Beam selection protocol for tags

Abstract

A method, ambient powered (AMP) device and station for beam selection protocols for tags are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method in an AMP device includes: collecting energy from a radio frequency (RF) energizing beam received from a first sector; receiving a beam identification message identifying a first sector from which the RF energizing beam is received; when a threshold amount of energy is collected, activating signaling circuitry configured to transmit a modulated signal for a first period of time; modulating a signal by the signaling circuitry with information to identify the first sector and indicate a performance associated with the RF energizing beam; and transmitting the modulated signal.

Description

[0001] BEAM SELECTION PROTOCOL FOR TAGS

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to wireless communications, and in particular, to beam selection protocol for tags.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) has developed and continues to develop standards for wireless communication networks, including Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs), branded as “Wi-Fi” networks by the Wi-Fi Alliance. WLANs include wireless communication between access points (AP STAs) and non- access point stations (non-AP STAs). Such IEEE standards include IEEE 802.1 la / b / g / n / ac / ax / be and IEEE 802.15.

[0006] AMP TIG / SG

[0007] During the May 2022 IEEE 802 interim session an 802.11 WG (Working Group) motion was approved to form an AMP TIG (Ambient Power Technical Interest Group) to develop a technical report to describe use cases for 802.11 AMP-enabled Internet of things (loT) devices, and to investigate the technical feasibility of features to enable 802.11 WLAN support for ambient power enabled loT devices. At the March 2023 802 plenary session, AMP TIG approved the final version of a technical report and requested a WG (Working Group) motion to form a Study Group (SG), which was approved.

[0008] Several use cases (e.g., logistics, warehouse, and smart manufacturing) that would benefit from AMP loT transmissions have been identified, as well as relevant requirements to fulfill the goals of the various services to be provided. To support such use cases, multiple device types have been also considered during the TIG. In this disclosure, two AMP device types are considered: backscattering devices (BD) and active transmitter devices (AD).

[0009] Active transmitter device and backscatter device

[0010] An active transmitter device (AD), as used herein, refers to an ambient power (AMP) device that has its own signal generator but requires an energizing signal to power its circuitry. This energizing signal may be sent from any STA - AP STAs as well as non- AP STAs.

[0011] A backscatter device (BD) refers to a device that has no signal generator and transmits data by performing modulation on an illuminating signal. An illuminating signal refers to a signal that originates from a station and illuminates the BD. The BD first needs to receive an energizing signal to charge a (super) capacitor so that the device may power its circuitry and start operating. Then it uses the collected power to further reflect the illuminating signal with a frequency offset, and also modulate this reflection with encoded data. Illuminating and energizing phases may happen at the same time on different tones and / or channels (or parts of channels) in same or different frequency bands. In this way, a BD may harvest energy while it backscatters an incoming signal.

[0012] Energizing phase and illuminating phase

[0013] The term energizing phase refers to the phase where AMP devices harvest radio frequency (RF) energy radiated by other wireless communication devices. Energy is harvested to power up AMP device circuits prior to signal transmission. Typically, energizing occurs over relatively large bandwidths (for example over all the bandwidth reserved by an AP during a transmit opportunity (TXOP) in a Wi-Fi network).

[0014] The term illuminating phase refers to the phase where a BD and a STA have agreed on a tone (subcarrier), for example, which is used for backscattering. For example, a STA may send a trigger indicating which tone, or set of tones, is to be used for illumination. Then the STA sends an illuminating signal on this tone and the BD backscatters the illuminating signal with a certain frequency offset from the illuminating tone.

[0015] Note that the energizing phase and illuminating phase are transmission phases that have different objectives. In the energizing phase, an AMP device (AD or BD) collects energy from its antenna to energize its circuitry through, for example, a charging capacitor. In the illuminating phase (only needed for the BD), a signal is sent by any device and reflected by the BD device, meaning the signal in total needs to travel a long distance. Despite these two different objectives, both phases would benefit from sectorization and beamforming.

[0016] Benefits of using Sectorization and Beamforming

[0017] Where it is permitted, it is likely that techniques such as beamforming will be used to extend the coverage of an energizing or illuminating STA such that it may cover a larger area where AMP devices may reside. Beamforming may also be used to reduce the time required to energize the AMP device or even make the difference if a device may be energized or not. Furthermore, since there is potentially a high density of AMP devices within the area of an energizing or illuminating STA, dividing the area into sectors using beamforming is a good idea. Before an AMP device may start energizing its circuits, a minimum power is needed, which is typically higher than the minimum power that suffices for communication purposes. In turn this means that, for the same transmit power and propagation conditions, the communication range is larger than the energizing range. This further motivates the need for beamforming for energizing phases.

[0018] In order to use beamforming / sectorization, the energizing / illuminating STA may need to learn which AMP devices it may reach through which beam.

[0019] SUMMARY

[0020] Some embodiments advantageously provide AMP devices and stations for beam selection protocol for tags.

[0021] In some embodiments, protocols for beam selection for illuminating / energizing AMP devices are provided. Some embodiments provide a protocol for beam selection at a STA (or any non-limited device) for the purpose of improving the energizing or illumination of an AMP device. Furthermore, if the AMP device cannot be energized with an omnidirectional transmission and cannot provide feedback until his circuits have been powered, some embodiments may extend the operating range of the AMP device. According to one aspect, a method in an ambient power, AMP, device, is provided. The method includes collecting energy from a radio frequency, RF, energizing beam received from a first sector and receiving a beam identification message identifying a first sector from which the RF energizing beam is received. When a threshold amount of energy is collected, signaling circuitry configured to transmit a modulated signal for a first period of time is activated. The method includes modulating a signal by the signaling circuitry with information to identify the first sector and indicate a performance associated with the RF energizing beam, and transmitting the modulated signal.

[0022] According to this aspect, in some embodiments, the RF energizing beam is received from a first station and the method includes receiving an illuminating signal from a second station. In some embodiments, the AMP device is a backscatter device, the RF energizing beam is received from a first station and the method includes receiving an illuminating signal and modulating the illuminating signal with the information. In some embodiments, transmitting the modulated signal includes transmitting the modulated illuminated signal to one of the first station and a second station. In some embodiments, the first station is one of a non-access point, non-AP, station and an AP station and the second station is an AP station. In some embodiments, the first station is an access point, AP, station and the second station is one of a non-AP station and the AP station. In some embodiments, the second station is full duplex, FD, capable and the AMP device is configured to exchange messages with the second station at a same time as receiving the illuminating signal from the second station. In some embodiments, the AMP device is an active device and the signaling circuitry includes a signal generator configured to generate the modulated signal. In some embodiments, collecting energy is performed for each of a plurality of RF energizing beams in succession and the method includes determining an RF energizing beam of the plurality of RF energizing beams that provides a best performance. In some embodiments, the method includes receiving a beam selection message indicating an RF energizing beam selected by a station and subsequently using the selected RF beam for collecting energy.

[0023] According to another aspect, an ambient power, AMP, device is provided. The AMP device is configured to collect energy from a radio frequency, RF, energizing beam received from a first sector and receive a beam identification message identifying a first sector from which the RF energizing beam is received. When a threshold amount of energy is collected, signaling circuitry configured to transmit a modulated signal for a first period of time is activated. The AMP device is also configured to modulate a signal by the signaling circuitry with information to identify the first sector and indicate a performance associated with the RF energizing beam, and transmit the modulated signal.

[0024] According to this aspect, in some embodiments, the RF energizing beam is received from a first station and the AMP device is configured to receive an illuminating signal from a second station. In some embodiments, the AMP device is a backscatter device, the RF energizing beam is received from a first station and the AMP device is configured to receive an illuminating signal and modulating the illuminating signal with the information. In some embodiments, transmitting the modulated signal includes transmitting the modulated illuminated signal to one of the first station and a second station. In some embodiments, the first station is one of a non-access point, non-AP, station and an AP station and the second station is an AP station. In some embodiments, the first station is an access point, AP, station and the second station is one of a non-AP station and the AP station. In some embodiments, the second station is full duplex, FD, capable and the AMP device is configured to exchange messages with the second station at a same time as receiving the illuminating signal from the second station. In some embodiments, the AMP device is an active device and the signaling circuitry includes a signal generator configured to generate the modulated signal. In some embodiments, collecting energy is performed for each of a plurality of RF energizing beams in succession and the AMP device is configured to determine an RF energizing beam of the plurality of RF energizing beams that provides a best performance. In some embodiments, the AMP device is further configured to receive a beam selection message indicating an RF energizing beam selected by a station and subsequently using the selected RF beam for collecting energy.

[0025] According to yet another aspect, a method in a first station configured to receive a radio frequency, RF, signal from an ambient powered, AMP, device, is provided. The method includes receiving from the AMP device an RF signal modulated by the AMP device to include information identifying an RF energizing beam received by the AMP device and indicating a performance associated with the identified RF energizing beam.

[0026] According to the aspect, in some embodiments, the method includes transmitting the RF energizing beam received by the AMP device. In some embodiments, the method includes transmitting a sector identification message to the AMP device to identify a sector for receiving a subsequent RF energizing beam. In some embodiments, the method includes illuminating the AMP device with an illuminating beam. In some embodiments, the method includes receiving from the AMP device a modulated illuminating beam having the information. In some embodiments, the method includes causing an RF energizing beam to be swept over a plurality of sectors and receiving information for each sector of the plurality of sectors, the information from each sector identifying an RF energizing beam for that sector and indicating a performance associated with the identified RF energizing beam. In some embodiments, the method includes selecting an RF energizing beam based at least in part on the information for each of the plurality of sectors. In some embodiments, the information received for each sector is received after sweeping the RF energizing beam over the plurality of sectors. In some embodiments, the method includes causing an RF energy beam to be swept over at least one sector until information identifying an RF energizing beam is received. In some embodiments, the method includes identifying an RF energizing beam associated with a best performance and transmitting an identification of the identified RF energizing beam to a second station.

[0027] According to another aspect, a first station configured to receive a radio frequency, RF, signal from an ambient powered, AMP, device is provided. The first station is configured to receive from the AMP device an RF signal modulated by the AMP device to include information identifying an RF energizing beam received by the AMP device and indicating a performance associated with the identified RF energizing beam. According to this aspect, in some embodiments, the first station is further configured to transmit the RF energizing beam received by the AMP device. In some embodiments, the first station is further configured to transmit a sector identification message to the AMP device to identify a sector for receiving a subsequent RF energizing beam. In some embodiments, the first station is further configured to illuminate the AMP device with an illuminating beam. In some embodiments, the first station is further configured to receive from the AMP device a modulated illuminating beam having the information. In some embodiments, the first station is further configured to cause an RF energizing beam to be swept over a plurality of sectors and receiving information for each sector of the plurality of sectors, the information from each sector identifying an RF energizing beam for that sector and indicating a performance associated with the identified RF energizing beam. In some embodiments, the first station is further configured to select an RF energizing beam based at least in part on the information for each of the plurality of sectors. In some embodiments, the information received for each sector is received after sweeping the RF energizing beam over the plurality of sectors. In some embodiments, the first stations is further configured to cause an RF energy beam to be swept over at least one sector until information identifying an RF energizing beam is received. In some embodiments, the first station is further configured to identify an RF energizing beam associated with a best performance and transmitting an identification of the identified RF energizing beam to a second station.

[0028] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] A more complete understanding of the present embodiments, and the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0030] FIG. l is a schematic diagram of an example network architecture illustrating a communication system according to principles disclosed herein;

[0031] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a network node in communication with a wireless device over a wireless connection according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0032] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an example process in a network node for beam selection protocols for tags in an ambient powered (AMP) device; and FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an example process in a wireless device for beam selection protocols for tags in a wireless communication station according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0033] FIG. 5 illustrates one example of a sector energizing phase (SEP) according to principles set forth herein;

[0034] FIG. 6 illustrates one example of a sector identification phase (SIP) according to principles set forth herein;

[0035] FIG. 7-10 illustrate example sector response phases (SRP) according to principles set forth herein;

[0036] FIG. 11 illustrates one example of a sector selection phase (SSP) according to principles set forth herein;

[0037] FIG. 12 illustrates one example of a full procedure per sector according to principles set forth herein;

[0038] FIG. 13 illustrates another example of a full procedure per sector according to principles set forth herein; and

[0039] FIG. 14 illustrates one example of a beam sweep of all sectors before acquiring a response according to principles set forth herein.

[0040] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Before describing in detail example embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of apparatus components and processing steps related to beam selection protocols for tags. Accordingly, components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

[0042] As used herein, relational terms, such as “first” and “second,” “top” and “bottom,” and the like, may be used solely to distinguish one entity or element from another entity or element without necessarily requiring or implying any physical or logical relationship or order between such entities or elements. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the concepts described herein. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes” and / or “including” when used herein, 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.

[0043] In embodiments described herein, the joining term, “in communication with” and the like, may be used to indicate electrical or data communication, which may be accomplished by physical contact, induction, electromagnetic radiation, radio signaling, infrared signaling or optical signaling, for example. One having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that multiple components may interoperate and modifications and variations are possible of achieving the electrical and data communication.

[0044] In some embodiments described herein, the term “coupled,” “connected,” and the like, may be used herein to indicate a connection, although not necessarily directly, and may include wired and / or wireless connections.

[0045] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the concepts described herein. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes” and / or “including” when used herein, 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.

[0046] The term “network node” used herein may be any kind of network node comprised in a radio network which may further comprise any of an access point (AP) station, non- AP station, base station (BS), radio base station, base transceiver station (BTS), base station controller (BSC), radio network controller (RNC), g Node B (gNB), evolved Node B (eNB or eNodeB), Node B, multi-standard radio (MSR) radio node such as MSR BS, multi-cell / multicast coordination entity (MCE), relay node, donor node controlling relay, radio access point (AP), transmission points, transmission nodes, Remote Radio Unit (RRU) Remote Radio Head (RRH), a core network node (e.g., mobile management entity (MME), self-organizing network (SON) node, a coordinating node, positioning node, MDT node, etc.), an external node (e.g., 3rd party node, a node external to the current network), nodes in distributed antenna system (DAS), a spectrum access system (SAS) node, an element management system (EMS), etc. The network node may also comprise test equipment. The term “radio node” used herein may be used to also denote a wireless device (WD) such as a wireless device (WD) or a radio network node.

[0047] In some embodiments, the non-limiting terms wireless device (WD) or a user equipment (UE) are used interchangeably. The WD may be, for example, an AP station and / or a non-AP station. The WD herein may be any type of wireless device capable of communicating with a network node (e.g., AP STA or non-AP STA) or another WD (e.g., another AP STA or non-AP STA) over radio signals, such as wireless device (WD). The WD may be a radio communication device, target device, device to device (D2D) WD, machine type WD or WD capable of machine to machine communication (M2M), low- cost and / or low-complexity WD, a sensor equipped with WD, Tablet, mobile terminals, smart phone, laptop embedded equipped (LEE), laptop mounted equipment (LME), USB dongles, Customer Premises Equipment (CPE), an Internet of Things (loT) device, or a Narrowband loT (NB-IOT) device etc.

[0048] Also, in some embodiments the generic term “radio network node” is used. It may be any kind of a radio network node which may comprise any of base station, radio base station, base transceiver station, base station controller, network controller, RNC, evolved Node B (eNB), Node B, gNB, Multi-cell / multicast Coordination Entity (MCE), relay node, access point, radio access point, Remote Radio Unit (RRU) Remote Radio Head (RRH).

[0049] Note that although terminology from one particular wireless system, such as, for example, IEEE 802.11, may be used in this disclosure, this should not be seen as limiting the scope of the disclosure to only the aforementioned system. Other wireless systems, including without limitation, Wide Band Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), 3GPP LTE and / or New Radio (NR), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax), Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB) and Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Bluetooth, and / or WLAN may also benefit from exploiting the ideas covered within this disclosure.

[0050] Note further, that functions described herein as being performed by a wireless device or a network node may be distributed over a plurality of wireless devices and / or network nodes. In other words, it is contemplated that the functions of the network node and wireless device described herein are not limited to performance by a single physical device and, in fact, may be distributed among several physical devices.

[0051] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0052] Some embodiments are directed to beam selection protocols for tags. As used herein, a tag refers to an AMP device such as an active device or a backscatter device. As used herein, a sector may refer to a direction or angular sector in which an RF energizing beam is directed.

[0053] Referring to the drawing figures, in which like elements are referred to by like reference numerals, there is shown in FIG. 1 a schematic diagram of a communication system 10, according to an embodiment, such as a wireless communication network that may support standards such as IEEE 802.11, which comprises an access network 12, such as a radio access network, and a core network 14. The access network 12 comprises a plurality of network nodes 16a, 16b, 16c (referred to collectively as network nodes 16), such as access point stations (AP STAs) and non-AP STAs, each defining a corresponding coverage area 18a, 18b, 18c (referred to collectively as coverage areas 18). Each network node 16a, 16b, 16c is connectable to the core network 14 over a wired or wireless connection 20. A first wireless device (WD) 22a located in coverage area 18a is configured to wirelessly connect to, or be paged by, the corresponding network node 16a. A second WD 22b in coverage area 18b is wirelessly connectable to the corresponding network node 16b. While a plurality of WDs 22a, 22b (collectively referred to as wireless devices 22) are illustrated in this example, the disclosed embodiments are equally applicable to a situation where a sole WD is in the coverage area or where a sole WD 22 is connecting to the corresponding network node 16. Note that although only two WDs 22 and three network nodes 16 are shown for convenience, the communication system may include many more WDs 22 and network nodes 16. A WD 22 may be a non-AP STA or an AP STA.

[0054] Also, it is contemplated that a WD 22 may be in simultaneous communication and / or configured to separately communicate with more than one network node 16 and more than one type of network node 16. As an example, the WD 22 may be in communication with an AP-STA.

[0055] One or more network nodes 16 and / or WDs 22 may be configured to energize one or more AMP devices 24 via one or more RF energizing beams directed to one or more sectors, and / or illuminate one or more AMP devices 24 and / or receive modulated illuminating signals from one or more AMP devices 24. Each AMP device 24 may be configured to receive an RF energizing beam, collect energy from an RF energizing beam, determine a performance associated with the RF energizing beam, modulate a signal to encode an identity and performance of one or more RF energizing beams and transmit the modulated signal. The modulated signal may be a signal resulting from modulating an illuminating signal that illuminates the AMP device 24. As shown in FIG. 2, the AMP device 24 may include a beam ID unit 25 configured to receive a beam identification message identifying a first sector from which the RF energizing beam is received. The AMP device 24 may also include signaling circuitry 26 configured to modulate a signal by the signaling circuitry with information to identify the first sector and indicate a performance associated with the RF energizing beam.

[0056] Example implementations, in accordance with an embodiment, of the WD 22 and network node 16 discussed in the preceding paragraphs will now be described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0057] The communication system 10 includes a network node 16 provided in a communication system 10 and including hardware 28 enabling it to communicate with the WD 22. The hardware 28 may include a radio interface 30 for setting up and maintaining at least a wireless connection 32 with a WD 22 located in a coverage area 18 served by the network node 16. The radio interface 30 may be formed as or may include, for example, one or more RF transmitters, one or more RF receivers, and / or one or more RF transceivers. The radio interface 30 includes an array of antennas 34 to radiate and receive signal(s) carrying electromagnetic waves.

[0058] In the embodiment shown, the hardware 28 of the network node 16 further includes processing circuitry 36. The processing circuitry 36 may include a processor 38 and a memory 40. In particular, in addition to or instead of a processor, such as a central processing unit, and memory, the processing circuitry 36 may comprise integrated circuitry for processing and / or control, e.g., one or more processors and / or processor cores and / or FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Array) and / or ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuitry) adapted to execute instructions. The processor 38 may be configured to access (e.g., write to and / or read from) the memory 40, which may comprise any kind of volatile and / or nonvolatile memory, e.g., cache and / or buffer memory and / or RAM (Random Access Memory) and / or ROM (Read-Only Memory) and / or optical memory and / or EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory). The processing circuitry 36 may include an energizing performance unit 32 configured to receive from the AMP device or another WD 22 or network node 16, information identifying an RF energizing beam received by the AMP device and indicating a performance associated with the identified RF energizing beam.

[0059] Thus, the network node 16 further has software 42 stored internally in, for example, memory 40, or stored in external memory (e.g., database, storage array, network storage device, etc.) accessible by the network node 16 via an external connection. The software 42 may be executable by the processing circuitry 36. The processing circuitry 36 may be configured to control any of the methods and / or processes described herein and / or to cause such methods, and / or processes to be performed, e.g., by network node 16. Processor 38 corresponds to one or more processors 38 for performing network node 16 functions described herein. The memory 40 is configured to store data, programmatic software code and / or other information described herein. In some embodiments, the software 42 may include instructions that, when executed by the processor 38 and / or processing circuitry 36, causes the processor 38 and / or processing circuitry 36 to perform the processes described herein with respect to network node 16. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 36 may be configured to determine or select an RF energizing beam based on performance reported by one or more AMP devices 24.

[0060] The communication system 10 further includes the WD 22 already referred to. The WD 22 may have hardware 44 that may include a radio interface 46 configured to set up and maintain a wireless connection 32 with a network node 16 serving a coverage area 18 in which the WD 22 is currently located. The radio interface 46 may be formed as or may include, for example, one or more RF transmitters, one or more RF receivers, and / or one or more RF transceivers. The radio interface 46 includes an array of antennas 48 to radiate and receive signal(s) carrying electromagnetic waves.

[0061] The hardware 44 of the WD 22 further includes processing circuitry 50. The processing circuitry 50 may include a processor 52 and memory 54. In particular, in addition to or instead of a processor, such as a central processing unit, and memory, the processing circuitry 50 may comprise integrated circuitry for processing and / or control, e.g., one or more processors and / or processor cores and / or FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Array) and / or ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuitry) adapted to execute instructions. The processor 52 may be configured to access (e.g., write to and / or read from) memory 54, which may comprise any kind of volatile and / or nonvolatile memory, e.g., cache and / or buffer memory and / or RAM (Random Access Memory) and / or ROM (Read-Only Memory) and / or optical memory and / or EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory). The processing circuitry 50 may include an energizing performance unit 32 configured to receive from the AMP device or another WD 22 or network node 16, information identifying an RF energizing beam received by the AMP device and indicating a performance associated with the identified RF energizing beam.

[0062] Thus, the WD 22 may further comprise software 56, which is stored in, for example, memory 54 at the WD 22, or stored in external memory (e.g., database, storage array, network storage device, etc.) accessible by the WD 22. The software 56 may be executable by the processing circuitry 50. The software 56 may include a client application 58. The client application 58 may be operable to provide a service to a human or non-human user via the WD 22.

[0063] The processing circuitry 50 may be configured to control any of the methods and / or processes described herein and / or to cause such methods, and / or processes to be performed, e.g., by WD 22. The processor 52 corresponds to one or more processors 52 for performing WD 22 functions described herein. The WD 22 includes memory 54 that is configured to store data, programmatic software code and / or other information described herein. In some embodiments, the software 56 and / or the client application 58 may include instructions that, when executed by the processor 52 and / or processing circuitry 50, causes the processor 52 and / or processing circuitry 50 to perform the processes described herein with respect to WD 22. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 50 may be configured to determine or select an RF energizing beam based on performance reported by one or more AMP devices 24.

[0064] In some embodiments, the inner workings of the network node 16 and WD 22 may be as shown in FIG. 2 and independently, the surrounding network topology may be that of FIG. 1.

[0065] The wireless connection 32 between the WD 22 and the network node 16 is in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure. More precisely, the teachings of some of these embodiments may improve the data rate, latency, and / or power consumption and thereby provide benefits such as reduced user waiting time, relaxed restriction on file size, better responsiveness, extended battery lifetime, etc. In some embodiments, a measurement procedure may be provided for the purpose of monitoring data rate, latency and other factors on which the one or more embodiments improve.

[0066] Although FIGS. 1 and 2 show various “units” such as energizing performance unit 32 as being within a respective processor, it is contemplated that these units may be implemented such that a portion of the unit is stored in a corresponding memory within the processing circuitry. In other words, the units may be implemented in hardware or in a combination of hardware and software within the processing circuitry.

[0067] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an example process in an AMP device for beam selection protocols for tags. One or more blocks described herein may be performed by one or more elements of AMP device 24 including the beam ID unit 25 and the signaling circuitry 26. The process includes collecting energy from a radio frequency, RF, energizing beam received from a first sector (Block S10) and receiving a beam identification message identifying a first sector from which the RF energizing beam is received (Block S12). When a threshold amount of energy is collected, signaling circuitry 26 configured to transmit a modulated signal for a first period of time is activated (Block S14). The method includes modulating a signal by the signaling circuitry 26 with information to identify the first sector (Block SI 6) and indicate a performance associated with the RF energizing beam, and transmitting the modulated signal (Block SI 8).

[0068] According to this aspect, in some embodiments, the RF energizing beam is received from a first station 16, 22 and the method includes receiving an illuminating signal from a second station 16, 22. In some embodiments, the AMP device 24 is a backscatter device, the RF energizing beam is received from a first station 16, 22 and the method includes receiving an illuminating signal and modulating the illuminating signal with the information. In some embodiments, transmitting the modulated signal includes transmitting the modulated illuminated signal to one of the first station 16, 22 and a second station 16, 22. In some embodiments, the first station 16, 22 is one of a non-access point, non-AP, station and an AP station and the second station 16, 22 is an AP station. In some embodiments, the first station 16, 22 is an access point, AP, station and the second station 16, 22 is one of a non-AP station and the AP station. In some embodiments, the second station 16, 22 is full duplex, FD, capable and the AMP device 24 is configured to exchange messages with the second station 16, 22 at a same time as receiving the illuminating signal from the second station 16, 22. In some embodiments, the AMP device 24 is an active device and the signaling circuitry 26 includes a signal generator configured to generate the modulated signal. In some embodiments, collecting energy is performed for each of a plurality of RF energizing beams in succession and the method includes determining an RF energizing beam of the plurality of RF energizing beams that provides a best performance. In some embodiments, the method includes receiving a beam selection message indicating an RF energizing beam selected by a station and subsequently using the selected RF beam for collecting energy.

[0069] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an example process in a network node 16 and / or wireless device 22 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. One or more blocks described herein may be performed by one or more elements of network node 16 or wireless device 22 such as by one or more of processing circuitry 36 or 50 (including the energizing performance unit 32). The process includes receiving from the AMP device 24 an RF signal modulated by the AMP device 24 to include information identifying an RF energizing beam received by the AMP device 24 and indicating a performance associated with the identified RF energizing beam (Block S20).

[0070] According to the aspect, in some embodiments, the method includes transmitting the RF energizing beam received by the AMP device 24. In some embodiments, the method includes transmitting a sector identification message to the AMP device 24 to identify a sector for receiving a subsequent RF energizing beam. In some embodiments, the method includes illuminating the AMP device 24 with an illuminating beam. In some embodiments, the method includes receiving from the AMP device 24 a modulated illuminating beam having the information. In some embodiments, the method includes causing an RF energizing beam to be swept over a plurality of sectors and receiving information for each sector of the plurality of sectors, the information from each sector identifying an RF energizing beam for that sector and indicating a performance associated with the identified RF energizing beam. In some embodiments, the method includes selecting an RF energizing beam based at least in part on the information for each of the plurality of sectors. In some embodiments, the information received for each sector is received after sweeping the RF energizing beam over the plurality of sectors. In some embodiments, the method includes causing an RF energy beam to be swept over at least one sector until information identifying an RF energizing beam is received. In some embodiments, the method includes identifying an RF energizing beam associated with a best performance and transmitting an identification of the identified RF energizing beam to a second station 16, 22.

[0071] Having described the general process flow of arrangements of the disclosure and having provided examples of hardware and software arrangements for implementing the processes and functions of the disclosure, the sections below provide details and examples of arrangements for beam selection protocols for tags. Some embodiments include the use of protocols for how an energizing STA 16, 22 may find one or many suitable sectors and RF energizing beams for each sector, in order to energize and illuminate an AMP device 24. Two different AMP device types are discussed below: backscattering devices (BD) and active devices (AD). Because different device types have different capabilities in transmission, slightly different strategies may be applied.

[0072] In the following disclosure, one or more of 4 different phases may be implemented, including methods for using these phases to perform sector sweeping. Also, the following description may refer to a network node 16 as being a non-AP STA or an AP STA, and may refer to a wireless device as being a non-AP STA or an AP STA. In some embodiments, some functions attributable to an AP STA may be performed by a non-AP STA, and vice versa.

[0073] FIG. 5 shows an example sector energizing phase (SEP) where a STA 16, 22 (a non-AP or AP STA shown in the center of FIG. 5) energizes an AMP device 24 (AD or BD). In this example, the STA 16, 22 can direct its energy and / or transmission in 3 disjoint sectors, and is currently energizing sector number 2. Once the AMP device 24 has collected sufficient energy, it activates its circuits and may receive and / or backscatter an incoming signal for a certain time. The amount of time may be determined based at least in part on an energy collection capability of the AMP device 24.

[0074] FIG. 6 shows an example sector identification phase (SIP), or a data transmission phase, during which a STA 16, 22 (the non-AP or AP STA shown in the center of FIG. 6) notifies the AMP device 24 (AD or BD) that the STA 16, 22 is sweeping an RF energizing beam from sector to sector in succession and identifies a current sector of the sweep.

[0075] FIGS. 7-10 show the sector response phase (SRP), during which the AMP device 24 responds and indicates its preferred RF energizing beam. FIGS. 7-10 shows four different example implementations that may be implemented, depending on capabilities and setup. More precisely:

[0076] 1) As shown in FIG. 7, if the AMP device 24 is a BD and the STA 22 is not FD capable, then the STA 22 (a non-AP or AP STA) sends the illuminating signal, which is reflected by the BD AMP device 24 and further modulated to convey information to the (non-AP or AP) STA 16, about which sector is currently tested, and about the sector performance.

[0077] 2) As shown in FIG. 8, if the AMP device 24 is BD and the (non-AP or AP) STA 16 is not FD capable then the (non-AP or AP) STA 16 sends the illuminating signal, which is in turn reflected by the BD and further modulated to convey information to the (non-AP or AP) STA 22 about which sector is currently tested, and about the sector performance.

[0078] 3) As shown in FIG. 9, if the AMP device 24 is BD and the illuminating device, (non-AP or AP) STA 22, is FD capable, then the STA 22 sends the illuminating signal which is backscattered by the tag (AMP device 24) and directly received by the same illuminating device, STA 22.

[0079] 4) As shown in FIG. 10, if the AMP device 24 is an AD, then the illuminating phase is not needed, and the AD directly sends an information message to the STA 22 assessing the performance of the sector (or beam) currently under test.

[0080] Finally, FIG.11 shows an example of the sector selection phase (SSP), where another device (beside the illuminating device) is needed. Referring to FIG. 7 for example, first the (non-AP or AP) STA 16 collects the feedback (performances of the beams under test sent by the STA 22) from the BD AMP device 24, and then notifies the STA 22 about the beam with the best performance and / or each beam performance.

[0081] Note the following:

[0082] 1) If the AMP device 24 is an active device (AD), there is no need for the illuminating signal sent in the sector response phase, and therefore there is no need to always involve two different (non-AP or AP) STAs at the same time (one illuminating and the other receiving at the same time); and

[0083] 2) If the (non-AP or AP) STA 16, 22 is FD-capable it can illuminate and receive message from the BD AMP 24 device at the same time. Therefore, there is no need to always involve two different (non-AP or AP) STAs at the same time.

[0084] Not also that in these two cases, since the feedback is directly collected by the (non-AP or AP) STA whose beams are being evaluated, there is also no need for the SSP described above.

[0085] Protocol embodiments

[0086] To perform sector sweeping using the above-described phases, first note that the phases may be performed in several different orders. In some cases, the sector energizing phase (SEP) may be needed before each data transmission, in other cases the number of SEPs may be reduced. Similar considerations apply for the other phases. In the following, 3 example embodiments are disclosed to illustrate how these phases may be used for sector sweeping. These 3 example embodiments are for non-FD STAs 16, 22 and backscatter AMP devices 24. FIG. 12 shows an embodiment where the STA 22 is not FD capable and the AMP device 24 is a BD. Assume that the STA 22 Error! Reference source not found.has N sectors to test. The full procedure in FIG. 12 is then repeated N times, once per sector. At least one or more of the following example options may be selected:

[0087] 1) The procedure may stop when the AMP device 24 has provided the first SRP response (as at this point the STA 22 or AP STA 16 may conclude that at least one sector succeeded in energizing the AMP device 24);

[0088] 2) Alternatively, the STA 22 may always test all N sectors such that eventually the best performing sector may be chosen. In this case, a sector performance indicator has to be transmitted by the AMP device 24 in the SRP (and possibly in the SSP if the final selection is done at the energizing device).

[0089] Note that some sectors may be partially overlapping in coverage. Further note that the SRP phase may be different, depending on which of the 4 SRP realizations shown in FIGS. 7-10 is used. Finally, the sector selection phase (SSP) may be optional depending on which SRP phase is used (that is, an SSP may not be needed when the SRP of FIGS. 9 or 10 is used).

[0090] FIG. 13 is an example where the feedback from the AP STA 16 to the STA 22 is provided only once at the end of the sector repetition. Here, the AP STA 16 may decide which sector to report to the STA 22.

[0091] FIG. 14 shows yet another example, where the first the SEP and SIP is repeated by sector, after which the SEP, SRP and SSP is repeated. In this embodiment, the AMP device 24 itself, and not the STA 22 or AP STA 16, may select the preferred sector since all sectors may be swept before the SRP. Note that the AMP device 24 may only respond in the second repetition (“loop”), when an RF energizing beam enables sufficient energy to be collected by the AMP device 24. In some embodiments, the AMP device 24 may respond when the first sufficient RF energizing beam is determined, after which the second “loop” may be stopped.

[0092] It should be noted that the embodiments in FIGS. 11-14 are relevant to situations where the STA 22 is not FD capable, and the AMP device 24 is a BD. The extensions to cases where STA 22 is FD capable and / or the AMP device 24 is an AD are straightforward.

[0093] Additional embodiments

[0094] In some embodiments, it may be beneficial to reduce the set of beams based on indications coming from the previous beam measurements. In some embodiments, the derivative of the signal strength reported by the AMP device 24 may be evaluated or monitored and: once a maximum is found and consistently smaller values are reported in sequence, the search may be stopped.

[0095] In some embodiments, the illuminating device 16, 22 may first test wide beams with the purpose of excluding some directions. Using wider beams, a direction where positive feedback (for example a high signal to noise ratio (SNR)) is determined, the illuminating device, 16, 22 may refine its beam selection using narrower beams. For example, North and South directions may be first tested with wide beams. When it is determined that the AMP device 24 is in the South direction, narrower beams may be tested in the South direction. In this case, it may not be necessary to transmit an RF energizing beam before each illuminating signal. This may be so because it is known that the energizing has happened in a particular direction and battery charge may be last for longer time. This may speed up the beam refinement phase.

[0096] Some embodiments may have an impact on the following technical specification: IEEE 802. i l AMP.

[0097] Some embodiments may include one or more of the following:

[0098] 1. A method and protocol for a first STA to determine a set of sectors or beams to use for energizing one or more AMP device(s), optionally with the help of a second STA, where,

[0099] 2. The first STA energizes an AMP device through a first sector.

[0100] 3. The first STA sends a beam identification message to the AMP device with identification of the first sector.

[0101] 4. (optional) The first STA energizes the AMP device through the first sector.

[0102] 5. (optional) The first STA sends an illuminating signal through the first sector.

[0103] 6. The AMP device sends a sector selection message to the second STA (which is a reflection of the signal in step Id in case of BDs).

[0104] 7. (optional) The second STA sends a preferred sector message for the AMP device to the first STA.

[0105] 8. As in 1, where la through If is repeated sequentially for each sector or beam.

[0106] 9. As in 1, where la through Id is repeated sequentially for each sector or beam and If is repeated fewer times than la through Id.

[0107] 10. As in 1, where la through lb is repeated sequentially for each sector or beam and 1c through If is repeated sequentially for each sector or beam. 11. As in any of the above, where the first and the second STA is the same STA, that is there is only one STA.

[0108] 12. As in 1, where the beam selection message contains preferred beams to more than one AMP device.

[0109] 13. As in any of the above, where the AMP device is an active transmitting device where Id is not used.

[0110] 14. As in any of the above, where the second STA or a third STA sends the illuminating signal in step Id, whose reflection may then be received by the first STA in step le itself. Then, step If is not needed.

[0111] 15. As in any of the above, where the AMP device is a backscattering device.

[0112] 16. As in any of the above, where the sector selection process is repeated with iteratively narrower sectors.

[0113] As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, the concepts described herein may be embodied as a method, data processing system, computer program product and / or computer storage media storing an executable computer program. Accordingly, the concepts described herein may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects all generally referred to herein as a “circuit” or “module.” Any process, step, action and / or functionality described herein may be performed by, and / or associated to, a corresponding module, which may be implemented in software and / or firmware and / or hardware. Furthermore, the disclosure may take the form of a computer program product on a tangible computer usable storage medium having computer program code embodied in the medium that may be executed by a computer. Any suitable tangible computer readable medium may be utilized including hard disks, CD-ROMs, electronic storage devices, optical storage devices, or magnetic storage devices.

[0114] Some embodiments are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, systems and computer program products. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, may be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer (to thereby create a special purpose computer), special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks.

[0115] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable memory or storage medium that may direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instruction means which implement the function / act specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks.

[0116] The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks.

[0117] It is to be understood that the functions / acts noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted in the operational illustrations. For example, two blocks shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality / acts involved. Although some of the diagrams include arrows on communication paths to show a primary direction of communication, it is to be understood that communication may occur in the opposite direction to the depicted arrows.

[0118] Computer program code for carrying out operations of the concepts described herein may be written in an object oriented programming language such as Python, Java® or C++. However, the computer program code for carrying out operations of the disclosure may also be written in conventional procedural programming languages, such as the "C" programming language. The program code may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).

[0119] Many different embodiments have been disclosed herein, in connection with the above description and the drawings. It will be understood that it would be unduly repetitious and obfuscating to literally describe and illustrate every combination and subcombination of these embodiments. Accordingly, all embodiments may be combined in any way and / or combination, and the present specification, including the drawings, shall be construed to constitute a complete written description of all combinations and subcombinations of the embodiments described herein, and of the manner and process of making and using them, and shall support claims to any such combination or subcombination.

[0120] Abbreviations that may be used in the preceding description include:

[0121] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein are not limited to what has been particularly shown and described herein above. In addition, unless mention was made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawings are not to scale. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the scope of the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A method in an ambient power, AMP, device (24), the method comprising: collecting (S10) energy from a radio frequency, RF, energizing beam received from a first sector; receiving (SI 2) a beam identification message identifying a first sector from which the RF energizing beam is received; when a threshold amount of energy is collected, activating (S14) signaling circuitry (26) configured to transmit a modulated signal for a first period of time; modulating (SI 6) a signal by the signaling circuitry (26) with information to identify the first sector and indicate a performance associated with the RF energizing beam; and transmitting (SI 8) the modulated signal.

2. The method of Claim 1, wherein the RF energizing beam is received from a first station (16, 22) and the method includes receiving an illuminating signal from a second station (16, 22).

3. The method of Claim 1, wherein the AMP device (24) is a backscatter device, the RF energizing beam is received from a first station (16, 22) and the method includes receiving an illuminating signal and modulating the illuminating signal with the information.

4. The method of Claim 3, wherein transmitting the modulated signal includes transmitting the modulated illuminated signal to one of the first station (16, 22) and a second station (16, 22).

5. The method of Claim 4, wherein the first station (16, 22) is one of a non- access point, non-AP, station and an AP station and the second station (16, 22) is an AP station.

6. The method of Claim 4, wherein the first station (16, 22) is an access point, AP, station and the second station (16, 22) is one of a non-AP station and the AP station.

7. The method of Claim 2, wherein the second station (16, 22) is full duplex, FD, capable and the AMP device (24) is configured to exchange messages with the second station (16, 22) at a same time as receiving the illuminating signal from the second station (16, 22).

8. The method of Claim 1, wherein the AMP device (24) is an active device and the signaling circuitry (26) includes a signal generator configured to generate the modulated signal.

9. The method of any of Claims 1-8, wherein collecting energy is performed for each of a plurality of RF energizing beams in succession and the method includes determining an RF energizing beam of the plurality of RF energizing beams that provides a best performance.

10. The method of any of Claims 1-8, further comprising receiving a beam selection message indicating an RF energizing beam selected by a station and subsequently using the selected RF beam for collecting energy.

11. An ambient power, AMP, device, the AMP device (24) configured to: collect energy from a radio frequency, RF, energizing beam received from a first sector; receive a beam identification message identifying a first sector from which the RF energizing beam is received; when a threshold amount of energy is collected, activate signaling circuitry (26) configured to transmit a modulated signal for a first period of time; modulate a signal by the signaling circuitry (26) with information to identify the first sector and indicate a performance associated with the RF energizing beam; and transmit the modulated signal.

12. The AMP device (24) of Claim 11, wherein the RF energizing beam is received from a first station (16, 22) and the AMP device (24) is configured to receive an illuminating signal from a second station (16, 22).

13. The AMP device (24) of Claim 11, wherein the AMP device (24) is a backscatter device, the RF energizing beam is received from a first station (16, 22) and the AMP device (24) is configured to receive an illuminating signal and modulating the illuminating signal with the information.

14. The AMP device (24) of Claim 13, wherein transmitting the modulated signal includes transmitting the modulated illuminated signal to one of the first station (16, 22) and a second station (16, 22).

15. The AMP device (24) of Claim 14, wherein the first station (16, 22) is one of a non-access point, non-AP, station and an AP station and the second station (16, 22) is an AP station.

16. The AMP device (24) of Claim 14, wherein the first station (16, 22) is an access point, AP, station and the second station (16, 22) is one of a non-AP station and the AP station.

17. The AMP device (24) of Claim 12, wherein the second station (16, 22) is full duplex, FD, capable and the AMP device (24) is configured to exchange messages with the second station (16, 22) at a same time as receiving the illuminating signal from the second station (16, 22).

18. The AMP device (24) of Claim 11, wherein the AMP device (24) is an active device and the signaling circuitry (26) includes a signal generator configured to generate the modulated signal.

19. The AMP device (24) of any of Claims 11-18, wherein collecting energy is performed for each of a plurality of RF energizing beams in succession and the AMP device (24) is configured to determine an RF energizing beam of the plurality of RF energizing beams that provides a best performance.

20. The AMP device (24) of any of Claims 11-18, the AMP device (24) being further configured to receive a beam selection message indicating an RF energizing beam selected by a station and subsequently using the selected RF beam for collecting energy.

21. A method in a first station (16, 22) configured to receive a radio frequency, RF, signal from an ambient powered, AMP, device, the method comprising: receiving (S20) from the AMP device (24) an RF signal modulated by the AMP device (24) to include information identifying an RF energizing beam received by the AMP device (24) and indicating a performance associated with the identified RF energizing beam.

22. The method of Claim 21, further comprising transmitting the RF energizing beam received by the AMP device (24).

23. The method of any of Claims 21 and 22, further comprising transmitting a sector identification message to the AMP device (24) to identify a sector for receiving a subsequent RF energizing beam.

24. The method of any of Claims 21-23, further comprising illuminating the AMP device (24) with an illuminating beam.

25. The method of any of Claims 21-24, further comprising receiving from the AMP device (24) a modulated illuminating beam having the information.

26. The method of any of Claims 21-25, further comprising causing an RF energizing beam to be swept over a plurality of sectors and receiving information for each sector of the plurality of sectors, the information from each sector identifying an RF energizing beam for that sector and indicating a performance associated with the identified RF energizing beam.

27. The method of Claim 26, further comprising selecting an RF energizing beam based at least in part on the information for each of the plurality of sectors.

28. The method of any of Claims 26 and 27, wherein the information received for each sector is received after sweeping the RF energizing beam over the plurality of sectors.

29. The method of any of Claims 21-26, further comprising causing an RF energy beam to be swept over at least one sector until information identifying an RF energizing beam is received.

30. The method of any of Claims 26-29, further comprising identifying an RF energizing beam associated with a best performance and transmitting an identification of the identified RF energizing beam to a second station (16, 22).

31. A first station (16, 22) configured to receive a radio frequency, RF, signal from an ambient powered, AMP, device, the first station (16, 22) configured to: receive from the AMP device (24) an RF signal modulated by the AMP device (24) to include information identifying an RF energizing beam received by the AMP device (24) and indicating a performance associated with the identified RF energizing beam.

32. The first station (16, 22) of Claim 31, the first station (16, 22) being further configured to transmit the RF energizing beam received by the AMP device (24).

33. The first station (16, 22) of any of Claims 31 and 32, the first station (16, 22) being further configured to transmit a sector identification message to the AMP device (24) to identify a sector for receiving a subsequent RF energizing beam.

34. The first station (16, 22) of any of Claims 31-33, the first station (16, 22) being further configured to illuminate the AMP device (24) with an illuminating beam.

35. The first station (16, 22) of any of Claims 31-34, the first station (16, 22) being further configured to receive from the AMP device (24) a modulated illuminating beam having the information.

36. The first station (16, 22) of any of Claims 31-35, the first station (16, 22) being further configured to cause an RF energizing beam to be swept over a plurality of sectors and receiving information for each sector of the plurality of sectors, theinformation from each sector identifying an RF energizing beam for that sector and indicating a performance associated with the identified RF energizing beam.

37. The first station (16, 22) of Claim 36, the first station (16, 22) being further configured to select an RF energizing beam based at least in part on the information for each of the plurality of sectors.

38. The first station (16, 22) of any of Claims 36 and 37, wherein the information received for each sector is received after sweeping the RF energizing beam over the plurality of sectors.

39. The first station (16, 22) of any of Claims 31-36, the first station (16, 22) being further configured to cause an RF energy beam to be swept over at least one sector until information identifying an RF energizing beam is received.

40. The first station (16, 22) of any of Claims 36-39, the first station (16, 22) being further configured to identify an RF energizing beam associated with a best performance and transmitting an identification of the identified RF energizing beam to a second station (16, 22).

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