Methods, systems, and apparatus for energy status of ambient IoT device

Abstract

Some embodiments herein provide a signaling framework for exchange of handshake messages between a reader and an ambient internet of things (IoT) device. The reader may determine an energy status of the ambient IoT device, and perform a follow-up procedure for the ambient IoT device when the energy status is determined to be below a threshold. In some embodiments, the reader may send an energy harvest command to the ambient IoT device to cause the ambient IoT device prepare for harvesting energy.

Description

METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND APPARATUS FOR ENERGY STATUS OF AMBIENTIOT DEVICETECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This application relates generally to wireless communication systems, including radio frequency powered devices.BACKGROUND

[0002] Wireless mobile communication technology uses various standards and protocols to transmit data between a base station and a wireless communication device. Wireless communication system standards and protocols can include, for example. 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE) (e.g., 4G), 3GPP New Radio (NR) (e.g., 5G), and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard for Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN) (commonly known to industry groups as Wi-Fi®).

[0003] As contemplated by the 3GPP, different wireless communication systems' standards and protocols can use various radio access networks (RANs) for communicating between a base station of the RAN (which may also sometimes be referred to generally as a RAN node, a network node, or simply a node) and a wireless communication device known as a user equipment (UE). 3GPP RANs can include, for example, Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) RAN (GERAN), Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN). Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN), and / or Next-Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN).

[0004] Each RAN may use one or more radio access technologies (RATs) to perform communication between the base station and the UE. For example, the GERAN implements GSM and / or EDGE RAT, the UTRAN implements Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS) RAT or other 3GPP RAT, the E-UTRAN implements LTE RAT (sometimes simply referred to as LTE), and NG-RAN implements NR RAT (sometimes referred to herein as 5G RAT, 5G NR RAT, or simply NR). In certain deployments, the E-UTRAN may also implement NR RAT. In certain deployments, NG-RAN may also implement LTE RAT.

[0005] A base station used by a RAN may correspond to that RAN. One example of an E-UTRAN base station is an Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E- UTRAN) Node B (also commonly denoted as evolved Node B, enhanced Node B, eNodeB, or eNB). One example of an NG-RAN base station is a next generation Node B (also sometimes referred to as a g Node B or gNB).

[0006] A RAN provides its communication services with external entities through its connection to a core network (CN). For example, E-UTRAN may utilize an Evolved Packet Core (EPC) while NG-RAN may utilize a 5G Core Network (5GC).BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or act. the most significant digit or digits in a reference number refer to the figure number in which that element is first introduced.

[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an explicit feedback table that an ambient loT device may use to provide a reader with a remaining energy status in accordance with some embodiments

[0009] FIG. 2 illustrates a series of slots in a time domain, and a graph showing a stored energy level of an ambient loT device during the time domain in accordance with some embodiments.

[0010] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a series of scheduled uplink sy mbols for an ambient loT device at a reader, and the actual uplink transmissions received from the ambient loT device at the reader in accordance with some embodiments.

[0011] FIG. 4 illustrates an example uplink schedule and RSRP of the uplink signal at the reader for each uplink occasion in accordance with some embodiments.

[0012] FIG. 5 illustrates an example uplink schedule and RSRP of the uplink signal at the reader for each uplink occasion where a decreasing trend is determined in accordance with some embodiments.

[0013] FIG. 6 illustrates a method for a reader in accordance with some embodiments.

[0014] FIG. 7 illustrates a method for an ambient loT device in accordance with some embodiments.

[0015] FIG. 8 illustrates an example architecture of a wireless communication system, according to embodiments disclosed herein.

[0016] FIG. 9 illustrates a system for performing signaling between a wireless device and a network device, according to embodiments disclosed herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Various embodiments are described with regard to a UE. However, reference to a UE is merely provided for illustrative purposes. The example embodiments may be utilized with any electronic component that may establish a connection to a network and is configured with the hardware, software, and / or firmware to exchange information and data with the network. Therefore, the UE as described herein is used to represent any appropriate electronic component.

[0018] Additionally, embodiments herein are described with regard to Internet of Things (loT) devices. Reference to an loT device is merely provided for illustrative purposes, and the embodiments herein may be utilized with any device that has the capability to collect and exchange data. loT devices may be embedded with sensors, software, and network connectivity, allowing them to communicate with other devices and systems. loT devices can vary in size, complexity, and functionality. They can range from small, simple devices such as temperature sensors and smart home appliances to more complex devices like industrial machinery and autonomous vehicles.

[0019] Some loT devices include ambient loT devices. An ambient loT device is a device that is able to harvest energy from ambient sources. For example, some ambient loT devices may use radio frequency (RF) waves for power. To power such devices using RF, embodiments herein provide enhancements to a wireless communication system framework to introduce a new category of device(s) that is able to harvest energy from ambient sources. An ambient loT device may be referred to as an RF powered device. An ambient loT device may also be referred to as a UE device.

[0020] There may be multiple types of ambient loT devices that the wireless communication system may support. For instance, in terms of energy storage, some devices may be battery-less devices with no energy storage capability at all, and completely dependent on the availability of an external source of energy. Some devices may include limited energy storage capability that do not need to be replaced or recharged manually, but can be charged by harvesting energy from ambient sources. In some embodiments, device categorization may be based on characteristics correspondingto a device (e.g. energy source, energy storage capability, passive / active transmission, etc.).

[0021] Embodiments herein consider the following set of ambient loT devices. loT device type A includes no energy storage, harvests energy from ambient sources, and has no independent signal generation, but only backscattering transmission. loT device type B has energy storage from harvesting ambient sources, but does not perform independent signal generation (e.g., backscattering transmission). loT device type B's use of stored energy can include amplification for backscattered signals. loT device type C has energy storage from harvesting ambient sources, and has independent signal generation (e.g., active RF component for transmission). One common aspect for all these device categories is that they may solely rely on energy harvested from ambient sources. From a wireless communication system perspective, RF energy' harvesting may be considered. For example, the devices may utilize the energy of the incoming signals from other nodes in the system.

[0022] For device type B and type C, there is a possibility for energy storage based on harvesting. For a reader (e.g., a network node or other UE device) to communicate with type B and type C device, it could be beneficial to be aware of the energy status of these devices. For instance, the reader may be provided with an estimate of the energy stored in the devices. Based on the energy status, the reader may be able to determine if the ambient loT device is capable of transmission, reception, and / or processing.

[0023] Embodiments herein provide a new' framework for a handshake between the reader and ambient loT device type B / type C for the reader to determine or estimate a remaining energy status of the device. In some embodiments herein, a reader may use a handshake with the ambient loT device to determine the estimated energy status of the device before following up with actual communication so the reader can ensure the ambient loT device has sufficient remaining energy.

[0024] Some embodiments herein provide a signaling framework for exchange of handshake messages. Some embodiments provide implicit and / or explicit methods to determine the energy status of the ambient loT devices. Some embodiments herein provide follow-up procedures once the energy status is determined.

[0025] In some embodiments herein, the ambient loT device may provide explicit feedback to the reader regarding the energy storage level. In some embodiments, thereader may request feedback from the ambient loT device on the level of its current energy storage level.

[0026] In some embodiments, a single threshold may be defined for the ambient loT device. The ambient loT device may indicate with one bit whether it has sufficient energy to continue communication based on the current energy storage level compared to the threshold. For example, an ambient loT device may be configured with a certain threshold. The threshold may relate to an amount of energy required for transmission / reception / processing. The threshold may be a value greater than or equal to the required amount of power. In some embodiments, the threshold may be a static preprogrammed value. In some embodiments, the threshold may be dynamic and vary based on environmental conditions and / or type of task the ambient loT device is performing. The ambient loT device may report whether the current energy storage level is above or below the threshold.

[0027] In some embodiments, the ambient loT device may report its energy storage level with greater granularity. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an explicit feedback table 102 that an ambient loT device may use to provide a reader with a remaining energy status in accordance with some embodiments. The explicit feedback table 102 may preconfigured for the ambient loT device. As shown, the explicit feedback table 102 may include multiple ranges of energy storage. The explicit feedback table 102 may include a minimum level 104 and a maximum level 106 for each range. Based on the current status, the ambient loT device may indicate an index 108 corresponding to a current range via a bitmap 110 to the reader, as indicated in the explicit feedback table 102.

[0028] For example, the reader may request a current energy storage level of the ambient loT device. The ambient loT device may reply to the request by providing one of the values in the bitmap 110. If the ambient loT device sends 00 it may indicate that the current energy storage level of the ambient loT device is betw een Al and A2 Joules. Al and A2 may represent set values known to both the reader and the ambient loT device. If the ambient loT device sends 01 it may indicate that the current energy storage level of the ambient loT device is between Bl and B2 Joules. If the ambient loT device sends 10 it may indicate that the current energy storage level of the ambient loT device is between Cl and C2 Joules. If the ambient loT device sends 11 it may indicate that the current energy storage level of the ambient loT device is between DI and D2 Joules.

[0029] In some embodiments, rather than a range, an ambient loT device may indicate an exact energy level that is currently stored. In some embodiments, the ambient loT may indicate a maximum transmit power range at that point in time.

[0030] In some embodiments, the ambient loT device may provide explicit feedback even if the reader does not send a request. In an example embodiment, the ambient loT device can be configured by the reader to report back to the reader when its energy level falls below a certain threshold, otherwise, no explicit reporting on the energy status is sent by the ambient loT device. In such an embodiment, as long as no energy level status is received by the reader, the reader can assume that the ambient loT device has sufficient energy level for communication with reader.

[0031] The energy level status report may be sent using a pre-configured resource. In some embodiments, configured grant and / or dedicated resources can be used by ambient loT device for reporting the feedback. For example, if the ambient loT device’s energy level drops below a certain threshold, then the ambient loT device may report the feedback to reader in the next available configured grant resource, as illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0032] FIG. 2 illustrates a series of slots in a time domain 202, and a graph 216 showing a stored energy' level 218 of an ambient loT device during the time domain 202. As shown, during each slot (e.g., first slot 210, second slot 212, third slot 214), the ambient loT device has been assigned a pre-configured uplink grant resource (e.g.. first UL grant resource 204, second UL grant resource 206, third UL grant resource 208). The uplink grant resources may be configured by the reader during an initial connection process. The uplink grant resources may provide the ambient loT device with a periodic resource that may be used to report when the stored energy level 218 falls below a threshold 220.

[0033] As shown in the graph 216 during the first slot 210, the stored energy level 218 may decrease slightly. The ambient loT device may determine at that point no reporting would be necessary by comparing the stored energy level 218 to the threshold 220 and determining that the stored energy level 218 is greater than the threshold 220. However, during the second slot 212, the ambient loT device may determine that the stored energylevel 218 falls below the threshold 220.

[0034] Accordingly, the ambient loT device may determine that it should send feedback to the reader during a next uplink resource. The ambient loT device may determine thatthe second UL grant resource 206 has already passed and generate the stored energy level feedback for the third UL grant resource 208. During the third UL grant resource 208, the ambient loT device may send the stored energy level feedback to the reader. In some embodiments, the stored energy level feedback may be an indication that the stored energy level 218 is below the threshold 220, or a current range of the stored energy level, or an exact energy level. For instance, the ambient loT device may use the bitmap 110 of FIG. 1 to indicate a current range of its current stored energy level.

[0035] In some embodiments, a reader may implicitly determine when the energy level for the ambient loT device is below a certain threshold. For example, the ambient loT device can be semi-statically and / or dynamically indicated / requested for transmission to the reader. In some embodiments, if the reader does not receive any transmission on the configured / indicated transmission occasions, then the reader may assume that the energy' level for the ambient loT device is below a certain threshold. For instance, if the reader does not detect any energy from the ambient loT device during a scheduled uplink symbol, the reader may determine that the ambient loT device lacks sufficient power for transmission.

[0036] In some embodiments, the reader may send a query or handshake command to the device, and the device is expected to transmit an Acknowledgement (ACK) in return to the query or handshake command. If the reader does not receive an ACK, then the reader may assume that the energy level for the ambient loT device is below a certain threshold. In some embodiments, the query or handshake command may be sent after the reader determines that a semi-statically and / or dynamically indicated / requested transmission from the ambient loT device was missed. In such embodiments, the query or handshake command and the corresponding ACK may be a way of confirming whether or not the energy level for the ambient loT device is below a certain threshold.

[0037] In some embodiments, an ambient loT device can be semi-statically and / or dynamically indicated / requested for a transmission to the reader. If the reader does not receive any transmission on the configured / indicated transmission occasions for “N" (e.g.. a configured number) consecutive occasions, then the reader may assume that the energy level for the ambient loT device is below a certain threshold, as illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0038] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a series of scheduled uplink symbols 302 for an ambient loT device at a reader, and the actual uplink transmissions 304 received fromthe ambient loT device at the reader in accordance with some embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, a threshold of three consecutive occasions without uplink on scheduled resources is set. In other embodiments, the threshold may be set to more or fewer consecutive occasions without uplink transmissions from the ambient loT device on scheduled resources.

[0039] As shown, during a first scheduled uplink symbol 306, the reader may receive an actual uplink transmission 308 from the ambient loT device. However, during a second scheduled uplink symbol 310, the reader may fail to receive an actual uplink transmission from the ambient loT device. Accordingly, the reader may increase a counter to one missed uplink occasion. Then during a third scheduled uplink symbol 312, the reader may receive a second actual uplink transmission 314 from the ambient loT device. Because an uplink transmission was received, the reader may reset the counter. On a fourth scheduled uplink symbol 316, the reader may receive a third actual uplink transmission 318 from the ambient loT device, and the counter may remain at zero.

[0040] In the illustrated example, during the next three consecutive scheduled uplink symbols 320, the reader does not receive an uplink transmission from the ambient loT device. After each consecutive occasions without an uplink transmission on a scheduled resource, the reader may increase a counter by one until a threshold number of missed occasions are reached. In the illustrated embodiment, the threshold is set to three. Accordingly, after the consecutive three scheduled uplink symbols 320 pass, the reader may assume that the energy level for the ambient loT device is below a certain threshold.

[0041] In some embodiments, the reader may make an implicit determination regarding the energy level of the ambient loT device based on signal strength of a signal from the ambient loT device. For example, in some embodiments, the ambient loT device can be semi-statically and / or dynamically indicated / requested for transmission to the reader. If the reader receives transmission on the configured / indicated transmission occasions from the ambient loT device, but the received signal strength such as Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) is below a certain threshold, then the reader may assume that the energy level for the ambient loT device is below a certain threshold.

[0042] For example, the reader may schedule an ambient loT device for uplink. The reader may receive a signal from during the scheduled resource from the ambient loT device. The reader may measure the strength of the received signal and compare that measurement to a threshold. If the measured strength is below the threshold, the readermay determine the energy level of the ambient loT device is not sufficient and is below a certain threshold.

[0043] In some embodiments, the reader may consider the signal strength of multiple consecutive signals from the ambient loT device. For example, the ambient loT device can be semi-statically and / or dynamically indicated / requested for transmission to reader and if the reader receives transmission on the configured / indicated transmission occasions. If the received signal strength, such as RSRP, is below a certain threshold for “N"’ consecutive occasions (where N is a threshold number), then the reader may assume that the energy’ level for the ambient loT device is below a certain threshold, as illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0044] FIG. 4 illustrates an example uplink schedule 402 and RSRP 404 of the uplink signal at the reader for each uplink occasion. For each uplink occasion, the reader may measure the signal strength of the signal from ambient loT device and compare that measurement to a threshold. In the illustrated example, during the first uplink occasion 408, the first RSRP measurement 410 is above the threshold 406. However, during the subsequent three consecutive uplink occasions 414. the corresponding RSRP measurements 412 fall below the threshold 406.

[0045] In the illustrated embodiment, the threshold N value is set to three. If the RSRP 404 falls below the threshold 406 for three consecutive occasions, then the reader may determine that the energy level for the ambient loT device is below a certain threshold. In other embodiments, the value of N may be increased or decreased. The reader may use a counter that resets each time a RSRP value exceeds the threshold 406. When the reader determines that the RSRP measurements 412 corresponding to the three consecutive uplink occasions 414 fall below the threshold 406, the reader may determine the energy level of the ambient loT device is not sufficient and is below a certain threshold.

[0046] In some embodiments, the reader may consider a trend in the signal strength of multiple consecutive signals from the ambient loT device. For example, the ambient loT device can be semi-statically and / or dynamically indicated / requested for transmission to the reader. If the reader receives transmission on the configured / indicated transmission occasions, but the received signal strength is decreasing for the last “N” transmission occasions, then the reader may assume that the energy level for the ambient loT device is below a certain threshold as illustrated in FIG. 5.

[0047] FIG. 5 illustrates an example uplink schedule 502 and RSRP 504 of the uplink signal at the reader for each uplink occasion where a decreasing trend is determined. The reader may measure the RSRP 504 of signals received from the ambient loT device during each of the uplink occasions in the uplink schedule. The reader may compare each measurement of the RSRP 504 to previous measurement. The reader may determine trends, and once a decreasing signal strength trend is detected across a configured number of uplink occasions, the reader may determine that the ambient loT device is below a certain threshold.

[0048] If an RSRP measurement is less than the RSRP measurement previously determined, the reader may increase a counter. If a subsequent RSRP measurement is equal to or greater than a previous RSRP measurement, the reader may reset the counter. Once the counter reaches a threshold value ("N"), the reader may assume that the energy level for the ambient loT device is below a certain threshold. For example, the RSRP measurements 508 corresponding to the final three consecutive uplink occasions 506 are decreasing. In the illustrated embodiment, N is set to three and therefore, the reader may deduce that the energy level for the ambient loT device is below a threshold.

[0049] In some embodiments, after the reader determines that the energy level for the ambient loT device is below a threshold using any embodiment described herein, the reader may send an energy harvest command. For example, the reader may send an energy harvest command to the ambient loT device to cause the ambient loT device to prepare for harvesting energy for charging the device. In some embodiments, the reader (or another node) may send an energy harvest command only when the reader determines that the energy level of the device has reached below a certain threshold. The determination of the energy level may be performed using any of the methods described herein.

[0050] In some embodiments, the reader may reconfigure symbols into harvesting symbols to accommodate a period for harvesting energy. The reader may send a harvesting signal (e g., an unmodulated carrier wave) to the ambient loT device to charge its storage. In some embodiments, the reader may send an energy harvest command and additionally a time domain resource allocation (e g., in terms of symbols / slots / frame) to the ambient loT device to prepare for harvesting energy for charging the device. This may allow the ambient loT device to determine the resources when it is expected to receive a carrier wave from the reader (or another node) and harvest energy.

[0051] In some embodiments, the ambient loT device may implicitly determine that it needs to prepare and receive carrier wave for energy harvesting. The implicit determination may be based on the explicit and / or implicit feedback described herein. Based on the explicit and / or implicit feedback, the ambient loT device may expect to receive a harvesting signal from the reader (or another node) on pre-configured resources. For example, when the ambient loT device sends explicit feedback indicating that the stored energy is below a threshold, the ambient loT device may prepare to receive a harvesting signal. Similarly, based on the RSRP of one or more uplink signals, the ambient loT device may prepare to receive a harvesting signal.

[0052] FIG. 6 illustrates a method 600 for a communication node such as a reader (e.g., a UE or network node). The illustrated method 600 includes establishing 602 a wireless connection with an ambient loT device. The method 600 further includes determining 604 an energy status of the ambient loT device. The method 600 further includes performing 606 an energy harvesting procedure for the ambient loT device when the energy status is determined to be below a threshold.

[0053] In some embodiments of the method 600, determining the energy status comprises: requesting feedback from the ambient loT device; and receiving the feedback from the ambient loT device, the feedback indicating a current energy storage level of the ambient loT device.

[0054] In some embodiments of the method 600, the feedback comprises an indication of the current energy storage level compared to the threshold.

[0055] In some embodiments of the method 600, the feedback comprises an indication of an energy range that the current energy storage level is within.

[0056] In some embodiments of the method 600, determining the energy status comprises: receiving a report from the ambient loT device when a current energy storage level of the ambient loT device falls below the threshold; and assuming that the ambient loT device has sufficient energy for communication when the report is not received.

[0057] In some embodiments of the method 600, the report is received during a configured grant resource or a dedicated resource.

[0058] In some embodiments of the method 600, determining the energy status comprises determining that the energy status is determined to be below the threshold when an expected transmission from the ambient loT device is not received.

[0059] In some embodiments of the method 600, determining the energy status comprises: sending a query or handshake command to the ambient loT device; and determining that the energy status is determined to be below the threshold when an acknowledgment corresponding to the query or handshake command is not received.

[0060] In some embodiments of the method 600, determining the energy status comprises determining that the energy status is determined to be below the threshold when an expected transmission from the ambient loT device is not received for a configured number of consecutive transmission occasions.

[0061] In some embodiments of the method 600, determining the energy status comprises determining that the energy status is determined to be below the threshold when a received signal strength is below a signal strength threshold.

[0062] In some embodiments of the method 600, determining the energy status comprises determining that the energy status is determined to be below the threshold when a received signal strength is below a signal strength threshold for a configured number of consecutive transmission occasions.

[0063] In some embodiments of the method 600, determining the energy status comprises determining that the energy status is determined to be below the threshold when a received signal strength is decreasing with every following transmission occasion for a configured number of consecutive transmission occasions.

[0064] In some embodiments of the method 600, the energy harvesting procedure comprises sending an energy harvest command to the ambient loT device to cause the ambient loT device prepare for harvesting energy.

[0065] In some embodiments of the method 600, the energy harvesting procedure further comprises sending a time domain resource allocation corresponding to energy harvesting signals.

[0066] In some embodiments of the method 600, the energy harvesting procedure comprises triggering a second communication node to transmit an energy harvesting signal to the ambient loT device.

[0067] Embodiments contemplated herein include an apparatus comprising means to perform one or more elements of the method 600. This apparatus may be. for example, an apparatus of a base station (such as a network device 918 that is a reader (e.g., base station or UE), as described herein).

[0068] Embodiments contemplated herein include one or more non-transitory computer-readable media comprising instructions to cause an electronic device, upon execution of the instructions by one or more processors of the electronic device, to perform one or more elements of the method 600. This non-transitory computer-readable media may be, for example, a memory of a base station (such as a memory 922 of a network device 918 that is a reader, as described herein).

[0069] Embodiments contemplated herein include an apparatus comprising logic, modules, or circuitry to perform one or more elements of the method 600. This apparatus may be, for example, an apparatus of a base station (such as a network device 918 that is a reader, as described herein).

[0070] Embodiments contemplated herein include an apparatus comprising: one or more processors and one or more computer-readable media comprising instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform one or more elements of the method 600. This apparatus may be, for example, an apparatus of a base station (such as a network device 918 that is a reader, as described herein).

[0071] Embodiments contemplated herein include a signal as described in or related to one or more elements of the method 600.

[0072] Embodiments contemplated herein include a computer program or computer program product comprising instructions, wherein execution of the program by a processing element is to cause the processing element to carry7out one or more elements of the method 600. The processor may be a processor of a base station (such as a processor(s) 920 of a network device 918 that is a base station, as described herein). These instructions may be, for example, located in the processor and / or on a memory of the base station (such as a memory7922 of a network device 918 that is a reader, as described herein).

[0073] FIG. 7 illustrates a method 700 for an loT device. The illustrated method 700 includes establishing 702 a wireless connection with a communication node. The method 700 further includes providing 704 explicit feedback or implicit feedback to the communication node regarding an energy status of the ambient loT device. The method 700 further includes harvesting 706 energy from a radio frequency (RF) signal when the energy status is determined to be below a threshold.

[0074] In some embodiments of the method 700, providing the explicit or implicit feedback comprises: receiving a feedback request from the communication node: and sending the explicit feedback to the communication node, the explicit feedback indicating a current energy storage level of the ambient loT device.

[0075] In some embodiments of the method 700, the explicit feedback comprises an indication of the current energy storage level compared to the threshold.

[0076] In some embodiments of the method 700, the explicit feedback comprises an indication of an energy range that the current energy storage level is within.

[0077] In some embodiments of the method 700, providing the explicit or implicit feedback comprises sending a report to the communication node when a current energy storage level of the ambient loT device falls below the threshold.

[0078] In some embodiments of the method 700, the report is transmitted during a configured grant resource or a dedicated resource.

[0079] In some embodiments of the method 700, the implicit feedback comprises preventing transmission of an expected transmission to the communication node to indicate that the energy status is below the threshold.

[0080] In some embodiments, the method 700 further comprises receiving a query or handshake command from the communication node; and preventing an acknowledgment corresponding to the query or handshake command from being sent if the energy status is determined to be below the threshold.

[0081] In some embodiments of the method 700, the implicit feedback comprises preventing transmission of an expected transmission to the communication node for a configured number of consecutive transmission occasions to indicate that the energy status is below the threshold.

[0082] In some embodiments of the method 700, the implicit feedback comprises sending a transmission with a signal strength that is below a signal strength threshold to indicate that the energy status is below the threshold.

[0083] In some embodiments of the method 700, the implicit feedback comprises sending a transmission with a signal strength that is below a signal strength threshold for a configured number of consecutive transmission occasions to indicate that the energy status is below the threshold.

[0084] In some embodiments, the method 700 further comprises: receiving an energy harvest command from the communication node, and preparing for energy harvesting based on the energy harvest command.

[0085] In some embodiments, the method 700 further comprises: receiving a time domain resource allocation corresponding to the energy harvest command.

[0086] In some embodiments, the method 700 further comprises: determining a need to prepare for and receive a carrier wave for energy harvesting based on the explicit feedback or the implicit feedback.

[0087] In some embodiments of the method 700, the RF signal is transmitted from a second communication node.

[0088] Embodiments contemplated herein include an apparatus comprising means to perform one or more elements of the method 700. This apparatus may be, for example, an apparatus of a UE (such as a wireless device 902 that is an ambient loT device, as described herein).

[0089] Embodiments contemplated herein include one or more non-transitory computer-readable media comprising instructions to cause an electronic device, upon execution of the instructions by one or more processors of the electronic device, to perform one or more elements of the method 700 This non-transitory computer-readable media may be, for example, a memory of a UE (such as a memory 906 of a wireless device 902 that is an ambient loT device, as described herein).

[0090] Embodiments contemplated herein include an apparatus comprising logic, modules, or circuitry to perform one or more elements of the method 700. This apparatus may be, for example, an apparatus of a UE (such as a wireless device 902 that is an ambient loT device, as described herein).

[0091] Embodiments contemplated herein include an apparatus comprising: one or more processors and one or more computer-readable media comprising instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform one or more elements of the method 700. This apparatus may be. for example, an apparatus of a UE (such as a wireless device 902 that is an ambient loT device, as described herein).

[0092] Embodiments contemplated herein include a signal as described in or related to one or more elements of the method 700.

[0093] Embodiments contemplated herein include a computer program or computer program product comprising instructions, wherein execution of the program by a processor is to cause the processor to carry out one or more elements of the method 700. The processor may be a processor of a UE (such as a processor(s) 904 of a wireless device 902 that is a UE, as described herein). These instructions may be, for example, located in the processor and / or on a memory of the UE (such as a memory 906 of a wireless device 902 that is an ambient loT device, as described herein).

[0094] FIG. 8 illustrates an example architecture of a wireless communication system 800, according to embodiments disclosed herein. The following description is provided for an example wireless communication system 800 that operates in conjunction with the LTE system standards and / or 5G or NR system standards as provided by 3GPP technical specifications.

[0095] As shown by FIG. 8. the wireless communication system 800 includes UE 802 and UE 804 (although any number of UEs may be used). In this example, the UE 802 and the UE 804 are illustrated as smartphones (e.g., handheld touchscreen mobile computing devices connectable to one or more cellular networks), but may also comprise any mobile or non-mobile computing device configured for wireless communication.

[0096] The UE 802 and UE 804 may be configured to communicatively couple with a RAN 806. In embodiments, the RAN 806 may be NG-RAN, E-UTRAN, etc. The UE 802 and UE 804 utilize connections (or channels) (shown as connection 808 and connection 810, respectively) with the RAN 806, each of which comprises a physical communications interface. The RAN 806 can include one or more base stations (such as base station 812 and base station 814) that enable the connection 808 and connection 810.

[0097] In this example, the connection 808 and connection 810 are air interfaces to enable such communicative coupling, and may be consistent with RAT(s) used by the RAN 806, such as, for example, an LTE and / or NR.

[0098] In some embodiments, the UE 802 and UE 804 may also directly exchange communication data via a sidelink interface 816. The UE 804 is shown to be configured to access an access point (shown as AP 818) via connection 820. By way of example, the connection 820 can comprise a local wireless connection, such as a connection consistent with any IEEE 802. 11 protocol, wherein the AP 818 may comprise a Wi-Fi® router. Inthis example, the AP 818 may be connected to another network (for example, the Internet) without going through a CN 824.

[0099] In embodiments, the UE 802 and UE 804 can be configured to communicate using orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) communication signals with each other or with the base station 812 and / or the base station 814 over a multicarrier communication channel in accordance with various communication techniques, such as, but not limited to, an orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) communication technique (e.g., for downlink communications) or a single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) communication technique (e g., for uplink and ProSe or sidelink communications), although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this respect. The OFDM signals can comprise a plurality of orthogonal subcarriers.

[0100] In some embodiments, all or parts of the base station 812 or base station 814 may be implemented as one or more software entities running on server computers as part of a virtual network. In addition, or in other embodiments, the base station 812 or base station 814 may be configured to communicate with one another via interface 822. In embodiments where the wireless communication system 800 is an LTE system (e.g., when the CN 824 is an EPC), the interface 822 may be an X2 interface. The X2 interface may be defined between two or more base stations (e.g., two or more eNBs and the like) that connect to an EPC, and / or between two eNBs connecting to the EPC. In embodiments where the wireless communication system 800 is an NR system (e.g., when CN 824 is a 5GC), the interface 822 may be an Xn interface. The Xn interface is defined between two or more base stations (e.g., two or more gNBs and the like) that connect to 5GC, between a base station 812 (e.g., a gNB) connecting to 5GC and an eNB, and / or between two eNBs connecting to 5GC (e.g.. CN 824).

[0101] The RAN 806 is shown to be communicatively coupled to the CN 824. The CN 824 may comprise one or more network elements 826, which are configured to offer various data and telecommunications services to customers / subscribers (e.g., users of UE 802 and UE 804) who are connected to the CN 824 via the RAN 806. The components of the CN 824 may be implemented in one physical device or separate physical devices including components to read and execute instructions from a machine-readable or computer-readable medium (e.g., a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium).

[0102] In embodiments, the CN 824 may be an EPC, and the RAN 806 may be connected with the CN 824 via an S I interface 828. In embodiments, the S I interface 828 may be split into two parts, an SI user plane (Sl-U) interface, which carries traffic data between the base station 812 or base station 814 and a serving gateway (S-GW), and the SI -MME interface, which is a signaling interface between the base station 812 or base station 814 and mobility management entities (MMEs).

[0103] In embodiments, the CN 824 may be a 5GC, and the RAN 806 may be connected with the CN 824 via an NG interface 828. In embodiments, the NG interface 828 may be split into two parts, an NG user plane (NG-U) interface, which carries traffic data between the base station 812 or base station 814 and a user plane function (UPF). and the SI control plane (NG-C) interface, which is a signaling interface between the base station 812 or base station 814 and access and mobility management functions (AMFs).

[0104] Generally, an application server 830 may be an element offering applications that use internet protocol (IP) bearer resources with the CN 824 (e.g., packet switched data services). The application server 830 can also be configured to support one or more communication services (e.g., VoIP sessions, group communication sessions, etc.) for the UE 802 and UE 804 via the CN 824. The application server 830 may communicate with the CN 824 through an IP communications interface 832.

[0105] FIG. 9 illustrates a system 900 for performing signaling 934 between a wireless device 902 and a network device 918, according to embodiments disclosed herein. The system 900 may be a portion of a wireless communications system as herein described. The wireless device 902 may be, for example, a UE of a wireless communication system. The network device 918 may be, for example, a base station (e.g., an eNB or a gNB) of a wireless communication system.

[0106] The wireless device 902 may include one or more processor(s) 904. The processor(s) 904 may execute instructions such that various operations of the wireless device 902 are performed, as described herein. The processor(s) 904 may include one or more baseband processors implemented using, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a controller, a field programmable gate array (FPGA) device, another hardware device, a firmware device, or any combination thereof configured to perform the operations described herein.

[0107] The wireless device 902 may include a memory 906. The memory 906 may be a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that stores instructions 908 (which may include, for example, the instructions being executed by the processor(s) 904). The instructions 908 may also be referred to as program code or a computer program. The memory 906 may also store data used by, and results computed by, the processor(s) 904.

[0108] The wireless device 902 may include one or more transceiver(s) 910 that may include radio frequency (RF) transmitter circuitry and / or receiver circuitry that use the antenna(s) 912 of the wireless device 902 to facilitate signaling (e.g., the signaling 934) to and / or from the wireless device 902 with other devices (e.g., the network device 918) according to corresponding RATs.

[0109] The wireless device 902 may include one or more antenna(s) 912 (e.g., one, two, four, or more). For embodiments with multiple antenna(s) 912, the wireless device 902 may leverage the spatial diversity of such multiple antenna(s) 912 to send and / or receive multiple different data streams on the same time and frequency resources. This behavior may be referred to as, for example, multiple input multiple output (MIMO) behavior (referring to the multiple antennas used at each of a transmitting device and a receiving device that enable this aspect). MIMO transmissions by the wireless device 902 may be accomplished according to precoding (or digital beamforming) that is applied at the wireless device 902 that multiplexes the data streams across the antenna(s) 912 according to known or assumed channel characteristics such that each data stream is received with an appropriate signal strength relative to other streams and at a desired location in the spatial domain (e.g., the location of a receiver associated with that data stream). Certain embodiments may use single user MIMO (SU-MIMO) methods (where the data streams are all directed to a single receiver) and / or multi user MIMO (MU- MIMO) methods (where individual data streams may be directed to individual (different) receivers in different locations in the spatial domain).

[0110] In certain embodiments having multiple antennas, the wireless device 902 may implement analog beamforming techniques, whereby phases of the signals sent by the antenna(s) 912 are relatively adjusted such that the (joint) transmission of the antenna(s) 912 can be directed (this is sometimes referred to as beam steering).

[0111] The ireless device 902 may include one or more interface(s) 914. The interface(s) 914 may be used to provide input to or output from the wireless device 902. For example, a wireless device 902 that is a UE may include interface(s) 914 such asmicrophones, speakers, a touchscreen, buttons, and the like in order to allow for input and / or output to the UE by a user of the UE. Other interfaces of such a UE may be made up of transmitters, receivers, and other circuitry (e.g., other than the transceiver(s) 910 / antenna(s) 912 already described) that allow for communication between the UE and other devices and may operate according to known protocols (e.g., Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth®, and the like).

[0112] The wireless device 902 may include an energy status module 916. The energy status module 916 may be implemented via hardware, software, or combinations thereof. For example, the energy status module 916 may be implemented as a processor, circuit, and / or instructions 908 stored in the memory 906 and executed by the processor(s) 904. In some examples, the energy status module 916 may be integrated within the processor(s) 904 and / or the transceiver(s) 910. For example, the energy status module 916 may be implemented by a combination of software components (e.g.. executed by a DSP or a general processor) and hardware components (e.g.. logic gates and circuitry) within the processor(s) 904 or the transceiver(s) 910.

[0113] The energy status module 916 may be used for various aspects of the present disclosure, for example, aspects of FIGS. 1-8. The energy status module 916 is configured to determine a current energy level of the ambient loT device, provide feedback to the network device 918, and prepare the wireless device 902 for an energy' harvesting signal.

[0114] The network device 918 may include one or more processor(s) 920. The processor(s) 920 may execute instructions such that various operations of the network device 918 are performed, as described herein. The processor(s) 920 may include one or more baseband processors implemented using, for example, a CPU, a DSP, an ASIC, a controller, an FPGA device, another hardware device, a firmware device, or any combination thereof configured to perform the operations described herein.

[0115] The network device 918 may include a memory 922. The memory 922 may be a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that stores instructions 924 (which may include, for example, the instructions being executed by the processor(s) 920). The instructions 924 may also be referred to as program code or a computer program. The memory 922 may also store data used by, and results computed by, the processor(s) 920.

[0116] The network device 918 may include one or more transceiver(s) 926 that may include RF transmitter circuitry' and / or receiver circuitry' that use the antenna(s) 928 ofthe network device 918 to facilitate signaling (e.g., the signaling 934) to and / or from the network device 918 with other devices (e.g., the wireless device 902) according to corresponding RATs.

[0117] The network device 918 may include one or more antenna(s) 928 (e.g., one, two, four, or more). In embodiments having multiple antenna(s) 928, the network device 918 may perform MIMO, digital beamforming, analog beamforming, beam steering, etc., as has been described.

[0118] The network device 918 may include one or more interface(s) 930. The interface(s) 930 may be used to provide input to or output from the network device 918. For example, a network device 918 that is a base station may include interface(s) 930 made up of transmitters, receivers, and other circuitry' (e.g., other than the transceiver(s) 926 / antenna(s) 928 already described) that enables the base station to communicate with other equipment in a core network, and / or that enables the base station to communicate with external networks, computers, databases, and the like for purposes of operations, administration, and maintenance of the base station or other equipment operably connected thereto.

[0119] The network device 918 may include an energy status module 932. The energy status module 932 may be implemented via hardware, software, or combinations thereof. For example, the energy status module 932 may be implemented as a processor, circuit, and / or instructions 924 stored in the memory 922 and executed by the processor(s) 920. In some examples, the energy status module 932 may be integrated within the processor(s) 920 and / or the transceiver(s) 926. For example, the energy status module 932 may be implemented by a combination of software components (e.g., executed by a DSP or a general processor) and hardware components (e.g.. logic gates and circuitry) within the processor(s) 920 or the transceiver(s) 926.

[0120] The energy status module 932 may be used for various aspects of the present disclosure, for example, aspects of FIGS. 1-8. The energy status module 932 is configured to determine a current energy level of the ambient loT device and send an indication to the wireless device 902 to prepare for an energy harvesting signal.

[0121] For one or more embodiments, at least one of the components set forth in one or more of the preceding figures may be configured to perform one or more operations, techniques, processes, and / or methods as set forth herein. For example, a baseband processor as described herein in connection with one or more of the preceding figuresmay be configured to operate in accordance with one or more of the examples set forth herein. For another example, circuitry associated with a UE, base station, network element, etc. as described above in connection with one or more of the preceding figures may be configured to operate in accordance with one or more of the examples set forth herein.

[0122] Any of the above described embodiments may be combined with any other embodiment (or combination of embodiments), unless explicitly stated otherwise. The foregoing description of one or more implementations provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of embodiments to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of various embodiments.

[0123] Embodiments and implementations of the systems and methods described herein may include various operations, which may be embodied in machine-executable instructions to be executed by a computer system. A computer system may include one or more general-purpose or special-purpose computers (or other electronic devices). The computer system may include hardware components that include specific logic for performing the operations or may include a combination of hardware, software, and / or firmware.

[0124] It should be recognized that the systems described herein include descriptions of specific embodiments. These embodiments can be combined into single systems, partially combined into other systems, split into multiple systems or divided or combined in other ways. In addition, it is contemplated that parameters, attributes, aspects, etc. of one embodiment can be used in another embodiment. The parameters, attributes, aspects, etc. are merely described in one or more embodiments for clarity, and it is recognized that the parameters, attributes, aspects, etc. can be combined with or substituted for parameters, attributes, aspects, etc. of another embodiment unless specifically disclaimed herein.

[0125] It is well understood that the use of personally identifiable information should follow privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry7or governmental requirements for maintaining the privacy of users. In particular, personally identifiable information data should be managed and handled so as to minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of authorized use should be clearly indicated to users.

[0126] Although the foregoing has been described in some detail for purposes of clarity, it will be apparent that certain changes and modifications may be made without departing from the principles thereof. It should be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing both the processes and apparatuses described herein. Accordingly, the present embodiments are to be considered illustrative and not restrictive, and the description is not to be limited to the details given herein, but may be modified within the scope and equivalents of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method for a communication node, the method comprising: establishing a wireless connection with an ambient internet of things (loT) device; determining an energy status of the ambient loT device; and performing an energy harvesting procedure for the ambient loT device when the energy status is determined to be below a threshold.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the energy status comprises: requesting feedback from the ambient loT device; and receiving the feedback from the ambient loT device, the feedback indicating a current energy storage level of the ambient loT device.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the feedback comprises an indication of the current energy storage level compared to the threshold.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein the feedback comprises an indication of an energyrange that the current energy storage level is within.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the energy status comprises: receiving a report from the ambient loT device when a current energy storage level of the ambient loT device falls below the threshold; and assuming that the ambient loT device has sufficient energy for communication when the report is not received.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the report is received during a configured grant resource or a dedicated resource.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the energy status comprises determining that the energy- status is determined to be below the threshold when an expected transmission from the ambient loT device is not received.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the energy status comprises: sending a query or handshake command to the ambient loT device; and determining that the energy status is determined to be below the threshold when an acknowledgment corresponding to the query- or handshake command is not received.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the energy status comprises determining that the energy’ status is determined to be below the threshold when an expected transmission from the ambient loT device is not received for a configured number of consecutive transmission occasions.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the energy status comprises determining that the energy' status is determined to be below the threshold when a received signal strength is beloyv a signal strength threshold.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the energy status comprises determining that the energy' status is determined to be below the threshold when a received signal strength is beloyv a signal strength threshold for a configured number of consecutive transmission occasions.

12. The method of claim 1. wherein determining the energy status comprises determining that the energy status is determined to be below the threshold when a received signal strength is decreasing yvith every' folloyving transmission occasion for a configured number of consecutive transmission occasions.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the energy harvesting procedure comprises sending an energy harvest command to the ambient loT device to cause the ambient loT device prepare for harvesting energy.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the energy harvesting procedure further comprises sending a time domain resource allocation corresponding to energy harvesting signals.

15. The method of claim 1. wherein the energy harvesting procedure comprises triggering a second communication node to transmit an energy harvesting signal to the ambient loT device.

16. A method for an ambient internet of things (loT) device, the method comprising: establishing a wireless connection with a communication node; providing explicit feedback or implicit feedback to the communication node regarding an energy status of the ambient loT device; and harvesting energy from a radio frequency (RF) signal when the energy status is determined to be below a threshold.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein providing the explicit or implicit feedback comprises: receiving a feedback request from the communication node; and sending the explicit feedback to the communication node, the explicit feedback indicating a current energy storage level of the ambient loT device.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the explicit feedback comprises an indication of the current energy storage level compared to the threshold.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the explicit feedback comprises an indication of an energy range that the current energy storage level is within.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein providing the explicit or implicit feedback comprises sending a report to the communication node when a current energy storage level of the ambient loT device falls below the threshold.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the report is transmitted during a configured grant resource or a dedicated resource.

22. The method of claim 16, wherein the implicit feedback comprises preventing transmission of an expected transmission to the communication node to indicate that the energy status is below the threshold.

23. The method of claim 16, further comprising: receiving a query or handshake command from the communication node; and preventing an acknowledgment corresponding to the query or handshake command from being sent if the energy status is determined to be below the threshold.

24. The method of claim 16, wherein the implicit feedback comprises preventing transmission of an expected transmission to the communication node for a configured number of consecutive transmission occasions to indicate that the energy status is below the threshold.

25. The method of claim 16, wherein the implicit feedback comprises sending a transmission with a signal strength that is below a signal strength threshold to indicate that the energy status is below the threshold.

26. The method of claim 16, wherein the implicit feedback comprises sending a transmission with a signal strength that is below a signal strength threshold for a configured number of consecutive transmission occasions to indicate that the energy status is below the threshold.

27. The method of claim 16, further comprising receiving an energy harvest command from the communication node, and preparing for energy harvesting based on the energy harvest command.

28. The method of claim 27, further comprising receiving a time domain resource allocation corresponding to the energy harvest command.

29. The method of claim 16, further comprising determining a need to prepare for and receive a carrier wave for energy harvesting based on the explicit feedback or the implicit feedback.

30. The method of claim 16, wherein the RF signal is transmitted from a second communication node.

31. An apparatus comprising means to perform the method of any of claim 1 to claim 30.

32. A computer-readable media comprising instructions to cause an electronic device, upon execution of the instructions by one or more processors of the electronic device, to perform the method of any of claim 1 to claim 30.

33. An apparatus comprising logic, modules, or circuitry to perform the method of any of claim 1 to claim 30.

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