Communication methods for passive ambient internet of things devices

Abstract

A wireless communication system can describe a framework for passive ambient IoT devices. Such frameworks can include a limited and / or fixed control information configuration and / or indication framework. The disclosed framework can also include fixed timeline requirements in terms of D2R(UL) and R2D (DL) reception and transmission. Additionally, wireless communication system can include fixed and / or limited resource allocation and / or association for UL and DL transmission.

Description

COMMUNICATION METHODS FOR PASSIVE AMBIENT INTERNET OF THINGSDEVICESTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This application relates generally to wireless communication systems, including a framework for device-to-reader (D2R) and reader-to-device (R2D) transmissions for internet of things (loT) devices.BACKGROUND

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an implicit response to the first reader-to-device (R2D) control information, according to embodiments disclosed herein.

[0009] FIG. 2 illustrates a repetition method for the first R2D control information, according to embodiments disclosed herein.

[0010] FIG. 3 illustrates a method for an ambient loT device, according to embodiments herein.

[0011] FIG. 4 illustrates a method for a base station, according to embodiments herein.

[0012] FIG. 5 illustrates an example architecture of a wireless communication system, according to embodiments disclosed herein.

[0013] FIG. 6 illustrates a system for performing signaling between a wireless device and a network device, according to embodiments disclosed herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Various embodiments are described with regard to a UE. However, reference to a UE is merely provided for illustrative purposes. The example embodiments may be utilized with any electronic component that may establish a connection to a network and is configured with the hardware, software, and / or firmware to exchange information and data with the network. Therefore, the UE as described herein is used to represent any appropriate electronic component.

[0015] Additionally, embodiments herein are described with regard to Internet of Things (loT) devices. Reference to an loT device is merely provided for illustrative purposes, and the embodiment herein may be utilized with any device that have the capability to collect and exchange data. loT devices may be embedded with sensors, software, and network connectivity, allowing them to communicate with other devices and sy stems. loT devices can vary in size, complexity, and functionality. They can range from small, simple devices such as temperature sensors and smart home appliances to more complex devices like industrial machinery and autonomous vehicles.

[0016] Some loT devices include ambient loT devices. An ambient loT device is a device that is able to harvest energy from ambient sources. For example, some ambient loT devices may use radio frequency (RF) waves for power. To power such devices using RF, embodiments herein provide enhancements to a wireless communication system framework to introduce a new category of device(s) that is able to harvest energy from ambient sources. An ambient loT device may be referred to as an RF powered device. An ambient loT device may also be a UE device.

[0017] There may be multiple types of ambient loT devices that the wireless communication system may support. For instance, in terms of energy' storage, some devices may be battery-less devices with no energy storage capability at all, and completely dependent on the availability of an external source of energy. Some devices may include limited energy storage capability that do not need to be replaced or recharged manually, but can be charged by harvesting energy from ambient sources. In some embodiments, device categorization may be based on characteristics corresponding to a device (e.g., energy source, energy storage capability, passive / active transmission, etc.).

[0018] Embodiments herein consider the following set of ambient loT devices. A first device type, (Device 1) may operate with around one microwatt (pW) peak power consumption, have energy storage, have an initial sampling frequency offset (SFO) up to 10X parts per million (ppm) (e.g., 105ppm), and provide neither reader-to-device (R2D) (e.g., downlink) nor device-to-reader (D2R) (e.g., downlink) amplification. The first device type’s UL transmission is backscattered on a carrier wave provided externally. For instance, a device may not generate its own active transmission, and reflect or backscatter an incoming signal (carrier wave).

[0019] A second device type (Device 2a) may operate with up with a peak power consumption of up to a few hundred pW, have energy storage, have an initial SFO up to 10X ppm, and provide both DL and / or UL amplification in the second device. The second device type’s UL transmission is backscattered on a carrier wave provided externally.

[0020] A third device type (Device 2b) may operate with up with a peak power consumption of up to a few hundred pW, have energy storage, have an initial SFO up to 10X ppm, and provide both DL and / or UL amplification in the third device. The third device type’s UL transmission may be generated internally by the device.

[0021] Note that R2D in ambient IOT may be referred to as downlink and the channel for the R2D may be referred to as physical reader to device channel (PRDCH). D2Rin ambient IOT may be referred to as uplink and the channel for the D2R may be referred to as phy sical device to reader channel (PDRCH).

[0022] Passive ambient loT devices may be expected to operate differently from legacy UE devices because of their design. For example, passive ambient loT devices can be extremely low in complexity. Additionally, passive ambient loT devices can operate with very low levels of power consumption. For example, the power consumption target of passive ambient loT devices can be in the range of a few microwatts. Further, passive ambient loT devices may only be synchronized to a network in a sporadic manner (e.g., when communicating). Otherwise, the passive ambient loT devices may not have energy to maintain a configuration. In such examples, only hardcoded information can be maintained. This sporadic synchronization can take place during a variety of operations, such as during communication between devices.

[0023] Because of these design limitations, typical physical control and data channels may not be functional with passive ambient loT devices. Embodiments herein describe a framework for passive ambient loT devices. Such frameworks can include a limited and / or fixed control information configuration and / or indication framework. The disclosed framework can include fixed timeline requirements in terms of UL and DL reception and transmission. Additionally, embodiments herein can include fixed and / or limited resource allocation and / or association for UL and DL transmission.

[0024] In some embodiments for ambient loT devices, once initial access or random access is concluded and / or during random access, and once a dedicated connection is established between an ambient loT device and a reader (e.g., base station or UE), then the reader can indicate first R2D control information to a device. In some embodiments,the reader can indicate a first R2D control information for a given round of communication based on a pre-defined configuration. A round of communication may refer to a series of D2Rand / or R2D transmissions associated with a procedure (e.g., an inventory round or a command round). In some embodiments, the first R2D control information configuration can be based on one or more of the following pre-defined parameters.

[0025] For example, a time gap between the end of a dedicated connection setup and the start of a control information transmission can be part of a pre-defined configuration for the first R2D Control Information. In some embodiments, the time gap can be defined in terms of the numbers of symbols, slots, subframes, frames, chips, samples or other types of time segments. This may allow a device to be aware of a transmission.

[0026] In some embodiments, a time duration of the R2D control information transmission can be part of the pre-defined configuration for the first R2D Control Information. Similar to the time gap, the time duration of the R2D control information transmission can be determined by numbers of symbols, slots, subframes, frames, or other types of segments in transmissions between devices.

[0027] In some embodiments, a modulation scheme can be part of the pre-defined configuration for the first R2D Control Information. The modulation scheme can be used to direct the signal modulation of the initial transmission. Additionally, a coding scheme can also be can be part of the pre-defined configuration. In some embodiments, the coding scheme can include a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) including scrambling, if any.

[0028] In at least one embodiment, a frequency resource of the R2D control information transmission can be part of the pre-defined configuration for the first R2D Control Information. The frequency resource can be in terms of bandwidth size and / or subcarrier spacing.

[0029] In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a preamble can be used at the beginning of transmissions for the first R2D Control Information. In some embodiments, the preamble and corresponding length may be part of the pre-defined configuration if any at the start of R2D control information.

[0030] In some embodiments, the first R2D control information configuration parameters and its values may depend up on the device category. For example, a type 1 ambient loT device can have different parameters and values than a type 2a ambient loTdevice and a type 2b ambient loT device. This can enable the first R2D control information configuration to be changed for different types of ambient loT devices, as different configurations can be beneficial to different categories of ambient loT devices. For example, these three device categories, have different capabilities and also may vary in how tightly synchronized they are. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the time gap may be less for a lower category device because it may not maintain synchronization for as long as higher category devices.

[0031] In some embodiments, an ambient loT device expects to receive a first R2D control information based on the pre-configured parameters (parameters of the predefined configuration described above). Upon receiving the first R2D control information, the ambient loT device can respond with an Acknowledgment (ACK) message on the D2Rbased on following pre-defined configuration parameters.

[0032] In some embodiments, a response time gap between the end of reception of the first R2D control information and the start of the transmission of D2Rcontrol information can be pre-configured for the response configuration. Similar to the time gap of the first R2D control information configuration, the response time gap can be in terms of number of symbols, slots, subframes, frames, or other types of segments.

[0033] In at least one embodiment, a frequency shift can be pre-configured for the response configuration. In some embodiments, the frequency shift can be a change in frequency between the transmission of the first R2D control information and the explicit response to the first R2D control information. This can enable the ambient loT device to receive the first R2D control information at one frequency and acknowledge with an D2Rresponse at a different frequency. This can enable the ambient loT device to communicate with various devices at different frequencies.

[0034] In some embodiments, a frequency shift (if supported by the ambient loT device) of the response relative to the frequency resource used for transmission of first R2D control information can be pre-configured. For example, the backscattering of the device may use an D2Rspectrum that is defined by the frequency shift relative to the frequency resource used for the transmission of the first R2D control information to transmit the response.

[0035] In some embodiments, a response time duration of the explicit response can also be pre-configured for the response configuration. Similar to the response time gap, theresponse time duration of the R2D control information transmission can be indicated by numbers of symbols, slots, subframes, frames, or other types of segments.

[0036] In some embodiments, a modulation scheme can also be pre-configured for the response configuration. The modulation scheme can be used for the signal modulation of the initial transmission. Additionally, a coding scheme can also be pre-configured for the response configuration. In some embodiments, the coding scheme can include a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) including scrambling.

[0037] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a preamble can be placed at the beginning of the D2Rresponse to the control information transmission. In at least one embodiment, the preamble of the D2Rresponse to the control information transmission can also be pre-configured for the response configuration.

[0038] In some embodiments, an implicit response to the first R2D control information may be used to indicate to the reader whether or not the first R2D control information was received by ambient loT device. In embodiments using an implicit response, when the ambient loT device expects to receive first R2D control information based on the pre-configured parameters and does not receive the corresponding information, then the ambient loT device does not transmit anything back to reader. When the reader does not receive corresponding ACK on the preconfigured resource, then the reader may assume that the first R2D control information is not received by ambient loT device. The reader may initiate repetition of first R2D control information. Once all the pre-defined repetitions are exhausted and no ACK is received, then ambient loT device may be expected to perform access and dedicated connection setup procedure.

[0039] For example, FIG. 1 shows an example of an implicit response to the first R2D control information in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The ambient loT device and reader can perform initial access and dedicated connection setup procedure 102. Following the initial access, the device and reader may have a dedicated connection basically. The dedicated connection between the device and reader may have pre-configured resources for receiving the R2D control information as previously discussed. However, if the R2D control information is not received on those pre-configured resources, then the ambient device may not respond with an ACK, and because the reader does not receive a response, it may implicitly determine that the first R2D control information was not received by the ambient loT device.

[0040] For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the ambient loT device fails to receive the first R2D control information 104. Accordingly, the ambient loT device does not transmit an ACK during the occasion for ACK response 106. In some situations, the ambient loT device may not receive the R2D control information corresponding to the pre-configured parameters. In such cases, an ambient loT device may not transmit a response to the first R2D control information 104 during the occasion for ACK response 106. In this case, the ambient loT device can indicate an implicit response by not transmitting an ACK back to the reader. In some embodiments when the reader does not receive a response from the ambient loT device, the reader can assume that the first R2D control information 104 has not been received by the ambient loT device.

[0041] In some embodiments, the reader can initiate a repetition of first R2D control information 108. This can give the ambient loT device another chance to respond to the first R2D control information. After receiving a repetition of the first R2D control information 108, the ambient loT device can send an ACK during an occasion for ACK response 110. This can enable the ambient loT device to indicate that the repetition of first R2D control information 108 was successfully received.

[0042] In some embodiments, the reader can initiate the repetition of the first R2D control information multiple times. In at least one embodiment, the R2D control information configuration described above can include a parameter for a number of predefined repetitions a reader can initiate upon not receiving an ACK response from an ambient loT device. Once all the pre-defined repetitions are exhausted and the reader has not received an ACK response from the ambient loT device, the ambient loT device can be configured to perform an initial access and dedicated connection setup procedure.

[0043] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the number of pre-defined repetitions can vary depending on the type or category of ambient loT device in question. For example, the number of pre-defined repetitions a reader sends to a type 1 ambient loT device can be different than the number of pre-defined repetitions for type 2a and type 2c ambient loT devices, respectively.

[0044] In some embodiments, time gaps between various procedures and communications between the reader and the ambient loT device can be preconfigured. In at least one embodiment, a first time gap 112 can define the time between the initial access and dedicated connection setup procedure 102 and the first R2D control information 104. A second time gap 114 can define the time between the first R2Dcontrol information 104 and the first occasion for ACK response 106. A third time gap 116 can define the time between the initial access and dedicated setup procedure 102 and a repetition of the first R2D control information 108. Additionally, a fourth time gap 118 can define the time between a repetition of the first R2D control information 108 and another occasion for ACK response 110. In some embodiments, the first time gap 112, second time gap 114, third time gap 116, and the fourth time gap 118 can all be preconfigured values.

[0045] In some embodiments, gaps may be preconfigured for time between repetitions, and time between the R2D control information and the ACK. In some embodiments, the pre-configured gaps can vary depending on the type or category of ambient loT device in question.

[0046] An ambient loT device can be configured to indicate an ACK response for an associated first R2D control information transmission. In some embodiments, when the reader does not receive a corresponding ACK for the associated first R2D control information transmission or repetition, it will trigger next repetition based on pre-defined configuration (pre-defined repetition configuration).

[0047] In some embodiments, the same pre-defined configuration is applied for repetitions as for first transmission of first R2D control information. In such embodiments, none of transmission parameters are adjusted for the repetition of the R2D control information.

[0048] In some embodiments, a different configuration maybe used for subsequent repetitions based on a pre-defined configuration. For example, the pre-defined configuration can cause the reader to alter transmission parameters for a repetition transmission of the first R2D control information. In some embodiments, the bases- station can ramp up the power of the transmission with every subsequent repetition. In some embodiments, the bases-station can lower the coding rate with every subsequent repetition. In some embodiments, the bases-station can be configured to use different modulation schemes in subsequent repetitions. One or more different parameters may be applied to the repetitions (e.g., power ramp up, lower coding rate, and / or different modulation scheme). The changing of parameters may be pre-configured and may be used to increase the likelihood that an ambient loT device receives the first R2D control information.

[0049] In some embodiments, the repetition configuration can be configured to have different pre-configured parameters and sequences in respect to different categories and types of ambient loT devices. For example, the repetition methods for a type 1 ambient loT device can be different than the number of pre-defined repetitions for type 2a and type 2b ambient loT devices.

[0050] In some embodiments, for ambient loT device, every time the reader does not receive corresponding ACK for the associated first R2D control information transmission or repetition, it can trigger a next set of repetition based on a pre-defined configuration. In some embodiments, the next set of repetitions may contain more numbers of repetitions than the previous set of repetitions and one ACK may be accepted corresponding to a set of repetitions. For example, FIG. 2 shows an example of a repetition method for the first R2D control information in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The ambient loT device and reader can perform initial access and dedicated connection setup 202.

[0051] In the illustrated embodiment, the reader sends the can a single first R2D control information transmission 204. If the reader does not receive an ACK response during the corresponding occasion for ACK response 206, the reader can be directed to trigger a second set of repetitions 218.

[0052] In some embodiments, this second set of repetitions 218 can include multiple transmissions of the first R2D control information. In the illustrated embodiment, the second set of repetitions 218 includes a first repetition 208 and a second repetition 210 of the R2D control information as opposed to the singular repetition of the first R2D control information. If the reader again does not receive an ACK response from the ambient loT device during the corresponding occasion for ACK response 222, a third set of repetitions 220 can be triggered.

[0053] In some embodiments, the third set of repetitions 220 may include more repetitions than the second set of repetitions 218. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the third set of repetitions 220 includes a third repetition 212, a fourth repetition 214, and a fifth repetition 216 of the first R2D control information. These repetitions can be followed by another occasion for ACK response 224. This process of increasing the amount of repetitions in each subsequent set can continue until the reader receives an ACK D2Rresponse from the ambient loT device, or for a preconfigured amount of repetition sets.

[0054] As shown, the first transmission of first R2D control information may be associated with one ACK. If this fails, next the ambient loT device can expect two repetitions of the first R2D control information and in response to that it may transmits one ACK. If this fails, next the ambient loT device expects three repetitions of the first R2D control information and in response to that it may transmits one ACK and so on. Accordingly, the ACK may correspond to the entire set of repetitions. In some embodiments, one ACK response can be accepted by the reader in respect to a corresponding set of repetitions. In this manner, an ambient loT device can be configured to transmit a single ACK response for a single set of repetitions. For example, in the event of a third set of repetitions with three or more repetition transmissions, the ambient loT device can be configured to transmit a singular ACK D2Rresponse to the reader.

[0055] In some embodiments, the number of repetitions can vary depending on the type or category of ambient loT device in question. For example, the number of pre-defined repetitions in each set may for a type 1 ambient loT device can be different than the number of pre-defined repetitions for type 2a and type 2c ambient loT devices.

[0056] The R2D control information can include a variety of information. In some embodiments, the R2D control information can include the duration of communication round. Additionally, first R2D control information can also include the starting point time of the R2D control information transmission. If the duration of communication round and starting point are not configured, default values can be used.

[0057] Similarly, the R2D control information can include time resources for R2D and D2Rtransmission between the reader and an ambient loT device. Default time resource values can be used if these values are not configured.

[0058] In some embodiments, the R2D control information can include a pattern and / or sequence of R2D reception and D2Rtransmission at an ambient loT device during the communication round. For example, a communication round can be configured with a pattern of a single R2D transmission followed by a single D2Rtransmission, a single R2D transmission followed by two D2Rtransmissions, two R2Ds transmissions followed by two D2Rtransmissions, two R2D transmissions followed by one D2Rtransmission, etc. (e.g., D -> U, D -> U, D-> U or D -> UU, D -> UU, D -> UU or DD -> UU, DD -> UU or DD -> U, DD -> U). These patterns of D2Rand R2D transmissions during aninventory round or a command round are examples, other patterns may be used. Different combinations of uplinks and R2Ds can also be used.

[0059] In some embodiments, a complete sequence of R2D receptions and D2Rtransmissions can be defined in the R2D control information. In some embodiments, the R2D control information can define a repetition of different patterns and / or sequences of R2D reception and D2Rtransmissions for the entire duration of the communication round. The different patterns and sequences included in the first R2D control information can be pre-configured to the ambient loT device, and the reader can indicate a sequence from a pre-configured list of possible sequences.

[0060] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the R2D control information can include frequency resources for R2D and frequency shifts for uplink. Similarly, the R2D control information can include coding schemes for R2D reception and D2Rtransmission (if not configured, default values can be used).

[0061] The first R2D control information can include content regarding a modulation scheme for R2D reception and D2Rtransmission (if not configured, default values can be used). In some embodiments, information regarding the time gap between R2D receptions and D2Rtransmissions can be included in the R2D control information (if not configured, default values can be used).

[0062] In some embodiments, the preamble and corresponding length for transmissions can be included in the R2D control information, if there are any at the start of R2D and / or D2Rcontrol information.

[0063] FIG. 3 illustrates a method 300 for an ambient loT device, according to embodiments herein. The illustrated method 300 includes storing 302 a pre-defined configuration corresponding to reception of a first R2D control information for a communication round, wherein the pre-defined configuration comprises one or more preconfigured transmission parameters for the first R2D control information. The method 300 further includes performing 304 initial access or random access connection setup with a reader. In some embodiments, the reader may be a base station or a UE. The method 300 further includes attempting 306 to receive the first R2D control information from the reader based on the one or more pre-configured transmission parameters.

[0064] In some embodiments of the method 300, the one or more pre-configured transmission parameters comprise timing information related to the first R2D control information, wherein the timing information comprises at least one of: a time gapbetween an end of the initial access or random access connection setup and start of the first R2D control information, or a time gap for each step relative to the end of the first R2D control information, or a time duration of the first R2D control information.

[0065] In some embodiments of the method 300, the one or more pre-configured transmission parameters comprise at least one of a modulation scheme, a coding scheme, a CRC, a frequency resource, or a preamble.

[0066] In some embodiments, the method 300 further comprises in response to receiving the first R2D control information, sending an ACK message in response to receiving the first R2D control information, and in response to a failure to receive the first R2D control information based on the one or more pre-configured transmission parameters, implicitly indicating the failure by withholding transmission of the ACK message.

[0067] In some embodiments of the method 300, the first R2D control information comprises at least one of a duration of the communication round, a starting point of time with respect to the first R2D control information, time resources for R2D and uplink, frequency resources for the R2D, frequency shift for the uplink, coding scheme for the R2D and the uplink, modulation scheme for the R2D and the uplink, time gap between the R2D and the uplink, or a preamble for transmissions.

[0068] In some embodiments of the method 300, the first R2D control information comprises a pattern or sequence of R2D reception and D2Rtransmission during the communication round. In some such embodiments, the first R2D control information indicates one complete sequence to be applied for the communication round. In certain such embodiments, the first R2D control information indicates a sequence to be repeated for the communication round.

[0069] In some embodiments of the method 300, the communication round comprises at least one of an inventory round, a command round, or a combination thereof.

[0070] Embodiments contemplated herein include an apparatus comprising means to perform one or more elements of the method 300. This apparatus may be, for example, an apparatus of a UE (such as a wireless device 602 that is a UE, as described herein).

[0071] Embodiments contemplated herein include one or more non-transitory computer-readable media comprising instructions to cause an electronic device, upon execution of the instructions by one or more processors of the electronic device, to perform one or more elements of the method 300. This non-transitory computer-readablemedia may be, for example, a memory of a UE (such as a memory 606 of a wireless device 602 that is a UE, as described herein).

[0072] Embodiments contemplated herein include an apparatus comprising logic, modules, or circuitry to perform one or more elements of the method 300. This apparatus may be, for example, an apparatus of a UE (such as a wireless device 602 that is a UE, as described herein).

[0073] Embodiments contemplated herein include an apparatus comprising: one or more processors and one or more computer-readable media comprising instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform one or more elements of the method 300. This apparatus may be, for example, an apparatus of a UE (such as a wireless device 602 that is a UE, as described herein).

[0074] Embodiments contemplated herein include a signal as described in or related to one or more elements of the method 300.

[0075] Embodiments contemplated herein include a computer program or computer program product comprising instructions, wherein execution of the program by a processor is to cause the processor to carry out one or more elements of the method 300. The processor may be a processor of a UE (such as a processor(s) 604 of a wireless device 602 that is a UE, as described herein). These instructions may be, for example, located in the processor and / or on a memory of the UE (such as a memory 606 of a wireless device 602 that is a UE, as described herein).

[0076] FIG. 4 illustrates a method 400 for a reader, according to embodiments herein. In some embodiments, the reader may be a base station or a UE. The illustrated method 400 includes storing 402 a pre-defined configuration corresponding to transmission of a first R2D control information for a communication round, wherein the pre-defined configuration comprises one or more pre-configured transmission parameters for the first R2D control information. The method 400 further includes performing 404 a connection setup with an ambient loT device. The method 400 further includes sending 406, to the ambient loT device, the first R2D control information based on the one or more preconfigured transmission parameters.

[0077] In some embodiments of the method 400, the one or more pre-configured transmission parameters comprise timing information related to the first R2D control information, wherein the timing information comprises at least one of: a time gap between an end of the connection setup and start of the first R2D control information, ora time gap for each step relative to the end of the first R2D control information, or a time duration of the first R2D control information.

[0078] In some embodiments of the method 400, the one or more pre-configured transmission parameters comprise at least one of a modulation scheme, a coding scheme, a CRC, a frequency resource, or a preamble.

[0079] In some embodiments, the method 400 further comprises determining that the ambient loT device failed to receive the first R2D control information based on an absence of a corresponding ACK message.

[0080] In some embodiments of the method 400, the first R2D control information comprises at least one of a duration of the communication round, a starting point of time with respect to the first R2D control information, time resources for R2D and uplink, frequency resources for the R2D, frequency shift for the uplink, coding scheme for the R2D and the uplink, modulation scheme for the R2D and the uplink, time gap between the R2D and the uplink, or a preamble for transmissions.

[0081] In some embodiments of the method 400, the first R2D control information comprises a pattern or sequence of R2D reception and D2Rtransmission during the communication round. In some such embodiments, the first R2D control information indicates one complete sequence to be applied for the communication round. In certain such embodiments, the first R2D control information indicates a sequence to be repeated for the communication round.

[0082] In some embodiments of the method 400, the communication round comprises at least one of an inventory round, a command round, or a combination thereof.

[0083] Embodiments contemplated herein include an apparatus comprising means to perform one or more elements of the method 400. This apparatus may be, for example, an apparatus of a reader (such as a network device 618 that is a reader, as described herein).

[0084] Embodiments contemplated herein include one or more non-transitory computer-readable media comprising instructions to cause an electronic device, upon execution of the instructions by one or more processors of the electronic device, to perform one or more elements of the method 400. This non-transitory computer-readable media may be, for example, a memory of a reader (such as a memory 622 of a network device 618 that is a reader, as described herein).

[0085] Embodiments contemplated herein include an apparatus comprising logic, modules, or circuitry to perform one or more elements of the method 400. This apparatus may be, for example, an apparatus of a reader (such as a network device 618 that is a reader, as described herein).

[0086] Embodiments contemplated herein include an apparatus comprising: one or more processors and one or more computer-readable media comprising instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform one or more elements of the method 400. This apparatus may be, for example, an apparatus of a reader (such as a network device 618 that is a reader, as described herein).

[0087] Embodiments contemplated herein include a signal as described in or related to one or more elements of the method 400.

[0088] Embodiments contemplated herein include a computer program or computer program product comprising instructions, wherein execution of the program by a processing element is to cause the processing element to carry out one or more elements of the method 400. The processor may be a processor of a reader (such as a processor(s) 620 of a network device 618 that is a reader, as described herein). These instructions may be, for example, located in the processor and / or on a memory of the reader (such as a memory 622 of a network device 618 that is a reader, as described herein).

[0089] FIG. 5 illustrates an example architecture of a wireless communication system 500, according to embodiments disclosed herein. The following description is provided for an example wireless communication system 500 that operates in conjunction with the LTE system standards and / or 5G or NR system standards as provided by 3GPP technical specifications.

[0090] As shown by FIG. 5, the wireless communication system 500 includes UE 502 and UE 504 (although any number of UEs may be used). In this example, the UE 502 and the UE 504 are illustrated as smartphones (e.g., handheld touchscreen mobile computing devices connectable to one or more cellular networks), but may also comprise any mobile or non-mobile computing device configured for wireless communication.

[0091] The UE 502 and UE 504 may be configured to communicatively couple with a RAN 506. In embodiments, the RAN 506 may be NG-RAN, E-UTRAN, etc. The UE 502 and UE 504 utilize connections (or channels) (shown as connection 508 and connection 510, respectively) with the RAN 506, each of which comprises a physicalcommunications interface. The RAN 506 can include one or more base stations (such as base station 512 and base station 514) that enable the connection 508 and connection 510.

[0092] In this example, the connection 508 and connection 510 are air interfaces to enable such communicative coupling, and may be consistent with RAT(s) used by the RAN 506, such as, for example, an LTE and / or NR.

[0093] In some embodiments, the UE 502 and UE 504 may also directly exchange communication data via a sidelink interface 516. The UE 504 is shown to be configured to access an access point (shown as AP 518) via connection 520. By way of example, the connection 520 can comprise a local wireless connection, such as a connection consistent with any IEEE 802.11 protocol, wherein the AP 518 may comprise a Wi-Fi® router. In this example, the AP 518 may be connected to another network (for example, the Internet) without going through a CN 524.

[0094] In embodiments, the UE 502 and UE 504 can be configured to communicate using orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) communication signals with each other or with the base station 512 and / or the base station 514 over a multicarrier communication channel in accordance with various communication techniques, such as, but not limited to, an orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) communication technique (e.g., for R2D communications) or a single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) communication technique (e.g., for D2Rand ProSe or sidelink communications), although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this respect. The OFDM signals can comprise a plurality of orthogonal subcarriers.

[0095] In some embodiments, all or parts of the base station 512 or base station 514 may be implemented as one or more software entities running on server computers as part of a virtual network. In addition, or in other embodiments, the base station 512 or base station 514 may be configured to communicate with one another via interface 522. In embodiments where the wireless communication system 500 is an LTE system (e.g., when the CN 524 is an EPC), the interface 522 may be an X2 interface. The X2 interface may be defined between two or more base stations (e.g., two or more eNBs and the like) that connect to an EPC, and / or between two eNBs connecting to the EPC. In embodiments where the wireless communication system 500 is an NR system (e.g., when CN 524 is a 5GC), the interface 522 may be an Xn interface. The Xn interface is defined between two or more base stations (e.g., two or more gNBs and the like) that connect to5GC, between a base station 512 (e.g., a gNB) connecting to 5GC and an eNB, and / or between two eNBs connecting to 5GC (e.g., CN 524).

[0096] The RAN 506 is shown to be communicatively coupled to the CN 524. The CN 524 may comprise one or more network elements 526, which are configured to offer various data and telecommunications services to customers / subscribers (e.g., users of UE 502 and UE 504) who are connected to the CN 524 via the RAN 506. The components of the CN 524 may be implemented in one physical device or separate physical devices including components to read and execute instructions from a machine-readable or computer-readable medium (e.g., a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium).

[0097] In embodiments, the CN 524 may be an EPC, and the RAN 506 may be connected with the CN 524 via an SI interface 528. In embodiments, the SI interface 528 may be split into two parts, an SI user plane (Sl-U) interface, which carries traffic data between the base station 512 or base station 514 and a serving gateway (S-GW), and the Sl-MME interface, which is a signaling interface between the base station 512 or base station 514 and mobility management entities (MMEs).

[0098] In embodiments, the CN 524 may be a 5GC, and the RAN 506 may be connected with the CN 524 via an NG interface 528. In embodiments, the NG interface 528 may be split into two parts, an NG user plane (NG-U) interface, which carries traffic data between the base station 512 or base station 514 and a user plane function (UPF), and the SI control plane (NG-C) interface, which is a signaling interface between the base station 512 or base station 514 and access and mobility management functions (AMFs).

[0099] Generally, an application server 530 may be an element offering applications that use internet protocol (IP) bearer resources with the CN 524 (e.g., packet switched data services). The application server 530 can also be configured to support one or more communication services (e.g., VoIP sessions, group communication sessions, etc.) for the UE 502 and UE 504 via the CN 524. The application server 530 may communicate with the CN 524 through an IP communications interface 532.

[0100] FIG. 6 illustrates a system 600 for performing signaling 634 between a wireless device 602 and a network device 618, according to embodiments disclosed herein. The system 600 may be a portion of a wireless communications system as herein described. The wireless device 602 may be, for example, a UE of a wireless communication system.The network device 618 may be, for example, a reader (e.g., base station (e.g., an eNB or a gNB)) of a wireless communication system.

[0101] The wireless device 602 may include one or more processor(s) 604. The processor(s) 604 may execute instructions such that various operations of the wireless device 602 are performed, as described herein. The processor(s) 604 may include one or more baseband processors implemented using, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a controller, a field programmable gate array (FPGA) device, another hardware device, a firmware device, or any combination thereof configured to perform the operations described herein.

[0102] The wireless device 602 may include a memory' 606. The memory 606 may be a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that stores instructions 608 (which may include, for example, the instructions being executed by the processor(s) 604). The instructions 608 may also be referred to as program code or a computer program. The memory 606 may also store data used by, and results computed by, the processor(s) 604.

[0103] The wireless device 602 may include one or more transceiver(s) 610 that may include radio frequency (RF) transmitter circuitry and / or receiver circuitry that use the antenna(s) 612 of the wireless device 602 to facilitate signaling (e.g., the signaling 634) to and / or from the wireless device 602 with other devices (e.g., the network device 618) according to corresponding RATs.

[0104] The wireless device 602 may include one or more antenna(s) 612 (e.g., one, two, four, or more). For embodiments with multiple antenna(s) 612, the wireless device 602 may leverage the spatial diversity of such multiple antenna(s) 612 to send and / or receive multiple different data streams on the same time and frequency resources. This behavior may be referred to as, for example, multiple input multiple output (MIMO) behavior (referring to the multiple antennas used at each of a transmitting device and a receiving device that enable this aspect). MIMO transmissions by the wireless device 602 may be accomplished according to precoding (or digital beamforming) that is applied at the wireless device 602 that multiplexes the data streams across the antenna(s) 612 according to known or assumed channel characteristics such that each data stream is received with an appropriate signal strength relative to other streams and at a desired location in the spatial domain (e.g., the location of a receiver associated with that data stream). Certain embodiments may use single user MIMO (SU-MIMO) methods (wherethe data streams are all directed to a single receiver) and / or multi user MIMO (MU- MIMO) methods (where individual data streams may be directed to individual (different) receivers in different locations in the spatial domain).

[0105] In certain embodiments having multiple antennas, the wireless device 602 may implement analog beamforming techniques, whereby phases of the signals sent by the antenna(s) 612 are relatively adjusted such that the (joint) transmission of the antenna(s) 612 can be directed (this is sometimes referred to as beam steering).

[0106] The wireless device 602 may include one or more interface(s) 614. The interface(s) 614 may be used to provide input to or output from the wireless device 602. For example, a wireless device 602 that is a UE may include interface(s) 614 such as microphones, speakers, a touchscreen, buttons, and the like in order to allow for input and / or output to the UE by a user of the UE. Other interfaces of such a UE may be made up of transmitters, receivers, and other circuitry (e.g., other than the transceiver(s) 610 / antenna(s) 612 already described) that allow for communication between the UE and other devices and may operate according to known protocols (e.g., Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth®, and the like).

[0107] The wireless device 602 may include an acknowledgement (ACK) module 616. The Ack module 616 may be implemented via hardware, software, or combinations thereof. For example, the ACK module 616 may be implemented as a processor, circuit, and / or instructions 608 stored in the memory 606 and executed by the processor(s) 604. In some examples, the Ack module 616 may be integrated within the processor(s) 604 and / or the transceiver(s) 610. For example, the Ack module 616 may be implemented by a combination of software components (e.g., executed by a DSP or a general processor) and hardware components (e.g., logic gates and circuitry) within the processor(s) 604 or the transceiver(s) 610.

[0108] The Ack module 616 may be used for various aspects of the present disclosure, for example, aspects of FIGS. 1-3. The Ack module 616 is configured to indicate an ACK D2R response to the reader. In some embodiments, the ambient loT device can transmit the ACK D2Rresponse to the reader as an indication that the first R2D control information has been received. If the first R2D control information has not been received by the ambient loT device, the ACK D2Rresponse will not be transmitted, thus implicitly indicating to the reader that a repetition of the first R2D control information can be transmitted.

[0109] The network device 618 may include one or more processor(s) 620. The processor(s) 620 may execute instructions such that various operations of the network device 618 are performed, as described herein. The processor(s) 620 may include one or more baseband processors implemented using, for example, a CPU, a DSP, an ASIC, a controller, an FPGA device, another hardware device, a firmware device, or any combination thereof configured to perform the operations described herein.

[0110] The network device 618 may include a memory 622. The memory 622 may be a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that stores instructions 624 (which may include, for example, the instructions being executed by the processor(s) 620). The instructions 624 may also be referred to as program code or a computer program. The memory 622 may also store data used by, and results computed by, the processor(s) 620. [OHl] The network device 618 may include one or more transceiver(s) 626 that may include RF transmitter circuitry and / or receiver circuitry that use the antenna(s) 628 of the network device 618 to facilitate signaling (e.g., the signaling 634) to and / or from the network device 618 with other devices (e.g., the wireless device 602) according to corresponding RATs.

[0112] The network device 618 may include one or more antenna(s) 628 (e.g., one, two, four, or more). In embodiments having multiple antenna(s) 628, the network device 618 may perform MIMO, digital beamforming, analog beamforming, beam steering, etc., as has been described.

[0113] The network device 618 may include one or more interface(s) 630. The interface(s) 630 may be used to provide input to or output from the network device 618. For example, a network device 618 that is a reader may include interface(s) 630 made up of transmitters, receivers, and other circuitry (e.g., other than the transceiver(s) 626 / antenna(s) 628 already described) that enables the reader to communicate with other equipment in a core network, and / or that enables the reader to communicate with external networks, computers, databases, and the like for purposes of operations, administration, and maintenance of the reader or other equipment operably connected thereto.

[0114] The network device 618 may include a R2D control information (DCI) module 632. The DCI module 632 may be implemented via hardware, software, or combinations thereof. For example, the DCI module 432 may be implemented as a processor, circuit, and / or instructions 624 stored in the memory 622 and executed by the processor(s) 620.In some examples, the DCI module 632 may be integrated within the processor(s) 620 and / or the transceiver(s) 626. For example, the DCI module 632 may be implemented by a combination of software components (e.g., executed by a DSP or a general processor) and hardware components (e.g., logic gates and circuitry) within the processor(s) 620 or the transceiver(s) 626.

[0115] The DCI module 632 may be used for various aspects of the present disclosure, for example, aspects of FIGS. 1-2, and 4. The DCI module 632 is configured to communicate with an ambient loT device. In some embodiments, the DCI module 632 can be configured to transmit first R2D control information to the ambient loT device. Additionally, the DCI module can receive ACK D2Rresponses from the ambient loT device. If the DCI module does not receive an ACK D2Rresponse from the ambient loT device, the DCI module can transmit repetitions of the first R2D control information to the ambient loT device in anticipation of an ACK D2Rresponse.

[0116] For one or more embodiments, at least one of the components set forth in one or more of the preceding figures may be configured to perform one or more operations, techniques, processes, and / or methods as set forth herein. For example, a baseband processor as described herein in connection with one or more of the preceding figures may be configured to operate in accordance with one or more of the examples set forth herein. For another example, circuitry associated with a UE, base station, network element, etc. as described above in connection with one or more of the preceding figures may be configured to operate in accordance with one or more of the examples set forth herein.

[0117] Any of the above described embodiments may be combined with any other embodiment (or combination of embodiments), unless explicitly stated otherwise. The foregoing description of one or more implementations provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of embodiments to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of various embodiments.

[0118] Embodiments and implementations of the systems and methods described herein may include various operations, which may be embodied in machine-executable instructions to be executed by a computer system. A computer system may include one or more general-purpose or special-purpose computers (or other electronic devices). The computer system may include hardware components that include specific logic forperforming the operations or may include a combination of hardware, software, and / or firmware.

[0119] It should be recognized that the systems described herein include descriptions of specific embodiments. These embodiments can be combined into single systems, partially combined into other systems, split into multiple systems or divided or combined in other ways. In addition, it is contemplated that parameters, attributes, aspects, etc. of one embodiment can be used in another embodiment. The parameters, attributes, aspects, etc. are merely described in one or more embodiments for clarity, and it is recognized that the parameters, attributes, aspects, etc. can be combined with or substituted for parameters, attributes, aspects, etc. of another embodiment unless specifically disclaimed herein.

[0120] It is well understood that the use of personally identifiable information should follow privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining the privacy of users. In particular, personally identifiable information data should be managed and handled so as to minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of authorized use should be clearly indicated to users.

[0121] Although the foregoing has been described in some detail for purposes of clarity, it will be apparent that certain changes and modifications may be made without departing from the principles thereof. It should be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing both the processes and apparatuses described herein. Accordingly, the present embodiments are to be considered illustrative and not restrictive, and the description is not to be limited to the details given herein, but may be modified within the scope and equivalents of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method for an ambient Internet of Things (loT) device, the method comprising: storing a pre-defined configuration corresponding to reception of a first reader-to- device (R2D) control information for a communication round, wherein the pre-defined configuration comprises one or more pre-configured transmission parameters for the first R2D control information; performing initial access or random access connection setup with a reader; and attempting to receive the first R2D control information from the reader based on the one or more pre-configured transmission parameters.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more pre-configured transmission parameters comprise timing information related to the first R2D control information, wherein the timing information comprises at least one of: a time gap between each step of the initial access or random access connection setup and start of the first R2D control information, or a time gap for each step relative to the end of the first R2D control information, or a time duration of the first R2D control information.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more pre-configured transmission parameters comprise at least one of a modulation scheme, a coding scheme, a cyclic redundancy check (CRC), a frequency resource, or a preamble.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: in response to receiving the first R2D control information, sending an acknowledgment (ACK) message in response to receiving the first R2D control information, and in response to a failure to receive the first R2D control information based on the one or more pre-configured transmission parameters, implicitly indicating the failure by withholding transmission of the ACK message.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the first R2D control information comprises at least one of a duration of the communication round, a starting point of time with respect to the first R2D control information, time resources for R2D and D2R, frequency resources for the R2D, frequency shift for the D2R, coding scheme for the R2D and the D2R,modulation scheme for the R2D and the uplink, time gap between the R2D and the uplink, or a preamble for transmissions.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the first R2D control information comprises a pattern or sequence of R2D reception and D2Rtransmission during the communication round.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the first R2D control information indicates one complete sequence to be applied for the communication round, wherein sequence corresponds to one or multiple R2D and D2R transmissions.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the first R2D control information indicates a sequence to be repeated for the communication round.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the communication round comprises at least one of an inventory round, a command round, or a combination thereof.

10. A method for a reader, the method comprising: storing a pre-defined configuration corresponding to transmission of a first reader-to-device (R2D) control information for a communication round, wherein the predefined configuration comprises one or more pre-configured transmission parameters for the first R2D control information; performing a connection setup with an ambient Internet of Things (loT) device; and sending, to the ambient loT device, the first R2D control information based on the one or more pre-configured transmission parameters.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the one or more pre-configured transmission parameters comprise timing information related to the first R2D control information, wherein the timing information comprises at least one of: a time gap between an end of the connection setup and start of the firstR2D control information, or a time gap for each step relative to the end of the first R2D control information, or a time duration of the first R2D control information.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the one or more pre-configured transmission parameters comprise at least one of a modulation scheme, a coding scheme, a cyclic redundancy check (CRC), a frequency resource, or a preamble.

13. The method of claim 10, further comprising determining that the ambient loT device failed to receive the first R2D control information based on an absence of a corresponding acknowledgment (ACK) message.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein the first R2D control information comprises at least one of a duration of the communication round, a starting point of time with respect to the first R2D control information, time resources for R2D and uplink, frequency resources for the R2D, frequency shift for the uplink, coding scheme for the R2D and the uplink, modulation scheme for the R2D and the uplink, time gap between the R2D and the uplink, or a preamble for transmissions.

15. The method of claim 10, wherein the first R2D control information comprises a pattern or sequence of R2D reception and D2Rtransmission during the communication round.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the first R2D control information indicates one complete sequence to be applied for the communication round.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the first R2D control information indicates a sequence to be repeated for the communication round.

18. An ambient Internet of Things (loT) computing apparatus comprising: a processor; and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, configure the apparatus to: store a pre-defined configuration corresponding to reception of a first reader-to- device (R2D) control information for a communication round, wherein the pre-defined configuration comprises one or more pre-configured transmission parameters for the first R2D control information; perform initial access or random access connection setup with a reader; and attempt to receive the first R2D control information from the reader based on the one or more pre-configured transmission parameters.

19. The computing apparatus of claim 18, wherein the one or more pre-configured transmission parameters comprise time information related to the first R2D control information, wherein the timing information comprises at least one of: a time gap between an end of the initial access or random access connection setup and start of the first R2D control information, or a time gap for each step relative to the end of the first R2D control information, or a time duration of the first R2D control information.

20. The computing apparatus of claim 18, wherein the one or more pre-configured transmission parameters comprise at least one of a modulation scheme, a coding scheme, a cyclic redundancy check (CRC), a frequency resource, or a preamble.

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