Methods and systems for communication for devices in wireless networks

Abstract

The present invention discloses a method of communication in a cellular network is provided wherein the method comprises determining, by a device, a trigger event, wherein the trigger event is at least one of receiving at least one pattern to indicate start of one of downlink and uplink operation, and a value exceeding a threshold; performing, by the device, one of backscattering and transmitting one of: a carrier wave; and at least one of at least one identity of the device, a feedback, and the value based on at least one of the trigger events and one of predefined and preconfigured information using at least one signal.

Description

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR COMMUNICATION FOR DEVICES IN WIRELESS NETWORKSFIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention generally relates to Ambient loT devices. More specifically, the present invention is related to methods for synchronization, signaling, configurations, clock design, transmission, backscatter, and reception for ambient loT devices.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The subject matter discussed in the background section should not be assumed to be prior art merely as a result of its mention in the background section. Similarly, a problem mentioned in the background section or associated with the subject matter of the background section should not be assumed to have been previously recognized in the prior art. The subject matter in the background section merely represents different approaches, which in and of themselves may also correspond to implementations of the claimed technology.

[0003] loT refers to an ecosystem of a large number of devices in which every device is connected to a wireless sensor network using low-cost self-powered sensor nodes. Ambient loT devices, also known as ambient intelligence or ambient computing devices, are a subset of loT devices that operate in the background, using sensors, data analytics, and connectivity to create intelligent and adaptive environments. These devices are often unobtrusive, embedded in our surroundings, and provide a continuous flow of data that can be analyzed and acted upon to improve various aspects of our lives.

[0004] In recent years, reduced capability devices with ultra-low power consumption, minimum maintenance cost, and long-life span have attracted much attention in the wireless communication world. A massive number of such devices are expected to be interconnected to improve productivity, efficiency and increase the comforts of life. Further reduction of size, complexity, and power consumption of such devices can enable the deployment of tens or even hundreds of billion devices for various applications and provide added value across the entire value chain. Further, it is impossible to power all such devices by battery that needs to be replaced or recharged manually, which leads to high maintenance cost, serious environmental issues, and even safety hazards in some use cases (e.g., wireless sensor in electric power and petroleum industry). Therefore, energy harvesting can be a potential option to power suchdevices, where the energy can be harvested using radio waves, light, motion, heat, or any other power source that could be seen suitable.

[0005] Radio frequency identification (RFID) is a well-known technology exhibiting above mentioned features. RFID supporting battery less tags has been used in many kinds of applications, such as retail and logistics and has been trialed for manufacturing logistics. However, manual scanning is needed, since the effective communication range is a few meters, which leads to labor intensive and time-consuming operations, or RFID portals / gates, leading to costly deployments. Moreover, the lack of interference management scheme results in severe interference between RFID readers and capacity problems, especially in case of dense deployment. Therefore, there is a need to provide methods and systems to support large-scale networks with seamless coverage for RFID.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] This summary is provided to introduce aspects related to a method for signaling in ambient loT devices and the aspects are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0007] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of communication in a cellular network is provided wherein the method comprises determining, by a device, a trigger event, wherein the trigger event is at least one of receiving at least one pattern to indicate start of one of downlink and uplink operation, and a value exceeding a threshold; performing, by the device, one of backscattering and transmitting one of: a carrier wave; and at least one of at least one identity of the device, a feedback, and the value based on at least one of the trigger events and one of predefined and preconfigured information using at least one signal.

[0008] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the one of predefined and preconfigured information comprises at least one of: at least one periodicity, number of clock cycles, number of symbols, start time, end time, number of time units, transmit power, start frequency resource, end frequency resource, bandwidth, and subcarrier spacing for transmission of carrier wave.

[0009] In yet another embodiment, the backscattering is performed on a carrier wave received from at least one of the at least one reader and at least one carrier wave node (CWN).

[0010] In another embodiment, the value is determined based on one of measurement by the device, harvested energy, output of a sensor connected to the device and content stored in the memory of the device.

[0011] In another embodiment, the at least one pattern further comprises at least one of a sequence and at least one on-off signal.

[0012] In another embodiment, the at least one pattern is used to perform synchronization.

[0013] In another embodiment, the trigger event further comprises receiving a control signal.

[0014] In another embodiment, the control signal comprises at least one of a scheduling information, a synchronization information, and at least one command for at least one device.

[0015] In another embodiment, the threshold is one of predefined and preconfigured at the time of deployment of the device.

[0016] In another embodiment, the method comprises harvesting energy by the device.

[0017] In another embodiment, the energy harvesting is performed using at least one of: a signal and a carrier wave received from at least one node.

[0018] In another embodiment, the at least one node is at least one of: at least one reader, at least one CWN, at least one thermal source, and solar energy.

[0019] In another embodiment, performing at least one of the backscattering and transmission is based on one of predefined or preconfigured information.

[0020] In another embodiment, the scheduling information comprises at least one of: at least one periodicity, number of clock cycles, number of symbols, start time, end time, number of time units, transmit power, start frequency resource, end frequency resource, bandwidth, and subcarrier spacing for transmission of carrier wave.

[0021] In another embodiment, harvesting energy by the device is based on at least one capability of the device.

[0022] In another embodiment, indicating, by the device, at least one capability to the at least one reader.

[0023] In another embodiment, the at least one capability is at least one of device type, charging-discharging cycle, energy status and capacity of battery.

[0024] In another embodiment, the device type is a device supporting at least one of backscattering, transmission and amplification.

[0025] In another embodiment, the at least one pattern is one of predefined and preconfigured.

[0026] In another embodiment, the sequence is an orthogonal sequence.

[0027] In another embodiment, the at least one pattern and the control signal are monitored in a set of resources based on at least one of predefined, preconfigured and configured parameters.

[0028] In another embodiment, the parameters comprise at least one of start time, end time, reference time, at least one periodicity, time duration, number of time units, subcarrier spacing for transmission of carrier wave, starting frequency, ending frequency, and bandwidth.

[0029] In another embodiment, the time is represented using at least one of slot index, number of slots, number of clock cycles, symbol index and number of symbols.

[0030] In another embodiment, the frequency is represented using at least one of resource block index, number of resources blocks, subcarrier index and number of subcarriers.

[0031] In another embodiment, the one of downlink and uplink operation is performed based on a time offset.

[0032] In another embodiment, the time offset is at least one of predefined, preconfigured and configured parameters.

[0033] In another embodiment, the time offset is one of: minimum time duration between downlink reception and uplink transmission, maximum time duration between downlink reception and uplink transmission, and minimum processing time of the device.

[0034] In another embodiment, the time offset is applied using one of the start time instant of the at least one pattern; the end time instant of the at least one pattern; start of earliest clock cycle overlapping with the at least one pattern; or start of earliest clock cycle after receiving the at least one pattern.

[0035] In another embodiment, the time offset is applied using one of the start time instant of the control signal; the end time instant of the control signal; start of earliest clock cycle overlapping with the control signal; or start of earliest clock cycle after receiving the control signal.

[0036] In another embodiment, the time offset is at least one of number of clock cycles, number of symbols, number of slots, slot index, symbol index and number of time units.

[0037] In another embodiment, receiving the control signal is based on a time offset.

[0038] In another embodiment, the time offset is at least one of predefined, preconfigured and configured parameters.

[0039] In another embodiment, the time offset is one of minimum time duration between the two successive downlink receptions, and maximum time duration between the two successive downlink receptions.

[0040] In another embodiment, the at least one pattern and the control signal comprises a time offset.

[0041] In another embodiment, the time offset is applied using one of: the start time instant of the at least one pattern; the end time instant of the at least one pattern; start of earliest clock cycle overlapping with the at least one pattern; or start of earliest clock cycle after receiving the at least one pattern.

[0042] In another embodiment, the time offset is at least one of number of clock cycles, number of symbols, number of slots, slot index, symbol index and number of time units.

[0043] In another embodiment, the device comprises at least one of: a carrier wave unit, a energy harvesting unit, a backscattering unit, a control unit, a transmission unit, an amplifier unit, a memory and a clock generator.

[0044] In another embodiment, the method further comprises estimating a clock signal.

[0045] In another embodiment, determining time duration corresponding to information bit 0 and information bit 1 in the at least one signal.

[0046] In another embodiment, the wherein performing comprises backscattering a carrier wave with first amplitude for one cycle of clock signal when information bit is 1 andbackscattering a carrier wave with second amplitude for one cycle of clock signal when information bit is 0.

[0047] In another embodiment, the backscattering is reflecting one of a carrier wave and a carrier wave modulated with the at least one signal.

[0048] In another embodiment, the backscattering comprises amplification.

[0049] In another embodiment, the method comprises receiving from the at least one reader an indication to stop the transmission of carrier wave.

[0050] In another embodiment, transmitting the carrier wave is based on one of predefined or preconfigured information.

[0051] In another embodiment, the one of predefined and preconfigured information comprises at least one of: a time offset, at least one periodicity, number of clock cycles, number of symbols, start time, time duration, number of time units, frequency, and bandwidth.

[0052] In another embodiment, the time offset is minimum time duration between the reception of the trigger signal and the transmission of the carrier wave.

[0053] In another embodiment, the time offset is minimum time duration between the reception of the control signal and the transmission of the carrier wave.

[0054] In another embodiment, the reader is one of BS, UE, network-controlled repeater (NCR), integrated access and backhaul (IAB).

[0055] In another embodiment, the device is one of BS, UE, Ambient loT device, NCR, IAB, carrier wave node, non-RF device or active RF device.

[0056] In another embodiment, the Ambient loT device is a tag, which is attached to any one of a passive device, an active device and a sensor.

[0057] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of communication in a network is provided wherein the method comprises: transmitting by a reader, a trigger signal to at least one device; wherein the trigger signal comprises: at least one first pattern to indicate start of one of downlink and uplink operation; and at least one second pattern for synchronization; receiving, by the reader, at least one signal; wherein the at least one signalcomprises at least one of at least one identity, a feedback and a value from the at least one device.

[0058] In another embodiment, the downlink operation comprises transmission of at least one of a carrier wave, control information and data information.

[0059] In another embodiment, the uplink operation comprises at least one of transmission of a carrier wave; transmission of an UL channel; and backscattering of an UL channel.

[0060] In another embodiment, the trigger signal comprises at least one of broadcast information, device specific information, and at least one threshold.

[0061] In another embodiment, the at least one threshold is for at least one of energy harvesting and determining a trigger event.

[0062] In another embodiment, the at least one first pattern and at least one second pattern is at least one of a sequence and at least one on-off signal.

[0063] In another embodiment, the transmitting the trigger signal further comprises transmitting a control signal.

[0064] In another embodiment, the control signal comprises at least one of a scheduling information, a synchronization information, and at least one command for at least one device.

[0065] In another embodiment, the control signal comprises one of a broadcast information and a device specific information.

[0066] In another embodiment, the at least one signal is multiplexed in at least one of frequency domain, time domain and code domain based on the at least one of the trigger signal and the control signal.

[0067] In another embodiment, transmitting by the reader the trigger signal is performed in one of continuous and piecewise continuous transmission.

[0068] In another embodiment, transmitting the trigger signal comprises transmitting a RF signal.

[0069] In another embodiment, the RF signal is for performing at least one of backscattering and energy harvesting by the at least one device.

[0070] In another embodiment, receiving the at least one signal is based on one of predefined and preconfigured parameters.

[0071] In another embodiment, the scheduling information comprises at least one of: a time offset, at least one periodicity, number of clock cycles, number of symbols, start time, end time, number of time units, transmit power, start frequency resource, end frequency resource, bandwidth, and a subcarrier spacing for transmission of carrier wave.

[0072] In another embodiment, receiving by the reader comprises receiving at least one capability information of the at least one device.

[0073] In another embodiment, the at least one capability information is at least one of device type, charging-discharging cycle, energy status and capacity of battery.

[0074] In another embodiment, the device type is categorized based on the device supporting at least one of backscattering, transmission and amplification.

[0075] In another embodiment, the sequence is an orthogonal sequence.

[0076] In another embodiment, the method comprises transmission of at least one set of resources for monitoring at least one of the trigger signal and the control signal to at least one device.

[0077] In another embodiment, the set of resources comprises at least one of start time, end time, reference time, at least one periodicity, time duration, subcarrier spacing for transmission of carrier wave starting frequency, ending frequency, and bandwidth.

[0078] In another embodiment, the time is represented using at least one of slot index, number of slots, number of clock cycles, symbol index and number of symbols.

[0079] In another embodiment, the frequency is represented using at least one of resource block index, number of resources blocks, subcarrier index and number of subcarriers.

[0080] In another embodiment, the parameters comprises at least one of: a time offset, at least one periodicity, number of clock cycles, number of symbols, start time, end time, time duration, number of time units, transmit power, start frequency resource, end frequency resource, bandwidth, and subcarrier spacing for transmission of carrier wave.

[0081] In another embodiment, the time offset is minimum time duration between the reception of at least one signal and the transmission of the trigger signal.

[0082] In another embodiment, the time offset is minimum time duration between the reception of at least one signal and the transmission of the control signal.

[0083] In another embodiment, receiving the at least one signal is performed after a predefined time offset from transmitting the trigger signal.

[0084] In another embodiment, the predefined time offset is one of: minimum time duration between successive transmission and reception; maximum time duration between successive transmission and reception; and minimum processing time of the device.

[0085] In another embodiment, the predefined time offset is applied using one of: the start time instant of the trigger signal; the end time instant of the trigger signal; start of earliest clock cycle overlapping with the trigger signal; and start of earliest clock cycle after transmitting the trigger signal.

[0086] In another embodiment, receiving the at least one signal is performed after a predefined time offset from transmitting the control signal.

[0087] In another embodiment, the predefined time offset is one of: minimum time duration between successive transmission and reception; maximum time duration between successive transmission and reception; and minimum processing time of the device.

[0088] In another embodiment, the predefined time offset is applied using one of: the start time instant of the control signal; the end time instant of the control signal; start of earliest clock cycle overlapping with the control signal; and start of earliest clock cycle after transmitting the control signal.

[0089] In another embodiment, transmitting the control signal is based on a time offset.

[0090] In another embodiment, the time offset is at least one of predefined, preconfigured and configured parameters.

[0091] In another embodiment, the time offset is one of minimum time duration between the two successive downlink transmission and maximum time duration between the two successive downlink transmission.

[0092] In another embodiment, the least one of the trigger signal and the control signal comprises a time offset.

[0093] In another embodiment, the time offset is applied using one of: the start time instant of the trigger signal; the end time instant of the trigger signal; start of earliest clock cycle overlapping with the trigger signal; or start of earliest clock cycle after transmitting the trigger signal.

[0094] In another embodiment, the time offset is at least one of number of clock cycles, number of symbols, number of slots, slot index, symbol index and number of time units.

[0095] In another embodiment, the reader is one of BS, UE, network-controlled repeater (NCR), integrated access and backhaul (IAB).

[0096] In another embodiment, the device is one of BS, UE, Ambient loT device, NCR, IAB, carrier wave node, non-RF device or active RF device.

[0097] In another embodiment, the Ambient loT device is a tag, which is attached to any one of a passive device, an active device and a sensor.

[0098] In another embodiment, the at least one pattern is received at a first time instant and the control signal at a second time instant.

[0099] In another embodiment, the at least one pattern and the control signal are received simultaneously.

[0100] In another embodiment, the estimating the clock signal is based on at least one of the at least one pattern and a control signal received by the at least one device.

[0101] In another embodiment, the trigger signal is received at a first time instant and the control signal at a second time instant.

[0102] In another embodiment, the trigger signal and the control signal are received simultaneously.

[0103] In another embodiment, the at least one of predefined, preconfigured and configured parameters comprises at least one of start time, end time, reference time, at least one periodicity, time duration, number of time units, subcarrier spacing for transmission of carrier wave, starting frequency, ending frequency, and bandwidth.

[0104] In another embodiment, the time is represented using at least one of slot index, number of slots, number of clock cycles, symbol index and number of symbols.

[0105] In another embodiment, the frequency is represented using at least one of resource block index, number of resources blocks, subcarrier index and number of subcarriers.

[0106] In an embodiment of the present invention, a system for wireless communication is disclosed, comprising: at least one reader; and at least one device in communication with the at least one reader; wherein at least one device is configured to perform at least one of: determining a trigger event; wherein the trigger event is at least one of receiving at least one pattern to indicate start of one of downlink and uplink operation, and a value exceeding a threshold; performing one of backscattering and transmitting one of: a carrier wave; and at least one of at least one identity of the device, a feedback, and the value based on at least one of the trigger events and one of predefined and preconfigured information using at least one signal; wherein at least one reader is configured to perform at least one of: transmitting a trigger signal to at least one device; wherein the trigger signal comprises: at least one first pattern to indicate start of one of downlink and uplink operation; and at least one second pattern for synchronization; receiving at least one signal; wherein the at least one signal comprises at least one of at least one identity, a feedback and a value from the at least one device.

[0107] In another embodiment, the reader is any one of a handheld device, a base station, a use equipment (UE), Network-Controlled Repeater (NCR), Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) and repeater, and wherein the device is at least one of a base station, a handheld device, ambient loT device, loT device and a use equipment (UE).

[0108] Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrating by way of example the principles of the invention.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0109] The accompanying drawings constitute a part of the description and are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention.

[0110] Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary architecture which shows the connection between a reader and an A-IoT device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0111] Fig. 2 illustrates block diagram of the reader and the A-IoT device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0112] Fig. 3 illustrates a method to operate an A-IoT device without control information according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0113] Fig. 4 illustrates a method of backscattering from an A-IoT device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0114] Fig. 5 illustrates a method of backscattering from an A-IoT devices wherein the A- loT device receives control information from the A-IoT reader in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0115] Fig. 6 illustrates a timeline representation of monitoring trigger signal and backscattering operation in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0116] Fig. 7a-7b illustrates a timeline representation of reference determination for applying offsets in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0117] Fig. 8 illustrates a method for operation of an A-IoT device having control information in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0118] Fig. 9 illustrates a method for operation of an A-IoT device having device-specific control information in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0119] Fig. 10 illustrates a method for operation of an A-IoT device based on trigger event in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0120] Fig. 11 illustrates a method for operation of an A-IoT device based on device specific trigger event in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0121] Fig. 12 illustrates a method for operation of an A-IoT device having control-based backscattering in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0122] Fig. 13a-13b illustrates a method for exchange of control information and signaling between A-IoT reader and Carrier Wave Node in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0123] A more complete understanding of the present invention and its embodiments thereof may be acquired by referring to the following description and the accompanying drawings.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0124] Exemplary embodiments now will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey its scope to those skilled in the art. The terminology used in the detailed description of the particular exemplary embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings is not intended to be limiting. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements.

[0125] It is to be noted, however, that the reference numerals used herein illustrate only typical embodiments of the present subject matter, and are therefore, not to be considered for limiting its scope, for the subject matter may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

[0126] The specification may refer to “an”, “another”, “one” or “some” embodiment s) in several locations.

[0127] This does not necessarily imply that each such reference is to the same embodiment(s), or that the feature only applies to a single embodiment. Single features of different embodiments may also be combined to provide other embodiments.

[0128] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless expressly stated otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “includes”, “comprises”, “including” and / or “comprising” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. Furthermore, “connected” or “coupled” as used herein may include operatively connected or coupled. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations and arrangements of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0129] The phrases “in one embodiment,” “according to one embodiment,” “in some embodiments,” and the like generally mean that the particular feature, structure, or characteristic following the phrase may be included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, and may be included in more than one embodiment of the present disclosure (importantly, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment).

[0130] The word “example” or “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations.

[0131] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skills in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0132] Although various arrow types and line types may be employed in the flowchart and / or block diagrams, they are understood not to limit the scope of the corresponding embodiments. Indeed, some arrows or other connectors may be used to indicate only the logical flow of the depicted embodiment. For instance, an arrow may indicate a waiting or monitoring period of unspecified duration between enumerated steps of the depicted embodiment. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and / or flowchart diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowchart diagrams, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and code.

[0133] As used herein, the terms “user equipment” (UE) and “base station” are not intended to be specific or otherwise limited to any particular radio access technology (RAT), unless otherwise noted. In general, a UE may be any wireless communication device (e.g., a mobile phone, router, tablet computer, laptop computer, tracking device, wearable (e.g., smartwatch, glasses, augmented reality (AR) / virtual reality (VR) headset, etc.), vehicle (e.g., automobile, motorcycle, bicycle, etc.), Internet of Things (loT) device, etc.) used by a user to communicate over a wireless communications network. A UE may be mobile or may (e.g., at certain times) be stationary, and may communicate with a radio access network (RAN). Generally, UEs can communicate with a core network via a RAN, and through the core networkthe UEs can be connected with external networks such as the Internet and with other UEs. Of course, other mechanisms of connecting to the core network and / or the Internet are also possible for the UEs, such as over wired access networks, wireless local area network (WLAN) networks (e.g., based on IEEE 802.11, etc.) and so on.

[0134] A base station may operate according to one of several RATs in communication with UEs depending on the network in which it is deployed, and maybe alternatively referred to as an access point (AP), a network node, a NodeB, an evolved NodeB (eNB), a New Radio (NR) Node B (also referred to as a gNB or gNodeB), etc.

[0135] The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details.

[0136] The present invention addresses the aforementioned challenges by providing a method for signaling in Ambient loT devices.

[0137] Ambient loT (A-IoT) devices are an alternate class of reduced capability devices in cellular technology. The communication range of A-IoT devices is larger compared to RFID. An A-IoT reader is expected to support a communication range of tens of meters for indoor scenarios. Further, the cellular gNB can be reused as A-IoT readers to minimize the deployment cost and cellular bands / technologies can be reused to improve performance. Furthermore, a network which scales with the number of devices or A-IoT readers should also be supported for practical deployments, and it should be able to adapt to e.g., interference between A-IoT readers to avoid the cost of complicated network planning. The use cases for A-IoT devices can be broadly classified into four categories such as tag identification, sensor monitoring, target tracking and actuator. Typical scenarios such as automated warehousing, automobile manufacturing, and medical instruments inventory management etc. Sensor monitor refers to the detection of KPI data in the surrounding environment through sensors, and then, using these data to make corresponding judgments to achieve corresponding detection purposes, including danger, disaster, and health detection and data reporting. Target tracking is an application that uses the network to obtain A-IoT device location information to locate targets, including item finding, positioning and tracking, etc. An actuator is a device that converts energy into motion. It does this by taking an electrical signal and combining it with an energy source. An actuator comes in a few different guises, including Pneumatic, Hydraulic, Electric, Thermal and Magnetic.

[0138] The A-IoT devices can be classified into passive A-IOT devices, Semi-passive A- IOT devices and an Active A-IOT devices, based on their energy storage capability. The passive A-IoT devices are battery less devices with no energy storage capability at all, and completely dependent on the availability of an external source of energy. This passive A-IoT device can not generate / amplify the signal independently and operates on the backscattering transmission principle. The semi-passive A-IoT devices have a battery but with limited energy storage capability. The stored energy can be used for amplification of signals to increase the communication range. The device cannot generate the signal independently and works on the backscattering transmission principle. The active A-IoT devices have batteries, which can store energy, and active RF components. Therefore, active A-IoT devices have the capability of gen erating / amplifying the signal independently.

[0139] An A-IOT device deployment can include two entities, one is Reader and the other is an A-IoT device. An A-IoT reader controls the operation of an A-IoT device. The A-IoT reader can be handheld, mounted to infrastructure (e.g. base station (A-IoT reader), an user equipment (UE) etc. It may or may not be battery constrained (depending on the scenario) and can (but not necessarily need to) connect to an A-IoT server. The A-IoT reader is responsible for managing communication with the A-IoT devices. The A-IoT reader establish connection with A-IoT device, sends commands / control, collects data from the A-IoT devices, and coordinate their activities. The A-IoT reader may be connected to a large network or the internet, enabling data exchange with other systems or cloud services.

[0140] An A-IoT device can be attached to any object, and can connect to an A-IoT reader with an A-IoT radio. The tag may not have any active connection to an A-IoT server. Any signal / information exchange between the A-IoT device and the server is via the A-IoT reader (e.g. A-IoT device signature, configuration, data reporting) and is controlled by the A-IoT reader.

[0141] Passive and semi-passive A-IoT devices mainly work on the principle of backscatter communication. The backscatter transmitter (e.g., A-IoT device) reflects the carrier wave and modifies one or more characteristics (e.g., amplitude, phase, or center frequency) of the reflected signal according to the information bits stored in its memory. Communication via back scattering instead of active radiation reduces the RF frontend of the A-IoT device (E.g. tag and sensor etc.) to a single transistor switch, which minimizes the manufacturing cost as well as energy demands.

[0142] The carrier wave can be transmitted by the A-IoT reader itself or using an external node, a.k.a. carrier wave node (CWN), near to the A-IoT device. In case of A-IoT reader transmitting the carrier, the pathloss encountered by the backscattered wave is twice the distance between A-IoT reader and the A-IoT device which significantly reduces the coverage. Further, transmission of carrier wave and reception of backscattered signal happen simultaneously at the A-IoT reader, demanding full duplex operation. Also, the transmitted carrier wave interferes with the reception of backscattered signal, a.k.a. self-interference, and impacts the performance of the system. The advantage with latter method (using CWN) is reduction in pathloss and increase in coverage as the node generating carrier wave is near to the A-IoT device. Further, it reduces interference at the A-IoT reader as the A-IoT reader is only receiving from the A-IoT device.

[0143] The A-IoT device derives energy to turn on the modulating and backscattering circuitry using the energy harvesting mechanism. The energy harvesting can be performed using carrier wave provided externally using an CWN, RF signal, solar energy etc. Once the A-IoT device has harvested sufficient energy it turns on the circuitry, modulates the carrier wave based on the stored value and back scatter modulated carrier wave to the A-IoT reader. The energy remaining after backscattering can be stored in the A-IoT device depending on the energy storing capability of the A-IoT device. The energy harvesting process can be continuous or discontinuous as described later in this document.

[0144] The A-IoT devices can be employed in both monostatic and bi- / multi-static configurations, where the term monostatic is used when both the CWN and the A-IoT reader functionalities are performed by the same device, while bistatic deployment specifies the scenario where the CWN and the A-IoT reader are physically two different devices.

[0145] The A-IoT device architecture comprises of a carrier wave reception unit, energy harvesting unit, a backscattering unit and a clock to control the process. The carrier wave reception unit receives carrier wave from CWN and forward it to energy harvesting unit to harvest energy during energy harvesting phase. In the backscattering phase, the carrier wave is routed to the backscattering unit to modulate the incoming carrier wave according to the information and backscatter to the A-IoT reader. The operations are performed based on clock present at the A-IoT device. The clock at the A-IoT device should be synchronized with the clock or timing at the A-IoT reader to establish an effective communication. There are two links associated with A-IoT devices in this case, the first one is the link between CWN andcarrier wave reception unit and the second one is the link between carrier wave reception unit and A-IoT reader.

[0146] In an alternate embodiment, the A-IoT device comprises of a carrier wave reception unit, an energy harvesting unit, a backscattering unit, a control unit, and a clock. The carrier wave reception unit receives carrier wave from CWN and forward it to energy harvesting unit or backscattering unit. The energy harvesting unit harvest energy using the carrier wave. The control unit performs establishing connection with A-IoT reader, monitoring for control signal, performing synchronization, etc. The backscattering unit modulates the incoming carrier wave according to the information and backscatter to the A-IoT reader. All the operations are performed based on clock present at the A-IoT device. The clock at the A-IoT device should be synchronized with the clock or timing at the A-IoT reader to perform efficient communication. There are three links associated with A-IoT device in this case, the first one is the link between CWN and carrier wave reception unit, second one is the link between carrier wave reception unit and A-IoT reader and finally the control link between A-IoT reader and the control unit at A-IoT device.

[0147] An exemplary system is illustrated in Fig. 1 which shows that a reader 101 is wirelessly coupled to one or more devices 102a. . . .102n (collectively referred to as 102). In an embodiment, one or more devices 102 are connected to the reader 101 and information is transmitted, backscattered and received between the reader 101 and the device 102. The reader 101 is responsible for managing communication with the devices 102 and serves as a reader that collects data from the devices 102, sends commands, and coordinates their activities. The reader 101 may be connected to a larger network or the internet, enabling data exchange with other systems or cloud services. In an embodiment, the reader is any one of a handheld device, a base station, a use equipment (UE), Network-Controlled Repeater (NCR), Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB), repeater, or any combination thereof. In another embodiment, the device is at least one of an ambient loT device and loT device. In a further embodiment, the ambient loT devices is any one of passive loT device, Semi-passive loT device, or Active A-IoT device or any combination thereof.

[0148] Fig. 2 illustrates a general block diagram of the reader 101 and the device 102 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The reader 101 comprises a memory 101a, a processor 101b and a transceiver 101c. In an example, the processor 101b includes a processor(s) that may be a single processing unit or a number of units, all of which couldinclude multiple computing units. The processor 101b may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, logical processors, virtual processors, state machines, logic circuitries, and / or any devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, the processor 101b is configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions and data stored in the memory 101a. The memory 101a may include any non- transitory computer-readable medium known in the art including, for example, volatile memory, such as static random-access memory (SRAM) and dynamic random access memory (DRAM), and / or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM, flash memories, hard disks, optical disks, and magnetic tapes. The memory 101a and the processor 101b are coupled to the transceiver 101c for sending and receiving the data / information from the one or more devices 102.

[0149] In an embodiment, the device 102 comprises a circuitry 102a and / or a battery source 102b. The circuitry 102a may be provided as a hardware component such as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuitries, and / or any devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions. In an embodiment, the devices are equipped with a battery source 102b. Further, the device may comprise a memory 102c which for example, may comprise device ID or pre-configured information. In a further embodiment, the device 102 comprises a backscattering circuitry 102d, an energy harvesting circuitry 102e, a receiving circuitry 102f, a clock circuitry 102g and a transmission circuitry 102h.

[0150] The presence of battery source 102b helps in signal amplification or even independent Radio Frequency signal generation. The batteries 102b also allow for greater flexibility, including mobility in their deployment, as they are not dependent on external energy sources. However, efficient power management is crucial to extend the operational lifespan of these devices, as replacing batteries in large-scale deployments can be costly and sometimes become impractical. This topology is commonly employed in applications such as environmental monitoring, asset tracking, and industrial automation, command, and positioning, where the reader and devices work together to collect and transmit data for analysis and decision-making.

[0151] Battery based devices are mainly used in the outdoor scenarios or where the distance between reader and the devices is large. The device needs to connect with reader, andit has to synchronize in downlink as well as in uplink. The Downlink and Uplink synchronization, called as initial access procedure refers to the process a device follows to establish a connection with a reader. This procedure is crucial for allowing the device to access the network and start using its services.

[0152] The carrier wave can be transmitted by the A-IoT reader itself or using an external node, a.k.a. carrier wave node (CWN), near to the A-IoT device. In case of A-IoT reader transmitting the carrier, the pathloss encountered by the backscattered wave is twice the distance between A-IoT reader and the A-IoT device which significantly reduces the coverage. Further, transmission of carrier wave and reception of backscattered signal happen simultaneously at the A-IoT reader, demanding full duplex operation. Also, the transmitted carrier wave interferes with the reception of backscattered signal, a.k.a. self-interference, and impacts the performance of the system. The advantage with latter method (using CWN) is reduction in pathloss and increase in coverage as the node generating carrier wave is near to the A-IoT device.Operation of an A-IoT without control information in continuous energy harvesting scenario:

[0153] Fig.3 illustrates a procedure to operate an A-IoT device without control information. In this method, the A-IoT device harvest energy continuously and backscatters the information once sufficient energy is harvested. The information can be a sensor output or a tag ID or feedback for any transmitted signal by the A-IoT reader. In the case of energy harvesting from externally provided carrier waves, the CWN is expected to be transmitting the carrier waves always, so that the A-IoT device can harvest energy continuously.

[0154] A mechanism is depicted in Fig. 3 where, when the accumulated energy surpasses a predefined threshold value, the A-IoT device initiates the backscattering of information to the A-IoT reader. In this case, the backscattering periodicity depends on the capability of A- loT device to harvest energy. In the case of A-IoT device which can harvest faster, the A-IoT device backscatter frequently, whereas backscattering from low end device will be less frequent. The A-IoT reader monitors for backscattered signal continuously, as the time instant of backscattering is unknown to the A-IoT reader.

[0155] At step 301, the A-IoT device harvest energy continuously and checks whether the accumulated energy surpasses a pre-defined threshold value. Once the accumulated energysurpasses a predefined threshold value, at step 302, the A-IoT device initiates the backscattering of information to the A-IoT reader.

[0156] In another embodiment of the present invention, the CWN can transmit carrier waves whenever information is required from A-IoT device, so that A-IoT device can harvest energy and transmit information after acquiring sufficient energy. This integrated approach ensures that the A-IoT device can efficiently power itself and communicate data seamlessly with the A-IoT reader through the utilization of energy harvesting and back scattering techniques.

[0157] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the A-IoT device backscatter based on predefined criterion or trigger event. Fig. 4 illustrates a procedure of backscattering from an A-IoT device based on predefined criterion or trigger event. In Fig. 4, A-IoT device checks for occurrence of a trigger event, when the accumulated energy surpasses a predefined threshold value, and starts backscattering once a trigger event occurs. The trigger event can be a value of measured parameter exceeding the threshold, occurrence of emergency, etc. Here, the event can be predefined or preconfigured at the time of deployment of the device.

[0158] At step 401, the A-IoT device harvest energy continuously and checks whether the accumulated energy surpasses a pre-defined threshold value. Once the accumulated energy surpasses a predefined threshold value, at step 402, the A-IoT device checks for occurrence of a trigger event. At step 403, once the trigger event occurs, the A-IoT device initiates the backscattering of information to the A-IoT reader.

[0159] The backscattering from different A-IoT devices is multiplexed in frequency or in code domain (e.g., orthogonal ID to A-IoT devices) so that the A-IoT reader can differentiate the backscattered signal from different A-IoT devices. Further, the clock at the A-IoT reader and the A-IoT device are assumed to be synchronized so that both the nodes are aligned with the start / stop / duration of transmission. E.g., A-IoT device start backscattering at rising edge of clock and continue backscattering corresponding to each bit for ON duration of the clock. Similarly, the A-IoT reader starts monitoring in rising edge of clock and monitor for each information bit for ON duration of the clock.

[0160] In accordance with the present embodiment, the threshold can be defined for any specific measurement parameter, and it can be configured as predefined value for the A-IoTdevice category. The threshold can be configured at the time of deployment of the A-IoT device.

[0161] In the present embodiment, the threshold can be defined for performing the energy harvesting process. The value of the threshold can be preconfigured to the A-IoT device.

[0162] In the present embodiment, back-scattering can be defined in the following ways. The A-IoT device back scatters when energy crosses the threshold or the predefined periodicity, where the periodicity can be defined based on the internal clock of the A-IoT device. The backscattered signal can comprise at least one of the following information. An A- loT device ID, where IDs can be orthogonal to each other. In other method IDs can be scrambled with the known sequence and sequence can be known to the A-IoT reader. Using this method, the A-IoT reader can easily segregate the back-scattering signal from the multiple A-IoT devices. The backscattered signal may also comprise the measured / sensor value of the A-IoT device or any emergency indication in the case of any measurement by the sensor-based A-IoT device. For example, if the sensor-based A-IoT device schedules with some predefined periodicity to transmit the measured value, and if in any condition, the measure value crosses above the threshold value, then A-IoT device needs to report the value of the measuring parameter to the A-IoT reader irrespective of the periodicity.

[0163] For the determination of time duration of back-scattering by the A-IoT device it is assumed that the clocks of the A-IoT reader and the A-IoT devices are synchronized with each other. And the time duration of the backscattering signal is based on the internal clock of the A-IoT device. In this method each information is backscattered for the active on / off period of the internal clock duty cycle. Alternatively, each information is backscattered for duration between the active positive / negative edges of the internal clock of the A-IoT device.

[0164] The time taken by the A-IoT device to complete the energy harvesting process for backscattering its signal, can be defined based on the capability of A-IoT devices for different A-IoT device categories. For example, passive A-IoT devices can take more time to complete the process of energy harvesting compared to the semi passive device which has the limited storage of capacitor. The category of the A-IoT devices can be preconfigured or known to the A-IoT reader. The category of the A-IoT device can be known to the A-IoT reader in two ways, i.e. in first option, the category information can be informed to the A-IoT reader by the network at the time of the deployment of the A-IoT devices. In second option, this information can be indicated by the A-IoT device to the A-IoT reader.Operation of an A-IoT with control information in continuous energy harvesting scenario:

[0165] In one embodiment of the present invention, the A-IoT device can receive control information from the A-IoT reader, where control information can be a trigger signal, trigger along with synchronization and scheduling information etc. Based on the received control information, A-IoT device performs the necessary action. Different methods of receiving control information, content of control information, A-IoT device behavior for each control information are explained in the following sub sections.

[0166] Fig. 5 illustrates a procedure of backscattering from A-IoT devices wherein the A- loT device can receive control information from the A-IoT reader. In this method, the A-IoT device harvests energy continuously. Once the harvested energy crosses the threshold, the A- loT device doesn’t start the back-scattering mechanism until it receives any trigger signal from the A-IoT reader. The A-IoT reader transmits a trigger signal, whenever it requires information from the A-IoT device. The A-IoT device starts the backscattering when it has sufficient energy and has received a trigger. In this scenario, a proper synchronization is assumed between the A-IoT reader and the A-IoT device based on the internal synchronized clocks of the A-IoT reader and the A-IoT device.

[0167] In step 501, the A-IoT device harvests energy continuously and monitors whether the harvested energy has crossed a threshold. Once the harvested energy crosses the threshold, in step 502, the device monitors for trigger signal from A-IoT reader. In step 503, the device receives a trigger signal and starts backscattering in step 504 when it has sufficient energy and has received a trigger.

[0168] In accordance with the present embodiment, configuration of the backscattered signal is proposed for the above-described scenario, which informs the A-IoT device on when to backscatter its signal to the A-IoT reader. The backscatter mechanism is executed in accordance with a predefined criterion configured by the A-IoT reader. In the predefined criterion, the A-IoT device receives the predefined pattern from the A-IoT reader which indicates the A-IoT device to initiate the backscattering mechanism. The predefined pattern can be structured based on a sequence.

[0169] The backscattering from different A-IoT devices is multiplexed in frequency or in code domain (e.g., orthogonal ID to A-IoT devices) so that the A-IoT reader can differentiatethe backscattered signal from different A-IoT devices. Further, the clock at the A-IoT reader and the A-IoT device are assumed to be synchronized so that both the nodes are aligned with the start / stop / duration of transmission. E.g., A-IoT device start backscattering at rising edge of clock and continue backscattering corresponding to each bit for ON duration of the clock. Similarly, the A-IoT reader starts monitoring in rising edge of clock and monitor for each information bit for ON duration of the clock.

[0170] In accordance with the present embodiment, the threshold can be defined for any specific measurement parameter, and it can be configured as predefined value for the A-IoT device category. The threshold can be configured at the time of deployment of the A-IoT device.

[0171] In the present embodiment, the threshold can be defined for performing the energy harvesting process. The value of the threshold can be preconfigured to the A-IoT device.

[0172] In the present embodiment, back-scattering can be defined in the following ways. The A-IoT device back scatters when energy crosses the threshold or the predefined periodicity, where the periodicity can be defined based on the internal clock of the A-IoT device. The backscattered signal can comprise at least one of the following information. An A- loT device ID, where IDs can be orthogonal to each other. In other method IDs can be scrambled with the known sequence and sequence can be known to the A-IoT reader. Using this method, the A-IoT reader can easily segregate the back-scattering signal from the multiple A-IoT devices. The backscattered signal may also comprise the measured / sensor value of the A-IoT device or any emergency indication in the case of any measurement by the sensor-based A-IoT device. For example, if the sensor-based A-IoT device schedules with some predefined periodicity to transmit the measured value, and if in any condition, the measure value crosses above the threshold value, then A-IoT device needs to report the value of the measuring parameter to the A-IoT reader irrespective of the periodicity.

[0173] For the determination of time duration of back-scattering by the A-IoT device it is assumed that the clocks of the A-IoT reader and the A-IoT devices are synchronized with each other. And the time duration of the backscattering signal is based on the internal clock of the A-IoT device. In this method each information is backscattered for the active on / off period of the internal clock duty cycle. Alternatively, each information is backscattered for duration between the active positive / negative edges of the internal clock of the A-IoT device.

[0174] The time taken by the A-IoT device to complete the energy harvesting process for backscattering its signal, can be defined based on the capability of A-IoT devices for different A-IoT device categories. For example, passive A-IoT devices can take more time to complete the process of energy harvesting compared to the semi passive device which has the limited storage of capacitor. The category of the A-IoT devices can be preconfigured or known to the A-IoT reader. The category of the A-IoT device can be known to the A-IoT reader in two ways, i.e. in first option, the category information can be informed to the A-IoT reader by the network at the time of the deployment of the A-IoT devices. In second option, this information can be indicated by the A-IoT device to the A-IoT reader.

[0175] In the present embodiment, a predefined pattern / sequence can act as a trigger signal. For example, if an A-IoT device receives a signal with 4 rising edges, then it can be considered as a trigger signal. The trigger signal is common for all the A-IoT devices. The trigger signal can be monitored in the following manners as discussed.

[0176] Fig. 6 illustrates an embodiment where trigger signal can be monitored based on predefined parameters or configured parameters. The parameter comprises possible set of time domain locations and raster positions, the pattern / sequence, the duration of trigger signal etc. After receiving the trigger, the A-IoT device will backscatter after a delay / offset. The offset can either be predefined in the standard and is known to A-IoT reader and A-IoT device, or, can be signaled to the A-IoT device along with trigger and here offset value can be common for all A-IoT devices, or it can be separately provided for each A-IoT device. For example, a common trigger signal shall contain four offset values for four A-IoT devices. The offset is the time taken by the A-IoT devices, to process the trigger information and turn on the backscattering circuit and can be defined as number of clock cycles or as number of time units. For example, the number of time units can be expressed in terms of slot or symbol duration, etc.

[0177] In another embodiment, trigger signal can be always monitored by the A-IoT device. E.g. the small sensor unit or low power circuitry can be attached to the A-IoT device for continuous monitoring of the trigger signal. Once the trigger signal is monitored, it turns on the backscatter mechanism.

[0178] In an embodiment, the offset can be determined by the A-IoT reader based on the maximum / minimum capability of an A-IoT device. The A-IoT device capability can define the required time or delay to start the backscatter mechanism after receiving the trigger signal. Inorder to determine the offset, the capability is reported to the A-IoT reader. The reporting is performed by the A-IoT device or by the network. Alternatively, the capability is predefined for an A-IoT device type and the A-IoT device type is reported to the A-IoT reader. In this scenario, the reporting is by the A-IoT device or by the network. Further as an alternative, the A-IoT reader capability or the A-IoT device type can be a priori known to the A-IoT reader at the time of deployment of the A-IoT devices.

[0179] Fig. 7a and 7b illustrates embodiments for determination of references for applying offsets. The offset can be determined by the A-IoT reader based on the maximum or minimum distance of the A-IoT device from A-IoT reader. In the instance as presented in Fig 7a, the reference for applying offset can be taken from the start time instant of the trigger signal at the A-IoT device. Whereas the instance as presented in Fig. 7b, the reference for applying offset can be taken from the time instant in which the trigger signal ended.

[0180] In yet another embodiment, the reference for applying offset is calculated from the start of earliest active clock cycle overlapping with the trigger signal or the reference for applying offset is calculated from the start of first active clock cycle after receiving the trigger signal.

[0181] Fig. 8 illustrates an embodiment for operation of an A-IoT device having control information. The A-IoT device receives the carrier wave and starts performing the energy harvesting and once the harvested energy crosses the threshold, the A-IoT device monitors for control signal, where the control signal consists of the trigger, synchronization signal, scheduling information, configuration information, etc. After successfully decoding the control information, A-IoT device performs synchronization. Once the A-IoT device and the A-IoT reader are synchronized with each other, it starts the backscatter mechanism according to the control information and carrier wave. The A-IoT reader transmits a control signal, whenever it requires the A-IoT device to backscatters information.

[0182] In step 801, the A-IoT device receives the carrier wave and starts performing the energy harvesting and monitors if the harvested energy has crossed a threshold. At step 802, the A-IoT device monitors for control signal and at step 803, receives and decodes the control signal as received. After successfully decoding the control information, at step 804, the A-IoT device performs synchronization. Once the A-IoT device and the A-IoT reader are synchronized with each other, at step 805, it starts the backscatter mechanism.

[0183] In the present embodiment, back-scattering can be defined in the following ways. The A-IoT device back scatters when energy crosses the threshold or the predefined periodicity, where the periodicity can be defined based on the internal clock of the A-IoT device. The backscattered signal can comprise at least one of the following information. An A- loT device ID, where IDs can be orthogonal to each other. In other method IDs can be scrambled with the known sequence and sequence can be known to the A-IoT reader. Using this method, the A-IoT reader can easily segregate the back-scattering signal from the multiple A-IoT devices. The backscattered signal may also comprise the measured / sensor value of the A-IoT device or any emergency indication in the case of any measurement by the sensor-based A-IoT device. For example, if the sensor-based A-IoT device schedules with some predefined periodicity to transmit the measured value, and if in any condition, the measure value crosses above the threshold value, then A-IoT device needs to report the value of the measuring parameter to the A-IoT reader irrespective of the periodicity.

[0184] For the determination of time duration of back-scattering by the A-IoT device it is assumed that the clocks of the A-IoT reader and the A-IoT devices are synchronized with each other. And the time duration of the backscattering signal is based on the internal clock of the A-IoT device. In this method each information is backscattered for the active on / off period of the internal clock duty cycle. Alternatively, each information is backscattered for duration between the active positive / negative edges of the internal clock of the A-IoT device.

[0185] The time taken by the A-IoT device to complete the energy harvesting process for backscattering its signal, can be defined based on the capability of A-IoT devices for different A-IoT device categories. For example, passive A-IoT devices can take more time to complete the process of energy harvesting compared to the semi passive device which has the limited storage of capacitor. The category of the A-IoT devices can be preconfigured or known to the A-IoT reader. The category of the A-IoT device can be known to the A-IoT reader in two ways, i.e. in first option, the category information can be informed to the A-IoT reader by the network at the time of the deployment of the A-IoT devices. In second option, this information can be indicated by the A-IoT device to the A-IoT reader.

[0186] In the present embodiment, a predefined pattern / sequence can act as a trigger signal. For example, if an A-IoT device receives a signal with 4 rising edges, then it can be considered as a trigger signal. The trigger signal is common for all the A-IoT devices.

[0187] In the present embodiment, for detecting the control signal by the A-IoT devices, the control signal is either monitored periodically based on predefined parameters such as fixed location or raster and the duration for which control signal is transmitted etc. The periodicity of the control signal here is preconfigured by the A-IoT reader. Based on the predefined parameter, the A-IoT device tries to search or monitor the control signal at the predefined locations with predefined periodicities. Alternatively, the control signal is always monitored by the A-IoT device. Once the control signal is detected, it turns on the backscatter mechanism.

[0188] In the present embodiment, for signaling information, the control signal either contains the trigger signal, and the trigger signal can be defined as the preconfigured pattern that triggers or activates the A-IoT device to transmit or backscatter its signal. The predefined pattern here can be structured based on a sequence.

[0189] In another embodiment, for signaling information, the control signal contains the trigger signal along with synchronization signal. For example, the transmitted bits in the sequence of control signal comprises triggering pattern and synchronization sequence.

[0190] In yet another embodiment, for signaling information, the trigger and synchronization signal can be given separately. In that case there is an offset between reception of trigger signal and synchronization signal. The offset can be preconfigured or indicated along with trigger signal. The offset can be in terms of time units or number of clock cycles.

[0191] In the embodiment as illustrated in Fig. 8, synchronization signal is used to synchronize the A-IoT device with A-IoT reader, so that the A-IoT reader can avoid the misdetection of the transmitted / backscattered signal by the A-IoT device. A predefined sequence can be used as a synchronization signal and such predefined sequence can be known to the A- loT device. Alternately, the clock signal of the A-IoT reader can act as synchronization signal. For example, the A-IoT device can perform synchronization using the received clock signal, internal clock and a phased locked loop (PLL). The A-IoT device provides the received clock as external input along with its internal clock to the PLL and the PLL synchronizes the A-IoT device’s clock with the A-IoT reader’s clock. As a further alternative, the trigger signal can act as a synchronization signal. In this scenario, the trigger signal activates the A-IoT device and the A-IoT device uses the same trigger signal to synchronize with the A-IoT reader.

[0192] In the present embodiment, the timing relation between synchronization and start of backscattering may be drawn in the following manners. Either, the b ackscattering processcan start immediately after the synchronization process. In this scenario, whenever the synchronization process is completed, backscattering can start from the immediate next active edge of the internal clock of the A-IoT device. Alternatively, the backscattering can start after the synchronization process with some offset. The offset can be predefined or configured by the A-IoT reader in control signal. The offset can be common to all the A-IoT devices. As the common offset is applied by the all A-IoT devices, the backscattering from all the A-IoT devices can start at the same time instant.

[0193] In the present embodiment, the offset can be of different types. In one scenario, the time offset can be defined between the reception of the control signal and the start of the backscattering process. Alternatively, the time offset can be defined between the synchronization signal and the start of the backscattering process. For the above defined scenarios, the offset can be a predefined value, or it can be determined or computed. The reference for applying the offset by the A-IoT device between the received signal and the backscatter signal can be defined in the following distinct manners. In one option, the reference can be taken from the start time instant of the control signal at the A-IoT device. In another option, the reference can be taken from the end time instant of the control signal at the A-IoT device. In yet another option, the reference can be taken from the start time instant of the synchronization signal at the A-IoT device. In yet another option, the reference can be taken from the end time instant of the synchronization signal at the A-IoT device. In yet another option, the reference can be taken from the active edge of clock after the synchronization process is complete at the A-IoT device. In yet another option the reference for applying offset is start of earliest active clock cycle overlapping with the control signal. In yet another option the reference for applying offset is start of first active clock cycle after receiving the control signal.

[0194] In the present embodiment, the offset can be defined between the received control and the backscatter signal of the A-IoT device. It can be determined based on at least one of the following ways. In one scenario, the offset can be based on the minimum or maximum capability of an A-IoT device. In another scenario, the A-IoT reader can indicate the common offset in transmitted control signal. In control signal the trigger signal can be followed by the common offset for the A-IoT devices.

[0195] Fig. 9 illustrates an embodiment for operation of an A-IoT device having devicespecific control information. In this scenario, the CWN continuously transmits the carrier waveto the A-IoT device for performing the energy harvesting. The A-IoT device receives the carrier wave and starts performing the energy harvesting and once the harvested energy crosses the threshold, the A-IoT device monitors for control signal, where the control signal can consist of the trigger, synchronization signal, scheduling information, configuration information, etc. Here, the control information is A-IoT device specific or group specific, where the control information has a signature corresponding to the intended A-IoT device or set of A-IoT devices. For example, the control information can be scrambled by the A-IoT device ID or Rack or shelf ID so that only the A-IoT device with correct scrambling ID can demodulate the control information. In another example, the control information can have the A-IoT device ID or the group ID in the content. After receiving the control information, the A-IoT device verifies the control signal to determine whether it is intended for itself or for another A-IoT device. If the received control signal is not meant for that A-IoT device, it keeps on monitoring the control signal until it receives its own control signal. If the received control signal is meant for that A- loT device then, it starts performing the synchronization. Once the A-IoT device and the A- loT reader are synchronized with each other, it starts the backscattering according to the control information and carrier wave provided. The A-IoT reader transmits a control signal, whenever it requires information from the A-IoT device.

[0196] At step 901, the A-IoT device receives the carrier wave and starts performing the energy harvesting and monitors if the harvested energy has crossed a threshold. Once the harvested energy crosses the threshold, at step 902, the A-IoT device monitors for control signal. At step 903, the A-IoT device receives the control information which is either A-IoT device specific or group specific. After receiving the control information, at step 904, the A- loT device verifies the control signal to determine whether it is intended for itself or for another A-IoT device. If the received control signal is meant for that A-IoT device then, at step 905, it starts performing the synchronization, Once the A-IoT device and the A-IoT reader are synchronized with each other, at step 906, it starts the backscattering.

[0197] In the present embodiment, back-scattering can be defined in the following ways. The A-IoT device back scatters when energy crosses the threshold or the predefined periodicity, where the periodicity can be defined based on the internal clock of the A-IoT device. The backscattered signal can comprise at least one of the following information. An A- loT device ID, where IDs can be orthogonal to each other. In other method IDs can be scrambled with the known sequence and sequence can be known to the A-IoT reader. Using this method, the A-IoT reader can easily segregate the back-scattering signal from the multipleA-IoT devices. The backscattered signal may also comprise the measured / sensor value of the A-IoT device or any emergency indication in the case of any measurement by the sensor-based A-IoT device. For example, if the sensor-based A-IoT device schedules with some predefined periodicity to transmit the measured value, and if in any condition, the measure value crosses above the threshold value, then A-IoT device needs to report the value of the measuring parameter to the A-IoT reader irrespective of the periodicity.

[0198] For the determination of time duration of back-scattering by the A-IoT device it is assumed that the clocks of the A-IoT reader and the A-IoT devices are synchronized with each other. And the time duration of the backscattering signal is based on the internal clock of the A-IoT device. In this method each information is backscattered for the active on / off period of the internal clock duty cycle. Alternatively, each information is backscattered for duration between the active positive / negative edges of the internal clock of the A-IoT device.

[0199] The time taken by the A-IoT device to complete the energy harvesting process for backscattering its signal, can be defined based on the capability of A-IoT devices for different A-IoT device categories. For example, passive A-IoT devices can take more time to complete the process of energy harvesting compared to the semi passive device which has the limited storage of capacitor. The category of the A-IoT devices can be preconfigured or known to the A-IoT reader. The category of the A-IoT device can be known to the A-IoT reader in two ways, i.e. in first option, the category information can be informed to the A-IoT reader by the network at the time of the deployment of the A-IoT devices. In second option, this information can be indicated by the A-IoT device to the A-IoT reader.

[0200] In the present embodiment, a predefined pattern / sequence can act as a trigger signal. For example, if an A-IoT device receives a signal with 4 rising edges, then it can be considered as a trigger signal. The trigger signal is common for all the A-IoT devices.

[0201] In the present embodiment, for detecting the control signal by the A-IoT devices, the control signal is either monitored periodically based on predefined parameters such as fixed location or raster and the duration for which control signal is transmitted etc. The periodicity of the control signal here is preconfigured by the A-IoT reader. Based on the predefined parameter, the A-IoT device tries to search or monitor the control signal at the predefined locations with predefined periodicities. Alternatively, the control signal is always monitored by the A-IoT device. Once the control signal is detected, it turns on the backscatter mechanism.

[0202] In the present embodiment, for signaling information, the control signal either contains the trigger signal, and the trigger signal can be defined as the preconfigured pattern that triggers or activates the A-IoT device to transmit or backscatter its signal. The predefined pattern here can be structured based on a sequence.

[0203] In another embodiment, for signaling information, the control signal contains the trigger signal along with synchronization signal. For example, the transmitted bits in the sequence of control signal comprises triggering pattern and synchronization sequence.

[0204] In yet another embodiment, for signaling information, the trigger and synchronization signal can be given separately. In that case there is an offset between reception of trigger signal and synchronization signal. The offset can be preconfigured or indicated along with trigger signal. The offset can be in terms of time units or number of clock cycles. Additionally, the trigger signal contains the ID of the A-IoT device. The ID can be an individual A-IoT device ID, or it can be defined for a group of A-IoT devices such as group ID. The group ID can be defined as the ID of a group and followed by the individual A-IoT device IDs.

[0205] In the embodiment as illustrated in Fig. 9, synchronization signal is used to synchronize the A-IoT device with A-IoT reader, so that the A-IoT reader can avoid the misdetection of the transmitted / backscattered signal by the A-IoT device. The control signal contains the trigger pattern followed by predefined sequence. The predefined sequence can be used as a synchronization signal. The predefined sequence can be known to the A-IoT device. In this scenario, if the A-IoT device performs the synchronization only upon verification of its control signal. The trigger pattern triggers the A-IoT device and A-IoT device performs the synchronization process using the known sequence.

[0206] In the present embodiment, the timing relation between synchronization and start of backscattering may be drawn in the following manners. Either the b ackscattering process can start immediately after the synchronization process. In this scenario, whenever the synchronization process is completed, backscattering can start from the immediate next active edge of the internal clock of the A-IoT device. Alternatively, the backscattering can start after the synchronization process with some offset. The offset can be predefined or configured by the A-IoT reader in control signal. The offset can be common to all the A-IoT devices. As the common offset is applied by the all A-IoT devices, the backscattering from all the A-IoT devices can start at the same time instant.

[0207] In the present embodiment, the offset can be of different types. In one scenario, the A-IoT reader can indicate the determined offset based on the propagation delay associated with each of the A-IoT device. In another scenario, the offset can be calculated based on the minimum / maximum predefined capabilities of the A-IoT devices. The definition of the A-IoT device capability is same as defined above in this document. In yet another scenario, the A-IoT reader can dynamically indicate the separate / individual offset in transmitted control signal. In control signal, the trigger signal can be followed by the offset for the A-IoT devices.Operation of A-IoT device in discontinuous energy harvesting scenario:

[0208] The CWN transmits the carrier waves in a discontinuous manner or based on the requirement of A-IoT reader based on which a mechanism is implemented to facilitate the transmission or backscatter of signals from the A-IoT device when prompted by the A-IoT reader. In this case, the CWN is not expected to be transmitting always. The different mechanisms for initiating the energy harvesting and performing the necessary actions by the A-IoT device have been explained in the subsequent sections.Operation of A-IoT device with control information in discontinuous energy harvesting scenario:

[0209] The A-IoT device is capable of receiving control information from the A-IoT reader, where control information can be a trigger signal, trigger along with synchronization signal, trigger along with synchronization and scheduling information etc. The control information can be common for all A-IoT devices, or it can be specific to the A-IoT device.

[0210] Fig. 10 illustrates an embodiment for operation of an A-IoT device based on trigger event. As illustrated earlier in Fig. 3, A-IoT device receives the trigger signal, which indicates the reception of the carrier wave. Once the A-IoT device starts receiving the carrier wave from the CWN, it starts performing the energy harvesting process. When the accumulated energy surpasses a predefined threshold value, the A-IoT device initiates the backscattering or transmitting of its data to the A-IoT reader. The trigger signal transmitted by the A-IoT reader is common for all the A-IoT devices. In this scenario, proper synchronization is assumed between A-IoT reader and A-IoT device based on the internal synchronized clocks of the A- loT reader and the A-IoT device. In this method, carrier waves can also act as a trigger signal to the A-IoT device.

[0211] At step 1001, the A-IoT device receives a trigger signal. At step 1002, the A-IoT device starts the energy harvesting process. At step 1003, the device checks if the accumulated energy has crossed a predefined threshold. Once the accumulated energy surpasses a predefined threshold value, at step 1004, the A-IoT device initiates the backscattering or transmitting of its data to the A-IoT reader.

[0212] Fig. 11 illustrates an embodiment for operation of an A-IoT device based on device specific trigger event. The CWN transmits the carrier wave to the A-IoT device discontinuously, based on the received trigger from the A-IoT reader. The A-IoT device receives the trigger signal from the A-IoT reader, indicating the reception of carrier wave. The trigger signal can consist of the trigger sequence, synchronization sequence, scheduling information, configuration information, etc. In this method, the trigger signal is specific to the A-IoT device or group specific, where the trigger signal has signature corresponding to the intended A-IoT device or set of A-IoT devices. After receiving the trigger signal, the A-IoT device verifies the trigger signal to determine whether it is intended for itself or for another A- loT device. If the received trigger signal is not meant for that A-IoT device, it keeps on monitoring the trigger signal until it receives its own trigger signal. If the received trigger signal is meant for that A-IoT device then, it starts receiving the carrier wave and starts performing the energy harvesting process. Once the accumulated energy crosses the predefined threshold, the A-IoT devices start performing the synchronization process. Once the synchronization process is completed, it initiates the backscattering according to the trigger information and carrier wave provided. A-IoT reader transmits a control signal, whenever it requires information from the A-IoT device.

[0213] At step 1101, the A-IoT device receives the trigger signal from the A-IoT reader. At step 1102, the A-IoT device verifies the trigger signal to determine whether it is intended for itself or for another A-IoT device. If the received trigger signal is not meant for that A-IoT device, it keeps on monitoring the trigger signal until it receives its own trigger signal. If the received trigger signal is meant for that A-IoT device then at step 1103, it starts receiving the carrier wave and at step 1104 the device starts performing the energy harvesting process. At step 1105, the device checks if the accumulated energy has crossed a predefined threshold. Once the accumulated energy crosses the predefined threshold, at step 1106, the A-IoT devices start performing the synchronization process. At step 1107, the device initiates the backscattering according to the trigger information and carrier wave provided.

[0214] Fig. 12 illustrates an embodiment for operation of an A-IoT device having controlbased backscattering. The CWN transmits the carrier wave to the A-IoT device discontinuously, based on the received trigger from the A-IoT reader. As illustrated earlier in Fig. 11, the A-IoT device receives the trigger signal from the A-IoT reader, indicating the reception of carrier wave. In the current embodiment, the trigger signal is common or separate to the A-IoT device. The trigger signal can contain the ID of the A-IoT device. Once the trigger signal is received by the A-IoT device, it starts receiving the carrier wave, which leads to the process of energy harvesting. A-IoT devices continue the process of energy harvesting until it accumulates sufficient energy. Once the A-IoT device has sufficient accumulated energy, it receives the control information from the A-IoT reader. The control signal can consist of the synchronization signal, scheduling information, configuration information, etc. After successfully decoding the control signal, the A-IoT device uses the decoded information to perform the synchronization process. Once the synchronization is completed, the A-IoT device initiates the backscattering according to the control information and carrier wave provided. A- loT reader transmits a control signal, whenever it requires information from the A-IoT device.

[0215] At step 1201, the A-IoT device receives a trigger from the A-IoT reader indicating the reception of carrier wave. At step 1202, the device starts receiving the carrier wave and at step 1203 the device starts performing the energy harvesting process. At step 1204, the device checks if the accumulated energy has crossed a predefined threshold. Once the accumulated energy crosses the predefined threshold, at step 1205, the device receives control information. At step 1206, after successfully decoding the control signal, the A-IoT device uses the decoded information to perform the synchronization process. At step 1207, once the synchronization is completed, the A-IoT device initiates the backscattering according to the control information and carrier wave provided.

[0216] In the present embodiment, back-scattering can be defined in the following ways. The A-IoT device back scatters when energy crosses the threshold or the predefined periodicity, where the periodicity can be defined based on the internal clock of the A-IoT device. The backscattered signal can comprise at least one of the following information. An A- loT device ID, where IDs can be orthogonal to each other. In other method IDs can be scrambled with the known sequence and sequence can be known to the A-IoT reader. Using this method, the A-IoT reader can easily segregate the back-scattering signal from the multiple A-IoT devices. The backscattered signal may also comprise the measured / sensor value of the A-IoT device or any emergency indication in the case of any measurement by the sensor-basedA-IoT device. For example, if the sensor-based A-IoT device schedules with some predefined periodicity to transmit the measured value, and if in any condition, the measure value crosses above the threshold value, then A-IoT device needs to report the value of the measuring parameter to the A-IoT reader irrespective of the periodicity.

[0217] For the determination of time duration of back-scattering by the A-IoT device it is assumed that the clocks of the A-IoT reader and the A-IoT devices are synchronized with each other. And the time duration of the backscattering signal is based on the internal clock of the A-IoT device. In this method each information is backscattered for the active on / off period of the internal clock duty cycle. Alternatively, each information is backscattered for duration between the active positive / negative edges of the internal clock of the A-IoT device.

[0218] The time taken by the A-IoT device to complete the energy harvesting process for backscattering its signal, can be defined based on the capability of A-IoT devices for different A-IoT device categories. For example, passive A-IoT devices can take more time to complete the process of energy harvesting compared to the semi passive device which has the limited storage of capacitor. The category of the A-IoT devices can be preconfigured or known to the A-IoT reader. The category of the A-IoT device can be known to the A-IoT reader in two ways, i.e. in first option, the category information can be informed to the A-IoT reader by the network at the time of the deployment of the A-IoT devices. In second option, this information can be indicated by the A-IoT device to the A-IoT reader.

[0219] In the present embodiment, a predefined pattern / sequence can act as a trigger signal. For example, if an A-IoT device receives a signal with 4 rising edges, then it can be considered as a trigger signal. The trigger signal is common for all the A-IoT devices.

[0220] In the present embodiment, for detecting the control signal by the A-IoT devices, the control signal is either monitored periodically based on predefined parameters such as fixed location or raster and the duration for which control signal is transmitted etc. The periodicity of the control signal here is preconfigured by the A-IoT reader. Based on the predefined parameter, the A-IoT device tries to search or monitor the control signal at the predefined locations with predefined periodicities. Alternatively, the control signal is always monitored by the A-IoT device. Once the control signal is detected, it turns on the backscatter mechanism.

[0221] In the present embodiment, for signaling information, the control signal either contains the trigger signal, and the trigger signal can be defined as the preconfigured patternthat triggers or activates the A-IoT device to transmit or backscatter its signal. The predefined pattern here can be structured based on a sequence.

[0222] In another embodiment, for signaling information, the control signal contains the trigger signal along with synchronization signal. For example, the transmitted bits in the sequence of control signal comprises triggering pattern and synchronization sequence.

[0223] In yet another embodiment, for signaling information, the trigger and synchronization signal can be given separately. In that case there is an offset between reception of trigger signal and synchronization signal. The offset can be preconfigured or indicated along with trigger signal. The offset can be in terms of time units or number of clock cycles. Additionally, the trigger signal contains the ID of the A-IoT device. The ID can be an individual A-IoT device ID, or it can be defined for a group of A-IoT devices such as group ID. The group ID can be defined as the ID of a group and followed by the individual A-IoT device IDs.

[0224] In the embodiment as illustrated in Fig. 12, synchronization signal is used to synchronize the A-IoT device with A-IoT reader, so that the A-IoT reader can avoid the misdetection of the transmitted / backscattered signal by the A-IoT device. The control signal contains the trigger pattern followed by predefined sequence. The predefined sequence can be used as a synchronization signal. The predefined sequence can be known to the A-IoT device. In this scenario, if the A-IoT device performs the synchronization only upon verification of its control signal. The trigger pattern triggers the A-IoT device and A-IoT device performs the synchronization process using the known sequence.

[0225] In the present embodiment, the timing relation between synchronization and start of backscattering may be drawn in the following manners. Either, the b ackscattering process can start immediately after the synchronization process. In this scenario, whenever the synchronization process is completed, backscattering can start from the immediate next active edge of the internal clock of the A-IoT device. Alternatively, the backscattering can start after the synchronization process with some offset. The offset can be predefined or configured by the A-IoT reader in control signal. The offset can be common to all the A-IoT devices. As the common offset is applied by the all A-IoT devices, the backscattering from all the A-IoT devices can start at the same time instant.

[0226] In the present embodiment, the offset can be of different types. In one scenario, the A-IoT reader can indicate the determined offset based on the propagation delay associated witheach of the A-IoT device. In another scenario, the offset can be calculated based on the minimum / maximum predefined capabilities of the A-IoT devices. The definition of the A-IoT device capability is same as defined above in this document. In yet another scenario, the A-IoT reader can dynamically indicate the separate / individual offset in transmitted control signal. In control signal, the trigger signal can be followed by the offset for the A-IoT devices.

[0227] Figs. 13a and 13b illustrates an embodiment for exchange of control information and signaling between A-IoT reader and Carrier Wave Node. As described in the above sections, the A-IoT device requires the carrier wave provided externally to perform the energy harvesting operation, which helps the A-IoT device to transmit or backscatter its own signal to the A-IoT reader. The A-IoT reader sends the signal to the CWN to transmit the required carrier waves to the A-IoT devices.

[0228] At step 1301a, the A-IoT reader transmits the control signal to the CWN, which indicates the transmission of the carrier wave by the CWN. The control signal can consist of trigger signal and scheduling information etc. At step, 1302a, the trigger signal indicates the CWN to transmit the carrier wave to the A-IoT device. At step 1303a, after successful transmission, the A-IoT reader transmits indication to stop the transmission of carrier wave to the A-IoT device.

[0229] At step 1301b, once CWN receives the trigger signal successfully from the A-IoT reader, it transmits the feedback acknowledgement to the A-IoT reader. At step 1303b, upon receiving the trigger signal, the CWN starts transmitting the carrier wave to the A-IoT device and an acknowledgement feedback is sent to the A-IoT reader at step 1302b.

[0230] In the present embodiment, the carrier wave can either be transmitted for the preconfigured time duration. Alternatively, the A-IoT reader can dynamically send the indication to the CWN to stop the transmission of carrier wave. In this case, when the CWN receives the control signal, the CWN needs the time to decode the control signal and perform the necessary action based on the control signal. Therefore, there can be delays between the reception of the control signal and the transmission of the carrier wave. In one method, the delay can be preconfigured based on the A-IoT device capabilities, by the A-IoT reader. Alternatively, there can be default value predefined for the delay offset.

[0231] The figures of the disclosure are provided to illustrate some examples of the invention described. The figures are not to limit the scope of the depicted embodiments of theappended claims. Aspects of the disclosure are described herein with reference to the invention to example embodiments for illustration. It should be understood that specific details, relationships, and method are set forth to provide a full understanding of the example embodiments. One of ordinary skill in the art recognize the example embodiments can be practiced without one or more specific details and / or with other methods.

[0232] Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the embodiments described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products.

[0233] While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any disclosures or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments of particular disclosures. Certain features that are described herein in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable sub combination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub combination or variation of a sub combination.

[0234] Thus, particular embodiments of the subject matter have been described. Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. In some cases, the actions recited in the claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results. In addition, the processes depicted in the accompanying figures do not necessarily require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. In certain implementations, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous.

[0235] It is to be understood that the disclosure is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to beincluded within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, unless described otherwise.

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. A method of communication in a cellular network, wherein the method comprises: determining, by a device, a trigger event; wherein the trigger event is at least one of receiving at least one pattern to indicate start of one of downlink and uplink operation, and a value exceeding a threshold; performing, by the device, one of backscattering and transmitting one of: a carrier wave; and at least one of at least one identity of the device, a feedback, and the value based on at least one of the trigger events and one of predefined and preconfigured information using at least one signal.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one of predefined and preconfigured information comprises at least one of: at least one periodicity, number of clock cycles, number of symbols, start time, end time, number of time units, transmit power, start frequency resource, end frequency resource, bandwidth, and subcarrier spacing for transmission of carrier wave.

3. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the backscattering is performed on a carrier wave received from at least one of the at least one reader and at least one carrier wave node (CWN).

4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the value is determined based on one of measurement by the device, harvested energy, output of a sensor connected to the device and content stored in the memory of the device.

5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one pattern further comprises at least one of a sequence and at least one on-off signal.

6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one pattern is used to perform synchronization.

7. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the trigger event further comprises receiving a control signal.

8. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the control signal comprises at least one of a scheduling information, a synchronization information, and at least one command for at least one device.

9. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the threshold is one of predefined and preconfigured at the time of deployment of the device.

10. The method as claimed in claim 1, the method comprises harvesting energy by the device.

11. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein energy harvesting is performed using at least one of: a signal and a carrier wave received from at least one node.

12. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the at least one node is at least one of: at least one reader, at least one CWN, at least one thermal source, and solar energy.

13. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein performing at least one of the backscattering and transmission is based on one of predefined or preconfigured information.

14. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the scheduling information comprises at least one of: at least one periodicity, number of clock cycles, number of symbols, start time, end time,number of time units, transmit power, start frequency resource, end frequency resource, bandwidth, and subcarrier spacing for transmission of carrier wave.

15. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein harvesting energy by the device is based on at least one capability of the device.

16. The method as claimed in claim 1, comprises indicating, by the device, at least one capability to the at least one reader.

17. The method as claimed in claim 15 or 16, wherein the at least one capability is at least one of device type, charging-discharging cycle, energy status and capacity of battery.

18. The method as claimed in claim 17, wherein the device type is a device supporting at least one of backscattering, transmission and amplification.

19. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one pattern is one of predefined and preconfigured.

20. The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein the sequence is an orthogonal sequence.

21. The method as claimed in claim 1 or 7, wherein the at least one pattern and the control signal are monitored in a set of resources based on at least one of predefined, preconfigured and configured parameters.

22. The method as claimed in claim 21, wherein the parameters comprise at least one of start time, end time, reference time, at least one periodicity, time duration, number of time units, subcarrier spacing for transmission of carrier wave, starting frequency, ending frequency, and bandwidth.

23. The method as claimed in claim 22, wherein the time is represented using at least one of slot index, number of slots, number of clock cycles, symbol index and number of symbols.

24. The method as claimed in claim 22, wherein the frequency is represented using at least one of resource block index, number of resources blocks, subcarrier index and number of subcarriers.

25. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one of downlink and uplink operation is performed based on a time offset.

26. The method as claimed in claim 25, wherein the time offset is at least one of predefined, preconfigured and configured parameters.

27. The method as claimed in claim 25, wherein the time offset is one of: minimum time duration between downlink reception and uplink transmission, maximum time duration between downlink reception and uplink transmission, and minimum processing time of the device.

28. The method as claimed in claim 25, wherein the time offset is applied using one of the start time instant of the at least one pattern; the end time instant of the at least one pattern; start of earliest clock cycle overlapping with the at least one pattern; or start of earliest clock cycle after receiving the at least one pattern.

29. The method as claimed in claim 25 or 7, wherein the time offset is applied using one of the start time instant of the control signal; the end time instant of the control signal; start of earliest clock cycle overlapping with the control signal; or start of earliest clock cycle after receiving the control signal.

30. The method as claimed in claim 25, wherein the time offset is at least one of number of clock cycles, number of symbols, number of slots, slot index, symbol index and number of time units.

31. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein receiving the control signal is based on a time offset.

32. The method as claimed in claim 31, wherein the time offset is at least one of predefined, preconfigured and configured parameters.

33. The method as claimed in claim 31, wherein the time offset is one of minimum time duration between the two successive downlink receptions, and maximum time duration between the two successive downlink receptions.

34. The method as claimed in claim 1 or 7, wherein the at least one pattern and the control signal comprises a time offset.

35. The method as claimed in claim 31 or 34, wherein the time offset is applied using one of: the start time instant of the at least one pattern; the end time instant of the at least one pattern; start of earliest clock cycle overlapping with the at least one pattern; or start of earliest clock cycle after receiving the at least one pattern.

36. The method as claimed in claim 31, wherein the time offset is at least one of number of clock cycles, number of symbols, number of slots, slot index, symbol index and number of time units.

37. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device comprises at least one of: a carrier wave unit, a energy harvesting unit, a backscattering unit, a control unit, a transmission unit, an amplifier unit, a memory and a clock generator.

38. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the method further comprises estimating a clock signal.

39. The method as claimed in claim 38, further comprises determining time duration corresponding to information bit 0 and information bit 1 in the at least one signal.

40. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein performing comprises backscattering a carrier wave with first amplitude for one cycle of clock signal when information bit is 1 and backscattering a carrier wave with second amplitude for one cycle of clock signal when information bit is 0.

41. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein backscattering is reflecting one of a carrier wave and a carrier wave modulated with the at least one signal.

42. The method as claimed in claim 41, wherein backscattering comprises amplification.

43. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprises receiving from the at least one reader an indication to stop the transmission of carrier wave.

44. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein transmitting the carrier wave is based on one of predefined or preconfigured information.

45. The method as claimed in claim 44, wherein the one of predefined and preconfigured information comprises at least one of: a time offset, at least one periodicity, number of clock cycles, number of symbols, start time, time duration, number of time units, frequency, and bandwidth.

46. The method as claimed in claim 45, wherein the time offset is minimum time duration between the reception of the trigger signal and the transmission of the carrier wave.

47. The method as claimed in claim 45, wherein the time offset is minimum time duration between the reception of the control signal and the transmission of the carrier wave.

48. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the reader is one of BS, UE, network-controlled repeater (NCR), integrated access and backhaul (IAB).

49. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device is one of BS, UE, Ambient loT device, NCR, IAB, carrier wave node, non-RF device or active RF device.

50. The method as claimed in claim 49, wherein the Ambient loT device is a tag, which is attached to any one of a passive device, an active device and a sensor.

51. A method of communication in a network, wherein the method comprises: transmitting by a reader, a trigger signal to at least one device; wherein the trigger signal comprises: at least one first pattern to indicate start of one of downlink and uplink operation; andat least one second pattern for synchronization; receiving, by the reader, at least one signal; wherein the at least one signal comprises at least one of at least one identity, a feedback and a value from the at least one device.

52. The method as claimed in claim 51, wherein the downlink operation comprises transmission of at least one of a carrier wave, control information and data information.

53. The method as claimed in claim 51, wherein the uplink operation comprises at least one of transmission of a carrier wave; transmission of an UL channel; and backscattering of an UL channel.

54. The method as claimed in claim 51, wherein the trigger signal comprises at least one of broadcast information, device specific information, and at least one threshold.

55. The method as claimed in claim 51, wherein the at least one threshold is for at least one of energy harvesting and determining a trigger event.

56. The method as claimed in claim 51, wherein the at least one first pattern and at least one second pattern is at least one of a sequence and at least one on-off signal.

57. The method as claimed in claim 51, wherein the transmitting the trigger signal further comprises transmitting a control signal.

58. The method as claimed in claim 57, wherein the control signal comprises at least one of a scheduling information, a synchronization information, and at least one command for at least one device.

59. The method as claimed in claim 57, wherein the control signal comprises one of a broadcast information and a device specific information.

60. The method as claimed in claim 51 or 57, wherein the at least one signal is multiplexed in at least one of frequency domain, time domain and code domain based on the at least one of the trigger signal and the control signal.

61. The method as claimed in claim 51, wherein transmitting by the reader the trigger signal is performed in one of continuous and piecewise continuous transmission.

62. The method as claimed in claim 51, wherein transmitting the trigger signal comprises transmitting a RF signal.

63. The method as claimed in claim 62, wherein the RF signal is for performing at least one of backscattering and energy harvesting by the at least one device.

64. The method as claimed in claim 51, wherein receiving the at least one signal is based on one of predefined and preconfigured parameters.

65. The method as claimed in claim 58, wherein the scheduling information comprises at least one of: a time offset, at least one periodicity, number of clock cycles, number of symbols, start time, end time, number of time units, transmit power, start frequency resource, end frequency resource, bandwidth, and a subcarrier spacing for transmission of carrier wave.

66. The method as claimed in claim 51, wherein receiving by the reader comprises receiving at least one capability information of the at least one device.

67. The method as claimed in claim 66, wherein the at least one capability information is at least one of device type, charging-discharging cycle, energy status and capacity of battery.

68. The method as claimed in claim 67, wherein the device type is categorized based on the device supporting at least one of backscattering, transmission and amplification.

69. The method as claimed 56, wherein the sequence is an orthogonal sequence.

70. The method as claimed in claim 51 or 57, wherein the method comprises transmission of at least one set of resources for monitoring at least one of the trigger signal and the control signal to at least one device.

71. The method as claimed in claim 70, wherein the set of resources comprises at least one of start time, end time, reference time, at least one periodicity, time duration, subcarrier spacing for transmission of carrier wave starting frequency, ending frequency, and bandwidth.

72. The method as claimed in claim 71, wherein the time is represented using at least one of slot index, number of slots, number of clock cycles, symbol index and number of symbols.

73. The method as claimed in claim 72, wherein the frequency is represented using at least one of resource block index, number of resources blocks, subcarrier index and number of subcarriers.

74. The method as claimed in claim 64, wherein the parameters comprises at least one of: a time offset, at least one periodicity, number of clock cycles, number of symbols, start time, end time, time duration, number of time units, transmit power, start frequency resource, end frequency resource, bandwidth, and subcarrier spacing for transmission of carrier wave.

75. The method as claimed in claim 74, wherein the time offset is minimum time duration between the reception of at least one signal and the transmission of the trigger signal.

76. The method as claimed in claim 74 or 57, wherein the time offset is minimum time duration between the reception of at least one signal and the transmission of the control signal.

77. The method as claimed in claim 51, wherein receiving the at least one signal is performed after a predefined time offset from transmitting the trigger signal.

78. The method as claimed in claim 77, wherein the predefined time offset is one of: minimum time duration between successive transmission and reception; maximum time duration between successive transmission and reception; andminimum processing time of the device.

79. The method as claimed in claim 77, wherein the predefined time offset is applied using one of: the start time instant of the trigger signal; the end time instant of the trigger signal; start of earliest clock cycle overlapping with the trigger signal; and start of earliest clock cycle after transmitting the trigger signal.

80. The method as claimed in claim 51 or 57, wherein receiving the at least one signal is performed after a predefined time offset from transmitting the control signal.

81. The method as claimed in claim 80, wherein the predefined time offset is one of: minimum time duration between successive transmission and reception; maximum time duration between successive transmission and reception; and minimum processing time of the device.

82. The method as claimed in claim 80, wherein the predefined time offset is applied using one of: the start time instant of the control signal; the end time instant of the control signal; start of earliest clock cycle overlapping with the control signal; and start of earliest clock cycle after transmitting the control signal.

83. The method as claimed in claim 57, wherein transmitting the control signal is based on a time offset.

84. The method as claimed in claim 83, wherein the time offset is at least one of predefined, preconfigured and configured parameters.

85. The method as claimed in claim 83, wherein the time offset is one of minimum time duration between the two successive downlink transmission and maximum time duration between the two successive downlink transmission.

86. The method as claimed in claim 51 or 57, wherein the at least one of the trigger signal and the control signal comprises a time offset.

87. The The method as claimed in claim 83 or 86, wherein the time offset is applied using one of: the start time instant of the trigger signal;the end time instant of the trigger signal; start of earliest clock cycle overlapping with the trigger signal; or start of earliest clock cycle after transmitting the trigger signal.

88. The method as claimed in claim 83, wherein the time offset is at least one of number of clock cycles, number of symbols, number of slots, slot index, symbol index and number of time units.

89. The method as claimed in claim 51, wherein the reader is one of BS, UE, network- controlled repeater (NCR), integrated access and backhaul (IAB).

90. The method as claimed in claim 51, wherein the device is one of BS, UE, Ambient loT device, NCR, IAB, carrier wave node, non-RF device or active RF device.

91. The method as claimed in claim 90, wherein the Ambient loT device is a tag, which is attached to any one of a passive device, an active device and a sensor.

92. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the at least one pattern is received at a first time instant and the control signal at a second time instant.

93. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the at least one pattern and the control signal are received simultaneously.

94. The method as in claim 38, wherein estimating the clock signal is based on at least one of the at least one pattern and a control signal received by the at least one device.

95. The method as claimed in claim 57, wherein the trigger signal is received at a first time instant and the control signal at a second time instant.

96. The method as claimed in claim 57, wherein the trigger signal and the control signal are received simultaneously.

97. The method as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of predefined, preconfigured and configured parameters comprises at least one of start time, end time, reference time, at least one periodicity, time duration, number of time units, subcarrier spacing for transmission of carrier wave, starting frequency, ending frequency, and bandwidth.

98. The method as claimed in claim 97, wherein the time is represented using at least one of slot index, number of slots, number of clock cycles, symbol index and number of symbols.

99. The method as claimed in claim 97, wherein the frequency is represented using at least one of resource block index, number of resources blocks, subcarrier index and number of subcarriers.

100. A system for wireless communication, comprising: at least one reader; and at least one device in communication with the at least one reader; wherein at least one device is configured to perform at least one of: determining a trigger event; wherein the trigger event is at least one of receiving at least one pattern to indicate start of one of downlink and uplink operation, and a value exceeding a threshold; performing one of backscattering and transmitting one of: a carrier wave; and at least one of at least one identity of the device, a feedback, and the value based on at least one of the trigger events and one of predefined and preconfigured information using at least one signal; wherein at least one reader is configured to perform at least one of: transmitting a trigger signal to at least one device; wherein the trigger signal comprises: at least one first pattern to indicate start of one of downlink and uplink operation; and at least one second pattern for synchronization; receiving at least one signal; wherein the at least one signal comprises at least one of at least one identity, a feedback and a value from the at least one device.

101. The system as claimed in claim 100, wherein the reader is any one of a handheld device, a base station, a use equipment (UE), Network-Controlled Repeater (NCR), Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) and repeater, and wherein the device is at least one of a base station, a handheld device, ambient loT device, loT device and a use equipment (UE).

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