Apparatus, method and computer program

Abstract

There is provided an apparatus comprising means for receiving, by the apparatus from a network node, an indication to establish a connection with a user equipment for wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus, means for establishing, based on the indication, a connection for the wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus, means for receiving a wireless power transfer signal at the apparatus from the user equipment using the connection for the wireless power transfer and means for providing an indication to the user equipment to stop the wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus.

Description

[0001] Title

[0002] APPARATUS, METHOD AND COMPUTER PROGRAM

[0003] Field

[0004] The present application relates to a method, apparatus, system and computer program and in particular but not exclusively to UE based wireless power transfer for ambient loT devices with battery.

[0005] Background

[0006] A communication system can be seen as a facility that enables communication sessions between two or more entities such as user terminals, base stations and / or other nodes by providing carriers between the various entities involved in the communications path. A communication system can be provided for example by means of a communication network and one or more compatible communication devices. The communication sessions may comprise, for example, communication of data for carrying communications such as voice, video, electronic mail (email), text message, multimedia and / or content data and so on. Nonlimiting examples of services provided comprise two-way or multi-way calls, data communication or multimedia services and access to a data network system, such as the Internet.

[0007] In a wireless communication system at least a part of a communication session between at least two stations occurs over a wireless link. Examples of wireless systems comprise public land mobile networks (PLMN), satellite based communication systems and different wireless local networks, for example wireless local area networks (WLAN). Some wireless systems can be divided into cells, and are therefore often referred to as cellular systems.

[0008] A user can access the communication system by means of an appropriate communication device or terminal. A communication device of a user may be referred to as user equipment (UE) or user device. A communication device is provided with an appropriate signal receiving and transmitting apparatus for enabling communications, for example enabling access to a communication network or communications directly with other users. The communication device may access a carrier provided by a station, for example a base station of a cell, and transmit and / or receive communications on the carrier.

[0009] The communication system and associated devices typically operate in accordance with a given standard or specification which sets out what the various entities associated with the system are permitted to do and how that should be achieved. Communication protocols and / or parameters which shall be used for the connection are also typically defined. One example of a communications system is Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN) (3G radio). Other examples of communication systems are the long-term evolution (LTE) of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) radio-access technology and so-called 5G or New Radio (NR) networks. NR is being standardized by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). Other examples of communication systems include 5G- Advanced (NR Rel-18 and beyond) and 6G.

[0010] Summary

[0011] In a first aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising means for receiving, by the apparatus from a network node, an indication to establish a connection with a user equipment for wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus, means for establishing, based on the indication, a connection for the wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus, means for receiving a wireless power transfer signal at the apparatus from the user equipment using the connection for the wireless power transfer and means for providing an indication to the user equipment to stop the wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus.

[0012] The connection for wireless power transfer may be a sidelink connection.

[0013] The apparatus may comprise means for providing the indication to the user equipment to stop the wireless power transfer via the sidelink connection.

[0014] The apparatus may comprise means for providing the indication to the user equipment to stop the wireless power transfer via the network node. The apparatus may comprise means for determining to stop the wireless transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus based on determining that energy harvested from the wireless power transfer signal has reached a threshold before a configured time period for the wireless power transfer or determining wireless power transfer is no longer required.

[0015] The indication to establish a connection with a user equipment for wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus may comprise a configuration of a time period parameter for the wireless power transfer.

[0016] The apparatus may comprise an energy harvesting device.

[0017] In a second aspect there is provided a user equipment comprising means for receiving, by the user equipment from a network node, an indication to establish a connection with an energy harvesting device for wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the energy harvesting device, means for establishing, based on the indication, a connection for the wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the energy harvesting device, means for sending a wireless power transfer signal from the user equipment using the connection for the wireless power transfer, and means for receiving an indication from the energy harvesting device at the user equipment to stop the wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the energy harvesting device.

[0018] The connection for wireless power transfer may be a sidelink connection.

[0019] The user equipment may comprise means for receiving the indication at the user equipment to stop the wireless power transfer signal via the sidelink connection.

[0020] The user equipment may comprise means for receiving the indication at the user equipment to stop the wireless power transfer via the network node.

[0021] The indication to establish a connection with a user equipment for wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the energy harvesting device may comprise a configuration of a time period parameter for the wireless power transfer. The indication to the user equipment to stop the wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the energy harvesting device may be received before a time determined based on the parameter.

[0022] The user equipment may comprise means for receiving a request from the network node for wireless power transfer capability and means for providing an indication of wireless power transfer capability from the user equipment to the network node.

[0023] The request may comprise an energy threshold value and the user equipment further comprises means for determining the wireless power transfer capability based on the energy threshold value.

[0024] The indication of wireless power transfer capability may comprise at least a maximum transmit power value.

[0025] In a third aspect there is provided a network node comprising means for providing, to a user equipment from the network node and to an energy harvesting device from the network node, an indication to establish a connection between the user equipment and the energy harvesting device for wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the energy harvesting device.

[0026] The network node may comprise means for receiving an indication from the energy harvesting device to stop the wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the energy harvesting device and means for providing an indication from the network node to the user equipment to stop the wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the energy harvesting device.

[0027] The connection for wireless power transfer may be a sidelink connection.

[0028] The network node may comprise means for providing a configuration for the sidelink connection to the user equipment.

[0029] The network node may comprise means for providing a request to at least one candidate user equipment for wireless power transfer capability, wherein the at least one candidate user equipment includes the at least one user equipment, means for receiving an indication from the at least one candidate user equipment of wireless power transfer capability and means for determining the at least one user equipment based on the indication.

[0030] Determining the at least one user equipment may be further based on an estimated link budget of the at least one user equipment.

[0031] The indication to establish a connection with a user equipment for wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the energy harvesting device may comprise a configuration of a time period parameter for the wireless power transfer.

[0032] The indication may be received before a time determined based on the parameter.

[0033] In a fourth aspect there is provided a method comprising receiving, by an apparatus from a network node, an indication to establish a connection with a user equipment for wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus, establishing, based on the indication, a connection for the wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus, receiving a wireless power transfer signal at the apparatus from the user equipment using the connection for the wireless power transfer and providing an indication to the user equipment to stop the wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus.

[0034] The connection for wireless power transfer may be a sidelink connection.

[0035] The method may comprise providing the indication to the user equipment to stop the wireless power transfer via the sidelink connection.

[0036] The method may comprise providing the indication to the user equipment to stop the wireless power transfer via the network node.

[0037] The method may comprise determining to stop the wireless transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus based on determining that energy harvested from the wireless power transfer signal has reached a threshold before a configured time period for the wireless power transfer or determining wireless power transfer is no longer required. The indication to establish a connection with a user equipment for wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus may comprise a configuration of a time period parameter for the wireless power transfer.

[0038] The apparatus may comprise an energy harvesting device.

[0039] In a fifth aspect there is provided a method comprising receiving, by a user equipment from a network node, an indication to establish a connection with an apparatus for wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus, establishing, based on the indication, a connection for the wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus, sending a wireless power transfer signal from the user equipment using the connection for the wireless power transfer and receiving an indication from the apparatus at the user equipment to stop the wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus.

[0040] The connection for wireless power transfer may be a sidelink connection.

[0041] The method may comprise receiving the indication at the user equipment to stop the wireless power transfer signal via the sidelink connection.

[0042] The method may comprise receiving the indication at the user equipment to stop the wireless power transfer via the network node.

[0043] The indication to establish a connection with a user equipment for wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus may comprise a configuration of a time period parameter for the wireless power transfer.

[0044] The indication to the user equipment to stop the wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus may be received before a time determined based on the parameter.

[0045] The method may comprise receiving a request from the network node for wireless power transfer capability and providing an indication of wireless power transfer capability from the user equipment to the network node. The request may comprise an energy threshold value and the method may comprise determining the wireless power transfer capability based on the energy threshold value.

[0046] The indication of wireless power transfer capability may comprise at least a maximum transmit power value.

[0047] The apparatus may comprise an energy harvesting device.

[0048] In a sixth aspect there is provided a method comprising providing, to a user equipment from a network node and to an apparatus from the network node, an indication to establish a connection between the user equipment and the apparatus for wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus.

[0049] The method may comprise receiving an indication from the apparatus to stop the wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus and providing an indication from the network node to the user equipment to stop the wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus.

[0050] The connection for wireless power transfer may be a sidelink connection.

[0051] The method may comprise providing a configuration for the sidelink connection to the user equipment.

[0052] The method may comprise providing a request to at least one candidate user equipment for wireless power transfer capability, wherein the at least one candidate user equipment includes the at least one user equipment, receiving an indication from the at least one candidate user equipment of wireless power transfer capability and determining the at least one user equipment based on the indication.

[0053] Determining the at least one user equipment may be further based on an estimated link budget of the at least one user equipment. The indication to establish a connection with a user equipment for wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus may comprise a configuration of a time period parameter for the wireless power transfer.

[0054] The indication may be received before a time determined based on the parameter.

[0055] The apparatus may comprise an energy harvesting device.

[0056] In a seventh aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor, and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to receive, by the apparatus from a network node, an indication to establish a connection with a user equipment for wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus, establish, based on the indication, a connection for the wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus, receive a wireless power transfer signal at the apparatus from the user equipment using the connection for the wireless power transfer and provide an indication to the user equipment to stop the wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus.

[0057] The connection for wireless power transfer may be a sidelink connection.

[0058] The apparatus may be caused to provide the indication to the user equipment to stop the wireless power transfer via the sidelink connection.

[0059] The apparatus may be caused to provide the indication to the user equipment to stop the wireless power transfer via the network node.

[0060] The apparatus may be caused to determine to stop the wireless transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus based on determining that energy harvested from the wireless power transfer signal has reached a threshold before a configured time period for the wireless power transfer or determining wireless power transfer is no longer required.

[0061] The indication to establish a connection with a user equipment for wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus may comprise a configuration of a time period parameter for the wireless power transfer. The apparatus may comprise an energy harvesting device.

[0062] In an eighth aspect there is provided a user equipment comprising at least one processor, and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the user equipment at least to receive, by the user equipment from a network node, an indication to establish a connection with an energy harvesting device for wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the energy harvesting device, establish, based on the indication, a connection for the wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the energy harvesting device, send a wireless power transfer signal from the user equipment using the connection for the wireless power transfer and receive an indication from the energy harvesting device at the user equipment to stop the wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the energy harvesting device.

[0063] The connection for wireless power transfer may be a sidelink connection.

[0064] The user equipment may be caused to receive the indication at the user equipment to stop the wireless power transfer signal via the sidelink connection.

[0065] The user equipment may be caused to receive the indication at the user equipment to stop the wireless power transfer via the network node.

[0066] The indication to establish a connection with a user equipment for wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the energy harvesting device may comprise a configuration of a time period parameter for the wireless power transfer.

[0067] The indication to the user equipment to stop the wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the energy harvesting device may be received before a time determined based on the parameter.

[0068] The user equipment may be caused to receive a request from the network node for wireless power transfer capability and provide an indication of wireless power transfer capability from the user equipment to the network node. The request may comprise an energy threshold value and the user equipment may be caused to determine the wireless power transfer capability based on the energy threshold value.

[0069] The indication of wireless power transfer capability may comprise at least a maximum transmit power value.

[0070] In a ninth aspect there is provided a network node comprising at least one processor, and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network node at least to provide, to a user equipment from the network node and to an energy harvesting device from the network node, an indication to establish a connection between the user equipment and the energy harvesting device for wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the energy harvesting device.

[0071] The network node may be caused to receive an indication from the energy harvesting device to stop the wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the energy harvesting device and provide an indication from the network node to the user equipment to stop the wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the energy harvesting device.

[0072] The connection for wireless power transfer may be a sidelink connection.

[0073] The network node may be caused to provide a configuration for the sidelink connection to the user equipment.

[0074] The network node may be caused to provide a request to at least one candidate user equipment for wireless power transfer capability, wherein the at least one candidate user equipment includes the at least one user equipment, receive an indication from the at least one candidate user equipment of wireless power transfer capability and determine the at least one user equipment based on the indication.

[0075] Determining the at least one user equipment may be further based on an estimated link budget of the at least one user equipment. The indication to establish a connection with a user equipment for wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the energy harvesting device may comprise a configuration of a time period parameter for the wireless power transfer.

[0076] The indication may be received before a time determined based on the parameter.

[0077] In a tenth aspect there is provided a computer readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following receiving, by the apparatus from a network node, an indication to establish a connection with a user equipment for wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus, establishing, based on the indication, a connection for the wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus, receiving a wireless power transfer signal at the apparatus from the user equipment using the connection for the wireless power transfer and providing an indication to the user equipment to stop the wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus.

[0078] The connection for wireless power transfer may be a sidelink connection.

[0079] The apparatus may be caused to perform providing the indication to the user equipment to stop the wireless power transfer via the sidelink connection.

[0080] The apparatus may be caused to perform providing the indication to the user equipment to stop the wireless power transfer via the network node.

[0081] The apparatus may be caused to perform determining to stop the wireless transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus based on determining that energy harvested from the wireless power transfer signal has reached a threshold before a configured time period for the wireless power transfer or determining wireless power transfer is no longer required.

[0082] The indication to establish a connection with a user equipment for wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus may comprise a configuration of a time period parameter for the wireless power transfer.

[0083] The apparatus may comprise an energy harvesting device. In an eleventh aspect there is provided a computer readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a user equipment, cause the user equipment to perform at least the following receiving, by the user equipment from a network node, an indication to establish a connection with an energy harvesting device for wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the energy harvesting device, establishing, based on the indication, a connection for the wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the energy harvesting device, sending a wireless power transfer signal from the user equipment using the connection for the wireless power transfer and receiving an indication from the energy harvesting device at the user equipment to stop the wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the energy harvesting device.

[0084] The connection for wireless power transfer may be a sidelink connection.

[0085] The user equipment may be caused to perform receiving the indication at the user equipment to stop the wireless power transfer signal via the sidelink connection.

[0086] The user equipment may be caused to perform receiving the indication at the user equipment to stop the wireless power transfer via the network node.

[0087] The indication to establish a connection with a user equipment for wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the energy harvesting device may comprise a configuration of a time period parameter for the wireless power transfer.

[0088] The indication to the user equipment to stop the wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the energy harvesting device may be received before a time determined based on the parameter.

[0089] The user equipment may be caused to perform receiving a request from the network node for wireless power transfer capability and providing an indication of wireless power transfer capability from the user equipment to the network node.

[0090] The request may comprise an energy threshold value and the user equipment be caused to perform determining the wireless power transfer capability based on the energy threshold value. The indication of wireless power transfer capability may comprise at least a maximum transmit power value.

[0091] In a twelfth aspect there is provided a computer readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a network node, cause the network node to perform at least the following providing, to a user equipment from the network node and to an energy harvesting device from the network node, an indication to establish a connection between the user equipment and the energy harvesting device for wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the energy harvesting device.

[0092] The network node may be caused to perform receiving an indication from the energy harvesting device to stop the wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the energy harvesting device and providing an indication from the network node to the user equipment to stop the wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the energy harvesting device.

[0093] The connection for wireless power transfer may be a sidelink connection.

[0094] The network node may comprise means for providing a configuration for the sidelink connection to the user equipment.

[0095] The network node may be caused to perform providing a request to at least one candidate user equipment for wireless power transfer capability, wherein the at least one candidate user equipment includes the at least one user equipment, receiving an indication from the at least one candidate user equipment of wireless power transfer capability and determining the at least one user equipment based on the indication.

[0096] Determining the at least one user equipment may be further based on an estimated link budget of the at least one user equipment.

[0097] The indication to establish a connection with a user equipment for wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the energy harvesting device may comprise a configuration of a time period parameter for the wireless power transfer. The indication may be received before a time determined based on the parameter.

[0098] In a thirteenth aspect there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the method according to the fourth, fifth or sixth aspect.

[0099] In the above, many different embodiments have been described. It should be appreciated that further embodiments may be provided by the combination of any two or more of the embodiments described above.

[0100] Description of Figures

[0101] Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying Figures in which:

[0102] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of an example 5GS communication system;

[0103] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of an example mobile communication device;

[0104] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of an example control apparatus;

[0105] Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of type C energy harvesting devices (EHD) with RF power transfer;

[0106] Figure 5 shows a scenario where a gNB and UEs are available to provide WPT / RF energy to EHDs;

[0107] Figure 6 shows a flowchart of a method according to an example embodiment;

[0108] Figure 7 shows a flowchart of a method according to an example embodiment;

[0109] Figure 8 shows a flowchart of a method according to an example embodiment; Figure 9 shows a signalling flow according to an example embodiment;

[0110] Figure 10 shows a signalling flow according to an example embodiment.

[0111] Detailed description

[0112] Before explaining in detail the examples, certain general principles of a wireless communication system and mobile communication devices are briefly explained with reference to Figure 1, Figure 2 and Figure 3 to assist in understanding the technology underlying the described examples.

[0113] An example of a suitable communications system is the 5G or NR concept. Network architecture in NR may be similar to that of LTE- advanced. Base stations of NR systems may be known as next generation NodeBs (gNBs). Changes to the network architecture may depend on the need to support various radio technologies and finer Quality of Service (QoS) support, and some on-demand requirements for e.g. QoS levels to support Quality of Experience (QoE) for a user. Also network aware services and applications, and service and application aware networks may bring changes to the architecture. Those are related to Information Centric Network (ICN) and User-Centric Content Delivery Network (UC-CDN) approaches. NR may use Multiple Input - Multiple Output (MIMO) antennas, many more base stations or nodes than the LTE (a so-called small cell concept), including macro sites operating in co-operation with smaller stations and perhaps also employing a variety of radio technologies for better coverage and enhanced data rates.

[0114] Future networks may utilise network functions virtualization (NFV) which is a network architecture concept that proposes virtualizing network node functions into “building blocks” or entities that may be operationally connected or linked together to provide services. A virtualized network function (VNF) may comprise one or more virtual machines running computer program codes using standard or general type servers instead of customized hardware. Cloud computing or data storage may also be utilized. In radio communications this may mean node operations to be carried out, at least partly, in a server, host or node operationally coupled to a remote radio head. It is also possible that node operations will be distributed among a plurality of servers, nodes or hosts. It should also be understood that the distribution of labour between core network operations and base station operations may differ from that of the LTE or even be non-existent.

[0115] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a 5G system (5GS) 100. The 5GS may comprise a user equipment (UE) 102 (which may also be referred to as a communication device or a terminal), a 5G radio access network (5GRAN) 104, a 5G core network (5GCN) 106, one or more internal or external application functions (AF) 108 and one or more data networks (DN) 110.

[0116] An example 5G core network (CN) comprises functional entities. The 5GCN 106 may comprise one or more Access and mobility Management Functions (AMF) 112, one or more session management functions (SMF) 114, an authentication server function (AUSF) 116, a Unified Data Management (UDM) 118, one or more user plane functions (UPF) 120, a Unified Data Repository (UDR) 122 and / or a Network Exposure Function (NEF) 124. The UPF is controlled by the SMF (Session Management Function) that receives policies from a PCF (Policy Control Function).

[0117] The CN is connected to a UE via the Radio Access Network (RAN). The 5GRAN may comprise one or more gNodeB (gNB) Distributed Unit (DU) functions connected to one or more gNodeB (gNB) Centralized Unit (CU) functions. The RAN may comprise one or more access nodes.

[0118] A User Plane Function (UPF) referred to as PDU Session Anchor (PSA) may be responsible for forwarding frames back and forth between the DN and the tunnels established over the 5G towards the UE(s) exchanging traffic with the DN.

[0119] A possible mobile communication device will now be described in more detail with reference to Figure 2 showing a schematic, partially sectioned view of a communication device 200. Such a communication device is often referred to as user equipment (UE) or terminal. An appropriate mobile communication device may be provided by any device capable of sending and receiving radio signals. Non-limiting examples comprise a mobile station (MS) or mobile device such as a mobile phone or what is known as a ’smart phone’, a computer provided with a wireless interface card or other wireless interface facility (e.g., USB dongle), personal data assistant (PDA) or a tablet provided with wireless communication capabilities, voice over IP (VoIP) phones, portable computers, desktop computer, image capture terminal devices such as digital cameras, gaming terminal devices, music storage and playback appliances, vehicle-mounted wireless terminal devices, wireless endpoints, mobile stations, laptop-embedded equipment (LEE), laptop-mounted equipment (LME), smart devices, wireless customer-premises equipment (CPE), or any combinations of these or the like. A mobile communication device may provide, for example, communication of data for carrying communications such as voice, electronic mail (email), text message, multimedia and so on. Users may thus be offered and provided numerous services via their communication devices. Non-limiting examples of these services comprise two-way or multi-way calls, data communication or multimedia services or simply an access to a data communications network system, such as the Internet. Users may also be provided broadcast or multicast data. Non-limiting examples of the content comprise downloads, television and radio programs, videos, advertisements, various alerts, and other information.

[0120] A mobile device is typically provided with at least one data processing entity 201, at least one memory 202 and other possible components 203 for use in software and hardware aided execution of tasks it is designed to perform, including control of access to and communications with access systems and other communication devices. The data processing, storage and other relevant components can be provided on an appropriate circuit board and / or in chipsets. This feature is denoted by reference 204. The user may control the operation of the mobile device by means of a suitable user interface such as key pad 205, voice commands, touch sensitive screen or pad, combinations thereof or the like. A display 208, a speaker and a microphone can be also provided. Furthermore, a mobile communication device may comprise appropriate connectors (either wired or wireless) to other devices and / or for connecting external accessories, for example hands-free equipment, thereto.

[0121] The mobile device 200 may receive signals over an air or radio interface 207 via appropriate apparatus for receiving and may transmit signals via appropriate apparatus for transmitting radio signals. In Figure 2 transceiver apparatus is designated schematically by block 206. The transceiver apparatus 206 may be provided for example by means of a radio part and associated antenna arrangement. The antenna arrangement may be arranged internally or externally to the mobile device. Figure 3 shows an example of a control apparatus 300 for a communication system, for example to be coupled to and / or for controlling a station of an access system, such as a RAN node, e.g. a base station, eNB or gNB, a relay node or a core network node such as an MME or Serving Gateway (S-GW) or Packet Data Network Gateway (P-GW), or a core network function such as AMF / SMF, or a server or host. The method may be implemented in a single control apparatus or across more than one control apparatus. The control apparatus may be integrated with or external to a node or module of a core network or RAN. In some embodiments, base stations comprise a separate control apparatus unit or module. In other embodiments, the control apparatus can be another network element such as a radio network controller or a spectrum controller. In some embodiments, each base station may have such a control apparatus as well as a control apparatus being provided in a radio network controller. The control apparatus 300 can be arranged to provide control on communications in the service area of the system. The control apparatus 300 comprises at least one memory 301, at least one data processing unit 302, 303 and an input / output interface 304. Via the interface the control apparatus can be coupled to a receiver and a transmitter of the base station. The receiver and / or the transmitter may be implemented as a radio front end or a remote radio head.

[0122] The need for improved coverage and device density in Internet of Things (loT) solutions is increasing. Currently, existing solutions like RFID have limited range, but the demand requires a wider coverage both indoors and outdoors. To tackle this issue, researchers are exploring Ambient loT (A-IoT) devices within the 3GPP framework. Ambient loT may combine loT, artificial intelligence, data analytics, and connectivity to create intelligent environments that seamlessly integrate into users’ daily lives. This integration offers enhanced convenience, efficiency, and personalized experiences. A-IoT devices may operate without batteries or have long-lasting batteries, eliminating the need for frequent replacements. Applications for A-IoT devices may include, but are not limited to, areas such as identification, tracking, monitoring, logistics, and healthcare. A-IoT devices may be especially useful in challenging and hazardous environments where battery-powered devices are not practical.

[0123] Some areas of consideration for the Ambient loT studies include operation under extreme environmental conditions (e.g., high pressure, extremely high / low temperature, humid environment, vibration, etc.), complexity (and resulting cost), terminal size / form factor (which may be e.g., thickness of mm), maintenance requirements and life cycle. Support of ambient loTs using either battery-less terminal or terminal with limited energy storage capability (e.g., using a capacitor), may become a new requirement for existing 3GPP technologies.

[0124] The Radio Access Network (RAN) plenary study on Ambient loT defines three types of devices. The following types of Ambient loT (A-IoT) devices have been discussed.

[0125] Device A has no energy storage, no independent signal generation / amplification, i.e. backscattering transmission. Device B has energy storage, no independent signal generation, i.e., it performs backscattering transmission. Use of stored energy can be used for amplification of reflected (i.e., backscattered) signals. Device C has energy storage and independent signal generation, e.g., active RF components for transmission.

[0126] Device C is an active device capable of performing network registration (both uplink and downlink) as well as both mobile originated (MO) and mobile terminated (MT) operations. The network may identify less busy hours based on traffic information and utilize resources during those periods for other purposes, such as transferring RF power to energy harvesting (EH) UEs with batteries. These EH UEs can then use the transferred energy for communication.

[0127] A terminal may use energy harvested from wireless radio waves or any other form of energy that can be harvested in its particular deployment scenario. The terminal expected to operate with ultra-low power in the range from tens of microwatts to hundreds of microwatts.

[0128] For example, if energy is harvested from wireless radio waves, the output power of energy harvester would be from several micro-watt to tens of micro-watt. If a solar panel is used for energy harvesting from solar / light, the output power would be less than 1 milli-watt due to the small size of the solar panel.

[0129] A terminal based on energy harvesting may operate in an active or passive mode. An energy harvesting device can harvest energy and then use an active circuit to transmit like a conventional transmitter. Alternatively, some energy harvesting devices, known as passive devices or tags, do not possess active transmission circuitry, and use backscattering to transmit data. RFID solutions are already widely used with b ackscattering technology. The goal of Ambient loT study is to use 3GPP technology to enhance coverage for backscattering RFID solutions as well as introducing new solutions with advanced features like harvesting energy from the dedicated source or ambient energy source and spending energy efficiently for loT-type of data transmissions.

[0130] Energy harvesting enabled communication services, also referred to as Ambient loTs in 3GPP, have been widely used in various vertical industries including logistics, manufacture, transportation, energy industry etc. Enabling passive / ambient loT devices, in both public and private networks may benefit the 5G or future systems such as 6G.

[0131] Ambient energy enabled loT devices with energy harvesting capabilities target, low rate, and low complexity. Both active and Passive loT devices are supported.

[0132] The RAN plenary study objectives are to formulate a set of RAN design targets based on the identified deployment scenarios and their characteristics for the relevant use cases, at least including power consumption, complexity, coverage, data rate and positioning accuracy.

[0133] Device type C devices have storage and active transmission capabilities and are expected to provide better coverage than device A and B. Transmission for type C devices is similar to NR UE, so access protocols may still be used with some changes. Figure 4 illustrates type C device with energy received from a RF source.

[0134] Device type C UEs may be powered by a 3GPP or non-3GPP RF source. The gNB is one candidate to provide RF energy to energy harvesting loT devices (EHDs). However, it may not always be efficient to use a gNB to provide RF energy to EHDs due to link budget considerations, as RF harvested energy degrades fast with increasing distance between gNB and the EHDs. Further, increasing gNB power to provide energy to EHDs may increase interference to other 3GPP network UEs and impact their transmissions.

[0135] Figure 5 shows a scenario where some type C A-IoT devices / EHDs are close to gNB and are well served by gNB but some devices are at cell edge surrounded by NR / type C UEs and may be better served by alternate sources. Alternate RF energy sources (which are under 3GPP control) are explored in the following, such that gNB can rely on them for providing energy to EHDs when it is not efficient to directly provide energy from the gNB.

[0136] Coordinating and configuring Type C energy harvesting devices may be necessary to harvest energy for transmission from neighboring devices (e.g., UEs or dedicated RF signal emitters). The neighbouring devices may have smaller link budget considerations compared to a direct gNB device link budget, which may also cause more interference to other device.

[0137] Solving this problem in one decision step may require a significant amount of information and coordination between all EHDs and candidate RF energy sources all the time and may not be feasible practically. Therefore, it may be broken down into two issues.

[0138] As 3GPP gNB is default (and preferred) RF energy source for EHDs, EHDs must be identified and determined if they can be served for RF energy transfer by gNB efficiently (without excessive power which may cause interference). If gNB is not able to provide RF energy, EHDs will not be served for energy harvesting. However, network has the option to look for an alternate, more efficient, energy source if available.

[0139] The following relates to providing wireless power transfer (WPT) through available neighboring UEs and, optionally, configuring sidelink (SL) relays or transmissions for WPT when gNB is not a suitable source for WPT.

[0140] Figure 6 shows a flowchart of a method according to an example embodiment. The method may be performed at an apparatus. The apparatus may be an energy harvesting device (EHD). The apparatus may comprise a A-IoT device such as a type C device as described above.

[0141] In 601, the method comprises receiving, by the apparatus from a network node, an indication to establish a connection with a user equipment for wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus.

[0142] In 602, the method comprises establishing, based on the indication, a connection for the wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus. In 603, the method comprises receiving a wireless power transfer signal at the apparatus from the user equipment using the connection for the wireless power transfer.

[0143] In 604, the method comprises providing an indication to the user equipment to stop the wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus.

[0144] Figure 7 shows a flowchart of a method according to an example embodiment. The method may be performed at a user equipment. The user equipment may be a NR UE, EHD (e.g. a type C A-IoT device) or any 3GPP device capable of providing WPT service

[0145] In 701, the method comprises receiving, by a user equipment from a network node, an indication to establish a connection with an apparatus for wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus.

[0146] In 702, the method comprises establishing, based on the indication, a connection for the wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus.

[0147] In 703, the method comprises sending a wireless power transfer signal from the user equipment to the apparatus using the connection for the wireless power transfer.

[0148] In 704, the method comprises receiving an indication from the apparatus at the user equipment to stop the wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus.

[0149] Figure 8 shows a flowchart of a method according to an example embodiment. The method may be performed at a network node, e.g., an access network node of a RAN network, such as a gNB.

[0150] In 801, the method comprises providing, to a user equipment from a network node and to an apparatus device from the network node, an indication to establish a connection between the user equipment and the apparatus for wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus.

[0151] In the methods described with reference to Figures 6 to 8, the apparatus may be a EHD. The WPT signal may be a RF signal.

[0152] The connection for wireless power transfer may be a sidelink connection. A method as described with reference to Figure 6 may comprise providing the indication to the user equipment to stop the wireless power transfer via the sidelink connection.

[0153] In an example embodiment, sidelink (SL) UEs are selected and configured to provide WPT service to EHDs.

[0154] In an example embodiment, a gNB may be considered a default RF energy source for type C A-IoT devices / EHDs. However, before starting RF energy / wireless power transfer (WPT), the gNB evaluates if it can provide this service by using power within certain limits and not cause excessive interference. If gNB decides not to provide direct WPT to EHDs, it may look for UEs or a dedicated energy source closer to requesting EHD. In an example embodiment, there is selection of a UE to provide WPT transfer to a neighboring EHD out of a set of available candidate UEs in neighborhood of the requesting EHD.

[0155] For example, a method as described with reference to Figures 7 and 8 may comprise providing a request to at least one candidate user equipment for wireless power transfer capability, wherein the at least one candidate user equipment includes the at least one user equipment, receiving an indication from the at least one candidate user equipment of wireless power transfer capability and determining the at least one user equipment based on the indication. The request may comprise an energy threshold value and the user equipment may determine the wireless power transfer capability based on the energy threshold value.

[0156] The selection may consider surplus energy as well as an estimated link budget between candidate UE and requesting EHD. There could be an optional procedure for candidate UEs to determine exact link budget between candidate UE and EHD, but this may require extra signaling. In the absence of this information, gNB may rely on its estimated link budget or link quality (mainly distance, e.g., based on knowledge of approximate locations of candidate UEs and EHD) to evaluate candidacy of UEs. This is an example of determining the at least one user equipment based on an estimated link budget of the at least one user equipment. If gNB has already evaluated its power requirement to provide WPT to EHD on direct link, it may compare its required power with the power needed by the selected candidate UE before making a final selection. If the required power by the selected candidate UE is less than its own required power by a threshold value, then UE may be selected to provide WPT transfer. Another option could be to continue providing WPT both with gNB as well as selected UE, and stop gNB transmitting energy signals based on EHD indication that it has enough harvested energy.

[0157] In an example embodiment, the UE evaluates its surplus resources including, e.g., surplus energy, no substantial transmission requirement of their own, etc. Using available surplus energy as one example of such resource, candidate UEs compare their available energy with an energy threshold sent in the request. Alternatively, the energy thresholds may be determined through internal device implementation. An advantage of using an energy threshold is that not all candidate UEs need to confirm their availability and only a subset of candidates with relatively large surplus energy send confirmation message. All the UEs not confirming their availability are implicitly considered unavailable.

[0158] The indication of wireless power transfer capability may comprise at least a maximum transmit power value. For example, the UEs may send their surplus energy status to gNB as well an indication of WPT capability (calculation of this surplus energy may depend on UE implementation). For example, the candidate UEs may indicate a 1-bit or 2-bit index representing the energy status. To help gNB decide based on other considerations, more information such as UE type (NR UE, type C), their battery characteristics may also be sent. It is also possible that candidate UEs include some information on their limitation to support WPT, such as maximum transmit Power they can support.

[0159] In an alternative embodiment, UEs can proactively provide information to the gNB without a trigger (i.e., the UE may periodically provide an indication of wireless power transfer capability from the user equipment to the network node without receiving a request to do so), which may reduce latency incurred in triggering of this information at the cost of extra signalling when this information is not needed at gNB.

[0160] The indication to establish a connection with a user equipment for wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus may comprise a configuration of a time period parameter for the wireless power transfer. The method may comprise providing a configuration for the sidelink connection from the network node to the user equipment.

[0161] The indication to establish a connection with a user equipment for wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus may comprise a configuration of a time period parameter for the wireless power transfer. The indication may include other WPT related parameters such as bandwidth BW and power P.

[0162] In an example embodiment, the selected UE is configured with parameters to provide WPT signal to the requesting EHD for up to a time T. Time T is an example of a time period parameter.

[0163] As RF signal is radiated by the selected UE, other neighboring EHDs may also harvest energy. This is an example of sending a wireless power transfer signal from the user equipment using the connection for the wireless power transfer.

[0164] The indication to the user equipment to stop the wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus may be received before a time determined based on the parameter. Determining to stop the wireless transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus may be based on determining that energy harvested from the wireless power transfer signal has reached a threshold before a configured time period for the wireless power transfer. For example, the apparatus may determine to stop transmission of WPT signal before the default time T if requesting EHD transmission requirements are met. The stop signal (e.g., the indication to the user equipment to stop the wireless power transfer from the UE to the apparatus) is sent to the UE providing the WPT.

[0165] The apparatus may determine to stop the wireless transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus when WPT is no longer required, e.g., due to no longer requiring to urgently communicate with the network and returning to sleep state.

[0166] In an example embodiment, the stop signal may be sent through SL or through a gNB without establishing SL for communication between EHD and selected UE. A method as described with reference to Figure 6 may comprise providing the indication to the user equipment to stop the wireless power transfer via the network node. The network node may receive the indication from the apparatus to stop the wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus and provide an indication from the network node to the user equipment to stop the wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus.

[0167] Figure 9 shows a signalling diagram of an example embodiment, assuming that a gNB is aware of a set of UEs available for WPT close to requesting EHDs and would like to select at least one of them to provide WPT. In this example embodiment, the connection for WPT is a SL connection and the indication to stop the WPT is provide to the user equipment via the SL connection.

[0168] In step 0, device 1 and device 2 are registered with the network. These devices may be NR UEs, EHDs or any 3GPP device capable of providing WPT service to candidate EHD.

[0169] In step 1, the candidate UEs (i.e., device 1 and device 2) are provided with configuration for SL establishment as well as energy thresholds, which will be used later for UE selection for WPT.

[0170] In step 2, on receipt of requesting EHD, the gNB evaluates the possibility of providing WPT directly to UE as a default option.

[0171] In step 3, the gNB decides not to provide direct WPT to EHDs possibly due to poor link budget considerations. Note that steps 2 and 3 are not prerequisite to execute SL WPT procedure and the procedure is independent of steps 2 and 3. SL establishment for WPT may be requested by gNB unconditionally without requiring evaluation in steps 2 and 3.

[0172] In step 4, the gNB queries candidate UEs if they are available to provide WPT service to neighboring devices. This is an example of providing a request from the network node to the user equipment for WPT capability.

[0173] In step 5, candidate UEs evaluate if they have enough surplus resources to support WPT service. In step 6, if stored energy is greater than the energy threshold, the candidate UEs confirm their availability as a WPT candidate to gNB. This is an example of providing an indication of wireless power transfer capability from the user equipment to the network node.

[0174] In step 7, the gNB selects a UE for providing WPT service based on the information received from a subset of UEs in step 6.

[0175] In step 8, the gNB sends a message to both requesting EHD and selected candidate UE to establish SL and perform WPT for time T and power P (other WPT related parameters like B W can be sent as well). This is an example of providing, to a user equipment from the network node and to an apparatus from the network node, an indication to establish a connection between the user equipment and the apparatus for wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus. Note that configuration for SL is already provided in step 1. If it is not provided in step 1, it can be provided in step 8.

[0176] In step 9, the EHD and selected candidate UE establish SL over existing PC5 interface. This link will be used to establish direct communication between EHD and selected UE. Note establishment of sidelink is needed for communication in step 12. WPT can be provided to EHD by the selected UE without explicitly establishing PC5.

[0177] In step 10, the selected UE provides WPT service for time T as default option if not interrupted. This is an example of establishing, based on the indication, a connection for the wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus and sending a wireless power transfer signal from the user equipment using the connection for the wireless power transfer.

[0178] In step 11 , the EHD evaluates if harvested energy is good enough to meet its transmission requirements after regular intervals before time T. This is an example of determining to stop the wireless transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus based on determining that energy harvested from the wireless power transfer signal has reached a threshold before a configured time period for the wireless power transfer.

[0179] In step 12, if the EHD has collected enough energy, it sends a stop WPT signal over established PC5 SL. When WPT is provided for time T regardless of whether an EHD needs it or not, it may result in energy waste if EHD does not need it, and this procedure stops the WPT in such cases.

[0180] In step 13, if the EHD has data to transmit, it sends a scheduling request to gNB. Otherwise, it resumes its normal downlink control channel monitoring behavior.

[0181] In step 14, NW uses normal communication procedure to enable EHD communication.

[0182] A PC5 link provides direct communication is required between two UEs. As a result of established PC5 link, signal 12 in Figure 9 is used to stop WTP without gNB intervention.

[0183] In an alternative example embodiment, a direct link is used for gNB to configure energy source UE to radiate energy signals and the EHD (or any other device close to source UE) can harvest energy from these signals without establishing PC5 link. Similarly, gNB coordinates stopping of energy.

[0184] Figure 10 shows a signalling diagram for this alternate solution without establishing SL for communication between EHD and candidate UE. WPT between EHD and selected candidate UE does not require any sidelink and can be performed between nodes as long as selected candidate node is aware of parameters for transmitting energy signal and EHD is able to harvest energy from any signal it receives. In this example embodiment, the indication to the user equipment to stop the wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus is sent via a network node.

[0185] As no SL is established between EHD and candidate UE, no SL configuration exchange is needed in step 1. Step 2-10 are the same as in SL based procedure illustrated in Figure 9.

[0186] Step 11-12 are modified as shown in Figure 10.

[0187] In step 11, after evaluation in step 10, if EHD has enough energy to transmit its data and it wants to stop WPT before time T, it sends, e.g., a scheduling request or WPT stop signal via RRC messaging to gNB. This is an example of providing the indication to the user equipment to stop the wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus via a network node. If the gNB receives a scheduling request from an EHD when WPT from a user equipment to the EHD is in progress, the gNB may consider it as indication to implicitly stop WPT. It relays the information to the selected candidate UE via RRC / MAC signalling, which stops sending WPT signals.

[0188] Methods as described above with reference to Figures 6 to 11 may provide more efficient WPT to EHDs as well as less interference to 3GPP devices.

[0189] An apparatus may comprise means for receiving, by the apparatus from a network node, an indication to establish a connection with a user equipment for wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus, means for establishing, based on the indication, a connection for the wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus, means for receiving a wireless power transfer signal at the apparatus from the user equipment using the connection for the wireless power transfer and means for providing an indication to the user equipment to stop the wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus.

[0190] The apparatus may comprise an EHD, such as a A-IoT device type C, be the EHD or be comprised in the EHD or a chipset for performing at least some actions of / for the EHD.

[0191] A user equipment may comprise means for receiving, by the user equipment from a network node, an indication to establish a connection with an energy harvesting device for wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the energy harvesting device, means for establishing, based on the indication, a connection for the wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the energy harvesting device, means for sending a wireless power transfer signal from the user equipment to the energy harvesting device using the connection for the wireless power transfer, and means for receiving an indication from the energy harvesting device at the user equipment to stop the wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the energy harvesting device.

[0192] A network node may comprise means for providing, to a user equipment from the network node and to an energy harvesting device from the network node, an indication to establish a connection between the user equipment and the energy harvesting device for wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the energy harvesting device. It should be understood that the apparatuses may comprise or be coupled to other units or modules etc., such as radio parts or radio heads, used in or for transmission and / or reception. Although the apparatuses have been described as one entity, different modules and memory may be implemented in one or more physical or logical entities.

[0193] It is noted that whilst some embodiments have been described in relation to 5G networks, similar principles can be applied in relation to other networks and communication systems such as 6G networks or 5G-Advanced networks. Therefore, although certain embodiments were described above by way of example with reference to certain example architectures for wireless networks, technologies and standards, embodiments may be applied to any other suitable forms of communication systems than those illustrated and described herein.

[0194] It is also noted herein that while the above describes example embodiments, there are several variations and modifications which may be made to the disclosed solution without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0195] As used herein, “at least one of the following: ” and “at least one of ” and similar wording, where the list of two or more elements are joined by “and” or “or”, mean at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all the elements.

[0196] In general, the various embodiments may be implemented in hardware or special purpose circuitry, software, logic or any combination thereof. Some aspects of the disclosure 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 disclosure is not limited thereto. While various aspects of the disclosure 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 in, 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.

[0197] As used in this application, the term “circuitry” may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analog and / or digital circuitry) and

[0198] (b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as (as applicable):

[0199] (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuit(s) with software / firmware and

[0200] (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) and

[0201] I 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.”

[0202] 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 also covers an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example and if applicable to the particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in server, a cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

[0203] The embodiments of this disclosure may be implemented by computer software executable by a data processor of the mobile device, such as in the processor entity, or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. Computer software or program, also called program product, including software routines, applets and / or macros, may be stored in any apparatus- readable data storage medium and they comprise program instructions to perform particular tasks. A computer program product may comprise one or more computer-executable components which, when the program is run, are configured to carry out embodiments. The one or more computer-executable components may be at least one software code or portions of it.

[0204] Further in this regard it should be noted that any blocks of the logic flow as in the Figures may represent program steps, or interconnected logic circuits, blocks and functions, or a combination of program steps and logic circuits, blocks and functions. The software may be stored on such physical media as memory chips, or memory blocks implemented within the processor, magnetic media such as hard disk or floppy disks, and optical media such as for example DVD and the data variants thereof, CD. The physical media is a non-transitory media. 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).

[0205] The memory 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, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory. The data processors may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment, and may comprise one or more of general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), FPGA, gate level circuits and processors based on multi core processor architecture, as non-limiting examples.

[0206] Embodiments of the disclosure 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.

[0207] The scope of protection sought for various embodiments of the disclosure is set out by the independent claims. The embodiments and features, if any, described in this specification that do not fall under the scope of the independent claims are to be interpreted as examples useful for understanding various embodiments of the disclosure.

[0208] The foregoing description has provided by way of non-limiting examples a full and informative description of the exemplary embodiment of this disclosure. 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 this disclosure will still fall within the scope of this invention as defined in the appended claims. Indeed, there is a further embodiment comprising a combination of one or more embodiments with any of the other embodiments previously discussed.

Claims

Claims1. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor, and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: receive, from a network node, an indication to establish a connection with a user equipment for wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus; establish, based on the indication, a connection for the wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus; receive a wireless power transfer signal at the apparatus from the user equipment using the connection for the wireless power transfer; and provide an indication to the user equipment to stop the wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the connection for wireless power transfer is a sidelink connection.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to provide the indication to the user equipment to stop the wireless power transfer via the sidelink connection.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to provide the indication to the user equipment to stop the wireless power transfer via the network node.

5. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to determine to stop the wireless transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus based on determining that energy harvested from the wireless power transfer signal has reached a threshold before a configured time period for thewireless power transfer or determining wireless power transfer is no longer required.

6. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the indication to establish a connection with a user equipment for wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus comprises a configuration of a time period parameter for the wireless power transfer.

7. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 6, comprising an energy harvesting device.

8. A user equipment comprising: at least one processor, and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the user equipment at least to: receive, from a network node, an indication to establish a connection with an energy harvesting device for wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the energy harvesting device; establish, based on the indication, a connection for the wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the energy harvesting device; send a wireless power transfer signal from the user equipment using the connection for the wireless power transfer; and receive an indication from the energy harvesting device at the user equipment to stop the wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the energy harvesting device.

9. The user equipment according to claim 8, wherein the connection for wireless power transfer is a sidelink connection.

10. The user equipment according to claim 9, wherein the at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the user equipment to receive the indication at the user equipment to stop the wireless power transfer signal via the sidelink connection.

11. The user equipment according to claim 8, wherein the at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the user equipment to receive the indication at the user equipment to stop the wireless power transfer via the network node.

12. The user equipment according to any of claims 8 to 11, wherein the indication to establish a connection with a user equipment for wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the energy harvesting device comprises a configuration of a time period parameter for the wireless power transfer.

13. The user equipment according to claim 12, wherein the indication to the user equipment to stop the wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the energy harvesting device is received before a time determined based on the parameter.

14. The user equipment according to any of claims 8 to 13, wherein the at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the user equipment to: receive a request from the network node for wireless power transfer capability; and provide an indication of wireless power transfer capability from the user equipment to the network node.

15. The user equipment according to claim 14, wherein the request comprises an energy threshold value and the at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the user equipment to determine the wireless power transfer capability based on the energy threshold value.

16. The user equipment according to claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the indication of wireless power transfer capability comprises at least a maximum transmit power value.

17. A network node comprising: at least one processor, and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network node at least to:provide, to a user equipment from the network node and to an energy harvesting device from the network node, an indication to establish a connection between the user equipment and the energy harvesting device for wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the energy harvesting device.

18. The network node according to claim 17, wherein the at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network node to: receive an indication from the energy harvesting device to stop the wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the energy harvesting device; and provide an indication from the network node to the user equipment to stop the wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the energy harvesting device.

19. The network node according to claim 18, wherein the connection for wireless power transfer is a sidelink connection.

20. The network node according to claim 19, wherein the at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network node to provide a configuration for the sidelink connection to the user equipment.

21. The network node according to any of claims 17 to 20, wherein the at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network node to: provide a request to at least one candidate user equipment for wireless power transfer capability, wherein the at least one candidate user equipment includes the at least one user equipment; receive an indication from the at least one candidate user equipment of wireless power transfer capability; and determine the at least one user equipment based on the indication.

22. The network node according to claim 21, wherein the determining the at least one user equipment is further based on an estimated link budget of the at least one user equipment.

23. The network node according to any of claims 17 to 22, wherein the indication to establish a connection with a user equipment for wireless power transfer from theuser equipment to the energy harvesting device comprises a configuration of a time period parameter for the wireless power transfer.

24. The network node according to claim 23, wherein the indication is received before a time determined based on the parameter.

25. A method comprising: receiving, by an apparatus from a network node, an indication to establish a connection with a user equipment for wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus; establishing, based on the indication, a connection for the wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus; receiving a wireless power transfer signal at the apparatus from the user equipment using the connection for the wireless power transfer; and providing an indication to the user equipment to stop the wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus.

26. A method comprising: receiving, by a user equipment from a network node, an indication to establish a connection with an apparatus for wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus; establishing, based on the indication, a connection for the wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus; sending a wireless power transfer signal from the user equipment using the connection for the wireless power transfer; and receiving an indication from the apparatus at the user equipment to stop the wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus.

27. A method comprising: providing, to a user equipment from a network node and to an apparatus from the network node, an indication to establish a connection between the user equipment and the apparatus for wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus.

28. A method according to any of claims 25 to 27, wherein the apparatus comprises an energy harvesting device.

29. An apparatus comprising: means for receiving, from a network node, an indication to establish a connection with a user equipment for wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus; means for establishing, based on the indication, a connection for the wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus; means for receiving a wireless power transfer signal at the apparatus from the user equipment using the connection for the wireless power transfer; and means for providing an indication to the user equipment to stop the wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus.

30. A user equipment comprising: means for receiving, by the user equipment from a network node, an indication to establish a connection with an energy harvesting device for wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the energy harvesting device; means for establishing, based on the indication, a connection for the wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the energy harvesting device; means for sending a wireless power transfer signal from the user equipment using the connection for the wireless power transfer; and means for receiving an indication from the energy harvesting device at the user equipment to stop the wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the energy harvesting device.

31. A network node comprising: means for providing, to a user equipment from the network node and to an energy harvesting device from the network node, an indication to establish a connection between the user equipment and the energy harvesting device for wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the energy harvesting device.

32. A computer readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: receiving, from a network node, an indication to establish a connection with a user equipment for wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus; establishing, based on the indication, a connection for the wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus; receiving a wireless power transfer signal at the apparatus from the user equipment using the connection for the wireless power transfer; and providing an indication to the user equipment to stop the wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the apparatus.

33. A computer readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a user equipment, cause the user equipment to perform at least the following: receiving, by the user equipment from a network node, an indication to establish a connection with an energy harvesting device for wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the energy harvesting device; establishing, based on the indication, a connection for the wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the energy harvesting device; sending a wireless power transfer signal from the user equipment using the connection for the wireless power transfer; and receiving an indication from the energy harvesting device at the user equipment to stop the wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the energy harvesting device.

34. A computer readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a network node, cause the network node to perform at least the following: providing, to a user equipment from the network node and to an energy harvesting device from the network node, an indication to establish a connection between the user equipment and the energy harvesting device for wireless power transfer from the user equipment to the energy harvesting device.

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