[0072] FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B show a flow chart of proposed signaling for A-IOT contention based access in accordance with example embodiments of the invention.

[0073] FIG. 2A and FIG.2 B provide further details of example embodiments of the invention. The steps 3, 4, 6, and 7 are in accordance with example embodiments of the invention and are identified in FIG. 2 as “Novel” in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B.

[0074] As shown in step 0(a) of FIG. 2A there is communicated from the transmitting reader to the A-IoT (devicel) and the A-IoT (device2) a trigger / paging message. As shown in step 0(b) of FIG. 2A there is communicated from the transmitting reader to the A-IoT (devicel) and the A-IoT (device2) an initial access occasion / round indication. Then as shown in FIG. 2A step 1 the A-IoT (devicel) and the A-IoT (device2) respond to the receiving reader. Access shown in step 2 of FIG. 2A there is between the transmitting reader, receiving reader, the A-IoT (devicel), and the A-IoT (device2) performing the access procedure. As shown in Novel step 3 of fiq 2A the receiving reader is determining successful access transmission(s) in accordance with example embodiments of the invention. As shown in Novel step 4 there is communicated from the receiving reader to the transmitting reader a Novel report list of accessed devices and a termination request of a current occasion or access round. As shown in step 5 of FIG. 2A there is from the transmitting reader to the A-IoT devicel and the A-IoT device2 a new access indication in accordance with example embodiments of the invention. Then as shown in Novel steps 6 there is an A-IoT Msgl / MsgA sent from the A-IoT devicel and the A-IoT device2 to the receiving reader in accordance with example embodiments of the invention. In Novel step 7 of FIG. 2A there performing by the transmitting reader, receiving reader, the A-IoT (devicel), and the A-IoT (device2) the access procedure with only failed device(s) or device(s) that try to access the network for a first time.

[0075] As shown in step 0(a) of FIG. 2B there is communicated from the transmitting reader to the A-IoT (devicel) and the A-IoT (device2) a trigger / paging message. As shown in step 0(b) of FIG. 2B there is communicated from the transmitting reader to the A-IoT (devicel) and the A-IoT (device2) an initial access occasion / round indication. Then as shown in FIG. 2B step 1 the A-IoT (devicel) and the A-IoT (device2) respond to the receiving reader. Access shown in step 2 of FIG. 2B there is between the transmitting reader, receiving reader, the A-IoT (devicel), and the A-IoT (device2) performing the access procedure. As shown in Novel step 3 of FIG. 2B the receiving reader is determining successful access transmission(s) in accordance with example embodiments of the invention. As shown in Novel step 4 there is communicated from the receiving reader to the transmitting reader a Novel report list of accessed devices and a termination request of a current occasion or access round. As shown in step 5 of FIG. 2B there is from the transmitting reader to the A-IoT devicel and the A-IoT device2 a new access indication along with access device ID(s) in accordance with example embodiments of the invention. Then as shown in Novel steps 6 there is in accordance with example embodiments of the invention an A-IoT Msgl / MsgA sent from the A-IoT devicel and the A-IoT device2 to the receiving reader in accordance with example embodiments of the invention. In Novel step 7 of FIG. 2B there performing by the transmitting reader, receiving reader, the A-IoT (devicel), and the A-IoT (device2) the access procedure with only failed device(s) or device(s) that try to access the network for a first time.

[0076] The embodiments and proposed signaling in this invention can be applied to A-loT topologies 1 and 2 and can be applied when either monostatic or bistatic backscattering is used (the detailed description of different deployment scenarios of topologies 1 and 2 is provided in 3GPP RI-2403663).

[0077] For the bistatic backscattering, some internal interactions may be needed between the transmitting reader (RI) and receiving reader (R2) to facilitate the proposed method. In this case the CN / A-IoT AF and / or gNB may coordinate the transmissions and receptions of A-IoT access messages between RI and R2.

[0078] It should be noted that the above proposed method / signalling can be applied for all A-IoT device types. We mentioned ‘backscattering’ to refer to backscattered D2R signals from devices 1 and 2a and ‘transmitted’ to refer to the internally generated D2R signals from devices 2b.

[0079] In this invention, we mentioned “reader” to refer to the transmitter and receiver of the signals to / from the A-IoT device. Even though a different name can be defined to represent the connected nodes with the A-IoT devices, it is covered by the current invention.

[0080] FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B each show a method in accordance with example embodiments of the invention which may be performed by an apparatus such as shown in FIG. 3.

[0081] FIG. 4A illustrates operations which may be performed by a device such as, but not limited to, a device such as a network device (e.g., the device 110 as in FIG. 3). As shown in block 410 of FIG. 4A there is receiving at least one initial access indication message from a transmitting reader to initiate an access procedure. As shown in block 415 of FIG. 4A there is, sending at least one access transmission to a receiving reader using the indicated resources for contention-based access by the transmitting reader in the at least one access indication message. As shown in block 420 of FIG. 4A, there is receiving from the transmitting reader a subsequent new access occasion indication along with a list of at least one accessed device identification during the previous occasion based on the indicated report by a receiving reader. Then as shown in block 430 of FIG. 4A there is, resending the access transmission and completing the access procedure with the receiving reader based on the indicated list of at least one accessed device identification by the transmitting reader in the at least one access indication message.

[0082] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraph above, wherein accessed devices will not try to contend again as the long as the new access is indicated to be within a same ongoing inventory session or procedure.

[0083] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein at least one device that failed to access in a previous access occasion in addition to the devices which try to access the network for the first time send a new access transmission once it receives the new access indication.

[0084] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein all devices within a specific round will continue contending for all occasions within that round and the accessed devices within this round will stop contending only when a new round indication is sent along with their identifications by the transmitting reader

[0085] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the at least one contention-based message is using indicated resources by the transmitting reader for the at least one contention-based access procedure.

[0086] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the information sent to the transmitting reader comprises a form of identification of the devices of the at least one device that have successfully completed their contention-based access procedure.

[0087] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the form of identification is based on devices that have successfully completed a contention-based access procedure.

[0088] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the form of identification of the at least one at least one device is sent after a last access occasion of the at least one access round, and wherein the form of identification of the devices that successfully completed their access procedure within the access occasion of the access round is stored.

[0089] The In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the the form of identification of the devices of the at least one device is sent.

[0090] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the successful completion of a random access procedure with at least one device is determined by the receiving reader based on an expiration of a timer started by the receiving reader before reception of the at least one response from the at least one device that has used the initial at least one random-access occasion.

[0091] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the determination of successful completion of the at least one contention-based random-access procedure by the one or more device is based on information from the at least one device.

[0092] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the determination of successful use of the at least one contention-based randomaccess procedure by the one or more device is based on information from the at least one device.

[0093] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein based on the information reporting of the list of one or more device that have successfully completed their access procedure, the subsequent at least one access occasion indication message is received with a list of devices of the at least one device that have successfully completed their access procedure.

[0094] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein one of the receiving reader or a core network function may use a timer or counter-based method while waiting for a response to either the trigger message or while waiting for A-IoT Msg3.

[0095] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein based on an expiration of the timer before reception of a subsequent at least one random-access occasion message indication, the initial at least one random access is terminated.

[0096] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, based on expiration of a timer without receiving the device’s response, the access procedure is considered failed and an indication to terminate the current access occasion is sent to the transmitting reader.

[0097] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the another at least one contention-based random-access procedure is using at least one of a random-access procedure Msg 1 and a Msg 3.

[0098] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the list of one or more device that have successfully completed their access procedure is determined based on successful decoding of one or more of messages received from the device.

[0099] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the initial at least one random access occasion is using at least one of a paging message or an initial access indication to initiate the at least one contention-based randomaccess procedure with at least one device.

[00100] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the one or more devices comprise one or more ambient internet of things.

[00101] A non-transitory computer-readable medium (Memory(ies) 125 as in FIG. 3) storing program code (Computer Program Codel23, RA Module 140-2 as in FIG. 3), the program code executed by at least one processor (Processors 120, RA Module 140-1 as in FIG. 3) to perform the operations as at least described in the paragraphs above.

[00102] In accordance with an example embodiment of the invention as described above there is an apparatus comprising: means for using (Memory(ies) 125, Computer Program Code 123, RA Module 140-2, and Processors 120, RA Module 140-1 as in FIG. 3) an initial at least one access occasion from a transmitting reader to perform at least one contention-based random-access procedure with at least one device; means, based on determination of a successful use of the at least one contention-based random-access procedure by one or more device, for sending (Memory(ies) 125, Computer Program Code 123, RA Module 140-2, and Processors 120, RA Module 140-1 as in FIG. 3) to the transmitting reader information reporting of a list of one or more device that have successfully completed their access procedure, wherein the information comprises a request to terminate the at least one contention-based randomaccess procedure; means for receiving (Memory(ies) 125, Computer Program Codel23, RA Module 140-2, and Processors 120, RA Module 140-1 as in FIG. 3) a subsequent at least one access occasion indication message from the transmitting reader to perform at least one contention-based random-access procedure with at least one device that has failed or is performing for a first time a contention-based access procedure with the transmitting reader; means, based on the subsequent at least one access occasion indication message, for performing (Memory(ies) 125, Computer Program Code 123, RA Module 140-2, and Processors 120, RA Module 140-1 as in FIG. 3) another at least one contention-based random-access procedure with at least one device.

[00103] In the example aspect of the invention according to the paragraph above, wherein at least the means for using, sending, receiving, and performing comprises a non-transitory computer readable medium [(Memory(ies) 125 as in FIG. 3] encoded with a computer program [Computer Program Codel23, RA Module 140-2 as in FIG. 3] executable by at least one processor [Processors 120, and RA Module 140-1 as in FIG. 3],

[00104] FIG. 4B illustrates operations which may be performed by a device such as, but not limited to, a device such as network node (e.g., the RAN node 170 as in FIG. 3). As shown in block 450 of FIG. 4B there is communicating an initial at least one random access occasion with at least one device to perform at least one contention-based random access procedure with the receiving reader for at least one device of a communication network. As shown in block 455 of FIG. 4B there is received from the receiving reader, based on at least one response from the at least one device that has used the initial random access occasion, information reporting of a list of one or more device that have successfully completed their access procedure. As shown in block 460 of FIG. 4B wherein the information comprises a request to terminate the at least one content!on-based random access procedure. As shown in block 470 of FIG. 4B there is terminating the at least one contention-based random access procedure. As shown in block 475 there is sending a subsequent at least one access occasion indication message along with a list of at least one accessed device identification during the previous occasion based on the indicated report by a receiving reader to perform at least one contention-based random-access procedure with at least one device that has failed or is performing for a first time a contention-based access procedure with the transmitting reader. Then as shown in block 480 of FIG. 4B wherein based on the subsequent at least one random access occasion indication message, another at least one contention-based access procedure with at least one device is performed.

[00105] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraph above, wherein the at least one contention-based message is using indicated resources by the transmitting reader for the at least one contention-based access.

[00106] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the information received from the receiving reader comprises a form of identification of the devices of the at least one device that have successfully completed their contention-based access procedure.

[00107] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the form of identification is based on devices that have successfully completed a contention-based access procedure.

[00108] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the form of identification of the at least one at least one device is received after a last access occasion of the at least one access round, and wherein the form of identification of the devices that successfully completed their access procedure within the access occasion of the access round is stored.

[00109] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein based on the information reporting of the list of one or more device that have successfully completed their access procedure, the subsequent at least one access occasion indication message is received with a list of devices of the at least one device that have successfully completed their access procedure.

[00110] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the another at least one contention-based access procedure is using at least one of a random-access procedure Msg 1 and a Msg 3.

[00111] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the initial at least one random access occasion is using at least one of a paging message or an initial access indication to initiate the at least one contention-based random access procedure with the least one device.

[00112] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the one or more devices comprise one or more ambient internet of things.

[00113] A non-transitory computer-readable medium (Memory(ies) 155 as in FIG. 3) storing program code (Computer Program Codel53, RA Module 1533-2 as in FIG. 3), the program code executed by at least one processor (Processors 120, RA Module 140-1 as in FIG. 3) to perform the operations as at least described in the paragraphs above.

[00114] In accordance with an example embodiment of the invention as described above there is an apparatus comprising: means for communicating (Memory(ies) 155, Computer Program Codel53, RA Module 153, and Processors 196, RA Module 150-1 as in FIG. 3) an initial at least one random access occasion with at least one device to perform at least one contention-based random access procedure with the at least one device; means for receiving (Memory(ies) 155, Computer Program Codel53, RA Module 153, and Processors 196, RA Module 150-1 as in FIG. 3) from the receiving reader, based on at least one response from the at least one device that has used the initial at least one random access occasion, information reporting of a list of one or more device that have successfully completed their access procedure, wherein the information comprises a request to terminate the at least one contention-based random access procedure; means for terminating the at least one contention-based random access procedure; means for sending (Memory(ies) 155, Computer Program Codel53, RA Module 153, and Processors 196, RA Module 150-1 as in FIG. 3) a subsequent at least one access occasion indication message from the transmitting reader to perform at least one contention-based random-access procedure with at least one device that has failed or is performing for a first time a contention-based access procedure with the transmitting reader, wherein based on the subsequent at least one random access occasion indication message, another at least one contention-based access procedure with at least one device is performed

[00115] In the example aspect of the invention according to the paragraph above, wherein at least the means for using, sending, receiving, and performing comprises a computer-readable medium (Memory(ies) 155 as in FIG. 3) storing program code (Computer Program Codel55, RA Module 153 as in FIG. 3), the program code executed by at least one processor (Processor(s) 196, RA Module 150-1 as in FIG. 3) to perform the operations as at least described in the paragraphs above.

[00116] It is noted that computer-implemented inventions (CII) may be claimed as apparatus claims, method claims, and software claims. In some jurisdictions, such as in Europe, signal claims can also be made. In the U.S., a software claim must be claimed as a non-transitory computer program product or a non-transitory computer readable medium.

[00117] The term “non-transitory,” as used herein, is a limitation of the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not a signal) as opposed to a limitation on data storage persistency (e.g., RAM vs. ROM).

[00118] In other jurisdictions, a software claim can be claimed as a computer program, a data structure, and / or a computer readable medium.

[00119] Further, in accordance with example embodiments of the invention there is circuitry for performing operations in accordance with example embodiments of the invention as disclosed herein. This circuitry can include any type of circuitry including content coding circuitry, content decoding circuitry, processing circuitry, image generation circuitry, data analysis circuitry, etc.). Further, this circuitry can include discrete circuitry, application-specific integrated circuitry (ASIC), and / or field-programmable gate array circuitry (FPGA), etc. as well as a processor specifically configured by software to perform the respective function, or dualcore processors with software and corresponding digital signal processors, etc.). Additionally, there are provided necessary inputs to and outputs from the circuitry, the function performed by the circuitry and the interconnection (perhaps via the inputs and outputs) of the circuitry with other components that may include other circuitry in order to perform example embodiments of the invention as described herein.

[00120] Advantages in accordance with example embodiments of the invention include: • Enable A-IoT random access functionality and avoid redundant access transmissions from A-IoT devices; • Avoid draining the limited energy resources at A-IoT devices; • Improve A-IoT access performance and decrease access failures for the devices; • Given embodiments keep the burden of determining the access success / failure on the reader side, following the principle of the A-IoT device low-cost and low-complexity design (e.g. no timer / counter or reporting is needed on the A-IoT device side).

[00121] In accordance with example embodiments of the invention as disclosed in this application this application, the “circuitry” provided can include at least one or more or all of the following: (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analog and / or digital circuitry); (b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as (as applicable): (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuit(s) with software / firmware; and (ii) any portions of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions, such as functions or operations in accordance with example embodiments of the invention as disclosed herein); and (c) hardware circuit(s) and or processor(s), such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that requires software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but the software may not be present when it is not needed for operation.”

[00122] In accordance with example embodiments of the invention, there is adequate circuitry for performing at least novel operations in accordance with example embodiments of the invention as disclosed in this application, this 'circuitry' as may be used herein refers to at least the following: (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analog and / or digital circuitry); and (b) to combinations of circuits and software (and / or firmware), such as (as applicable): (i) to a combination of processor(s) or (ii) to portions of processor(s) / software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions); and (c) to circuits, such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that require software or firmware for operation, even if the software or firmware is not physically present.

[00123] This definition of 'circuitry' applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term "circuitry" would also cover an implementation of merely a processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term "circuitry" would also cover, for example and if applicable to the particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or applications processor integrated circuit for a mobile phone or a similar integrated circuit in a server, a cellular network device, or other network device.

[00124] In general, the various embodiments may be implemented in hardware or special purpose circuits, software, logic or any combination thereof. For example, some aspects may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software which may be executed by a controller, microprocessor or other computing device, although the invention is not limited thereto. While various aspects of the invention may be illustrated and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other pictorial representation, it is well understood that these blocks, apparatus, systems, techniques or methods described herein may be implemented m, as non-limiting examples, hardware, software, firmware, special purpose circuits or logic, general purpose hardware or controller or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[00125] Embodiments of the inventions may be practiced in various components such as integrated circuit modules. The design of integrated circuits is by and large a highly automated process. Complex and powerful software tools are available for converting a logic level design into a semiconductor circuit design ready to be etched and formed on a semiconductor substrate.

[00126] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. All of the embodiments described in this Detailed Description are exemplary embodiments provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the invention and not to limit the scope of the invention which is defined by the claims.

[00127] The foregoing description has provided by way of exemplary and non-limiting examples a full and informative description of the best method and apparatus presently contemplated by the inventors for carrying out the invention. However, various modifications and adaptations may become apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts in view of the foregoing description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. However, all such and similar modifications of the teachings of example embodiments of this invention will still fall within the scope of this invention.

[00128] It should be noted that the terms "connected," "coupled," or any variant thereof, mean any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements, and may encompass the presence of one or more intermediate elements between two elements that are "connected" or "coupled" together. The coupling or connection between the elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. As employed herein two elements may be considered to be "connected" or "coupled" together by the use of one or more wires, cables and / or printed electrical connections, as well as by the use of electromagnetic energy, such as electromagnetic energy having wavelengths in the radio frequency region, the microwave region and the optical (both visible and invisible) region, as several non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples.

[00129] Furthermore, some of the features of the preferred embodiments of this invention could be used to advantage without the corresponding use of other features. As such, the foregoing description should be considered as merely illustrative of the principles of the invention, and not in limitation thereof.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus, comprising:at least one processor; andat least one memory storing instructions, that when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to:receive at least one initial access indication message within an access round from a transmitting reader to initiate an access procedure;send at least one access transmission to a receiving reader using indicated resources for contention-based access by the transmitting reader in the at least one access indicationmessage;receive from the transmitting reader a subsequent new access occasion indication within the access round along with a list of at least one accessed device identification during the previous access occasion based on an indicated report by a receiving reader, or receive from the transmitting reader, after a last access occasion within the access round, a list of at least one accessed device identification during the access round; andresend the access transmission and complete the access procedure with the receiving reader based on the indicated list of at least one accessed device identification.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein accessed devices will not try to contend again as the long as the new access is indicated to be within a same ongoing inventory session or procedure.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein at least one device that failed to access in a previous access occasion, in addition to any device which tries to access the network for the first time, send a new access transmission once it receives the new access indication.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein all devices within a specific access round will continuecontending for all occasions within that specific access round and the accessed devices within this specific access round will stop contending only when a new access round indication is sent along with their identifications by the transmitting reader.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one contention-based message is using indicated resources for the access procedure.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the list of at least one accessed device identification during the access round comprises a form of identification of the devices that successfully completed their access procedure within all access occasions of the access round.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the list of at least one accessed device identification during the previous occasion comprises a form of identification of the devices that successfully completed their access procedure within the previous access occasion of the access round.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the list of at least one accessed device identification is based on devices that have reported successful contention-based access procedure..

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the determination of successful completion of the at least one contention-based random-access procedure by the one or more device is based on reception of the at least one response from the at least one device that has used the initial at least one access occasion before an expiration of a timer; and wherein, when the timer expires without receiving the response, the access procedure is considered failed, and an indication to terminate a current access occasion is sent to the transmitting reader.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein determination of successful completion of the at least one contention-based random-access procedure by the one or more device is based on information from the at least one device.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one memory is storing instructions, that when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to:report the list of at least one accessed device that have successfully completed their access procedure within at least one access occasion.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein one of the receiving reader or a core network functionmay use a timer or counter-based method while waiting for a response to either the trigger message or while waiting for A-IoT Msg3.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the another at least one contention-based randomaccess procedure is using at least one of a random-access procedure Msg 1 and a Msg 3.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the list of at least one accessed device that have successfully completed their access procedure is determined based on successful decoding of one or more of messages received from the device.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the initial at least one random access occasion is usingat least one of a paging message or an initial access indication to initiate the at least one contention-based random access procedure with the least one device.

16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more devices comprise one or more ambientinternet of things.

17. A method, comprising:receiving at least one initial access indication message within an access round from a transmitting reader to initiate an access procedure;sending at least one access transmission to a receiving reader using an indicated resources for contention-based access by the transmitting reader in the at least one access indication message;receiving from the transmitting reader a subsequent new access occasion indication within the access round along with a list of at least one accessed device identification during the previous access occasion based on an indicated report by a receiving reader, or receive from the transmitting reader, after a last access occasion within the access round, a list of at least one accessed device identification during the access round; andresending the access transmission and complete the access procedure with the receiving reader based on the indicated list of at least one accessed device identification.

18. An apparatus, comprising:at least one processor; andat least one memory storing instructions, that when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to:communicate an initial at least one random access occasion with at least one device to perform at least one contention-based random access procedure with the at least one device;receive from the receiving reader, based on at least one response from the at least one device that has used the initial at least one random access occasion, information reporting of a list of one or more device that have successfully completed their access procedure,wherein the information comprises a request to terminate the at least one contentionbased random access procedure with the at least one device;send a subsequent at least one access occasion indication message to perform at least one contention-based random-access procedure with at least one device that has failed or is performing for a first time a contention-based access procedure with the transmitting reader, wherein based on the subsequent at least one random access occasion indication message, another at least one contention-based access procedure with at least one device is performed.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the at least one contention-based message is using indicated resources for the at least one contention-based access.

20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the information received from the receiving reader comprises a form of identification of the devices of the at least one device that have successfully completed their contention-based access procedure.

21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the form of identification is based on devices that have reported successful contention-based access procedure.

22. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein based on the information reporting of the list of oneor more device that have successfully completed their access procedure, the subsequent at least one access occasion indication message is received with a list of devices of the at least one device that have successfully completed their access procedure.

23. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the another at least one contention-based access procedure is using at least one of a random-access A-IoT Msg 1 and a A-IoT Msg 324. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the at least one initial access indication is using at least one of a paging message or a trigger message to initiate the at least one contention-based random access procedure with the least one device.

25. A method, comprising:communicating an initial at least one random access occasion with at least one device to perform at least one contention-based random access procedure with the at least one device;receive from the receiving reader, based on at least one response from the at least one device that has used the initial at least one random access occasion, information reporting of a list of one or more device that have successfully completed their access procedure,wherein the information comprises a request to terminate the at least one contentionbased random access procedure with the at least one device;sending a subsequent at least one access occasion indication message to perform at least one contention-based random-access procedure with at least one device that has failed or is performing for a first time a contention-based access procedure with the transmitting reader,wherein based on the subsequent at least one random access occasion indication5 message, another at least one contention-based access procedure with at least one device is performed.

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