Method for operating ambient IoT apparatuses and device therefor

Abstract

The present document relates to a method for operating ambient IoT apparatuses and devices therefor. To this end, a method performed by a core network in a wireless communication system that supports ambient IoT apparatuses, comprises the steps of: storing the locations of the ambient IoT apparatuses on the basis of a prescribed area; and transmitting a command to a reader on the basis of the locations of the ambient IoT apparatuses stored on the basis of the prescribed area, wherein the prescribed area is determined on the basis of the ID of the reader when the ambient IoT apparatuses are directly connected by the reader, and is determined on the basis of the ID of an intermediate node when the ambient IoT apparatuses are connected to the reader via the intermediate node.

Description

Method for operating ambient IoT devices and devices therefor

[0001] The following description relates to a mobile communication system that supports the Ambient IoT (Internet of Things), and more specifically, to a method for operating an ambient IoT device and a device therefor.

[0002] 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project), which leads the technical standards for mobile communication systems rd The Generation Partnership Project (GPP) introduced various technologies to support IoT devices in LTE and 5G.

[0003] Figure 1 is a diagram briefly summarizing the requirements of IoT devices considered by 3GPP.

[0004] The drawing in Fig. 1 is data presented at the 19th GSMA 5G IoT Strategy Group Meeting (January 2022), and compares the performance of a passive IoT UE discussed in Rel-18 and being discussed as ambient IoT (hereinafter referred to simply as A-IoT) in Rel-19 with the transmission speed of general NR LTE UE, RedCap UE, LTE-M UE, and NB-IoT UE.

[0005] While other IoT UEs are all powered by batteries, A-IoT devices are being discussed assuming a large number of passive devices that secure their own power through energy harvesting, support low transmission speeds of around 10 kbps, consume very low power of 1 to 100 uW, and cost 10 to 100 times less than NB-IoT UEs. In other words, the pyramid structure of Fig. 1 can be interpreted to mean that A-IoT devices at the very bottom can be attached to more objects than other IoT devices.

[0006] Although various use cases for A-IoT are being discussed, the inventory use case as shown in Figure 2 is being studied most intensively.

[0007] Figure 2 is a drawing for explaining an example of use in an automatic warehouse as an example of the concept of an inventory use case among the use cases of A-IoT.

[0008] The concept of an automated warehouse illustrated in Figure 2 exemplifies the concept of utilizing A-IoT in the stages of checking and unloading (1), entering into inventory (2), storing in inventory (3), retrieving from inventory (4), and checking and loading (5), among which the stages of entering into inventory (2), storing in inventory (3), and retrieving from inventory (4) are used.

[0009] That is, a list of items can be secured using A-IoT at the time of receipt / delivery, and when necessary, a base station (220) or another reader can query a large number of A-IoT devices (210a-210n) in the warehouse to secure data by product group and manufacturer, and transmit this to the A-IoT server (230) (S210).

[0010] In order to solve the above-described problem, one aspect of the present invention proposes a method for operating an intermediate node supporting A-IoT devices and devices therefor.

[0011] Furthermore, in order to solve the above-described problem, one aspect of the present invention proposes a method for selecting a reader for transmitting a signal to an A-IoT device in a wireless communication system, and devices therefor. In particular, the present invention proposes a method for an AMF entity or an A-IoTF entity to maintain and manage a list of service areas in order to select a reader for transmitting a signal to an A-IoT device.

[0012] In addition, in order to solve the problem described above, the present invention proposes a method for controlling coverage based on proximity determination for an A-IoT device in a wireless communication system and a device therefor.

[0013] In addition, in order to solve the above-described problem, the present invention proposes a method for selecting and updating a reader in a wireless communication system and a device therefor.

[0014] The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0015] In one aspect of the present invention for solving the above-described problem, a method performed by a core network in a mobile communication system supporting an ambient IoT (Internet of Things) is disclosed. In particular, the method comprises: storing the locations of ambient IoT devices based on a predetermined area; and transmitting a command to a reader based on the locations of the ambient IoT devices stored based on the predetermined area, wherein the predetermined area is determined based on the ID of the reader when the ambient IoT devices are directly connected to the reader, and is determined based on the ID of the intermediate node when the ambient IoT devices are connected to the reader via an intermediate node.

[0016] Preferably, the method comprises receiving a reader registration request message including an A-IoT service area code from the intermediate node through the reader; storing an identifier of the intermediate node and the A-IoT service area code; transmitting a reader registration acceptance message corresponding to the reader registration request message of the intermediate node to the intermediate node through the reader; and transmitting a first inventory command to the ambient IoT device through the reader and the intermediate node based on the identifier of the intermediate node and the A-IoT service area code; and receiving a second inventory command from the ambient IoT device through the reader and the intermediate node.

[0017] More preferably, storing the identifier of the intermediate node and the A-IoT service area code may include updating a list of A-IoT service area codes based on the identifier of the intermediate node and the A-IoT service area code.

[0018] More preferably, the first inventory command may be transmitted to the ambient IoT device via the reader and the intermediate node based on the reader identifier corresponding to the first inventory command matching the identifier of the intermediate node associated with the A-IoT service area code.

[0019] More preferably, the method further includes receiving a message related to a mobility registration update procedure from the intermediate node through the reader based on a change in the TA (Tracking Area) of the intermediate node, wherein the message related to the mobility registration update procedure may include the A-IoT Service Area Code.

[0020] Preferably, the interrupt node is characterized by including a UE (User Equipment).

[0021] Preferably, at least one reader corresponding to the inventory request is identified in the A-IoT service area list; an inventory request message related to at least one ambient IoT device is transmitted to the at least one reader; an inventory response message is received from the at least one reader in response to the inventory request message related to the at least one ambient IoT device; and the A-IoT service area list is updated based on information included in the inventory response message.

[0022] More preferably, updating the A-IoT service area list may include adjusting priorities of a plurality of readers included in the A-IoT service area list based on information included in the inventory response message.

[0023] More preferably, when there are a plurality of readers corresponding to the service identifier in the A-IoT service area list, transmitting the inventory request message related to the at least one ambient IoT device may include transmitting the inventory request message related to the at least one ambient IoT device in descending order of priority, starting from a reader having the highest priority among the plurality of readers.

[0024] More preferably, receiving the inventory response message from the at least one reader may include receiving a location report message together with the inventory response message from the at least one reader.

[0025] More preferably, the inventory request message includes a service identifier, and identifying the at least one reader corresponding to the inventory request in the A-IoT service area list may include: identifying one or more A-IoT service area codes corresponding to the service identifier; and identifying the at least one reader corresponding to the one or more A-IoT service area codes.

[0026] Preferably, the method may include selecting at least one reader having a specific service area code from a list of readers; determining an identifier of the at least one reader; and transmitting an A-IoT message including the identifier to a base station.

[0027] In addition, in one aspect of the present invention, a method performed by a reader in a mobile communication system supporting an ambient IoT (Internet of Things) is disclosed. In particular, the method includes receiving a command from a core network that stores the locations of ambient IoT devices based on a predetermined area; and transmitting a message to one or more of the ambient IoT devices based on the command, wherein the predetermined area is determined based on an ID of the reader when the ambient IoT devices are directly connected to the reader, and is determined based on an ID of an intermediate node when the ambient IoT devices are connected to the reader via an intermediate node.

[0028] Preferably, the method comprises receiving an inventory command including coverage radius information from the core network; determining a proximity determination technique of the one or more ambient IoT devices; determining proximity determination related parameters for the determined proximity determination technique based on the coverage radius information; and determining whether the one or more ambient IoT devices are in proximity to the reader based on the proximity determination related parameters.

[0029] Preferably, determining the proximity determination technique of the ambient IoT device includes a step of selecting one of a first determination technique and a second determination technique, and based on the selection of the first determination technique, the proximity determination-related parameter includes an output level of the reader, and based on the selection of the second determination technique, the proximity determination-related parameter includes a threshold of a signal received from the ambient IoT device.

[0030] More preferably, when the first determination technique is selected, determining whether the ambient IoT device is in proximity includes adjusting downlink coverage of the reader based on an output level of the reader; transmitting a request message to the ambient IoT device; and determining that the ambient IoT device is in proximity to the reader when a response message to the request message is received from the ambient IoT device.

[0031] More preferably, when the second judgment technique is selected, determining whether the ambient IoT device is in proximity includes receiving a signal from the ambient IoT device; and determining that the ambient IoT device is in proximity to the reader when the quality of the signal received from the ambient IoT device is higher than the threshold.

[0032] Preferably, determining whether the ambient IoT device is in proximity includes transmitting information about proximity determination related parameters to an intermediate node connected to the ambient IoT device.

[0033] In addition, in one aspect of the present invention, a core network of a mobile communication system supporting an ambient IoT (Internet of Things) is disclosed. The core network comprises at least one processor; and at least one computer memory operably connected to the at least one processor and storing instructions that, when executed, cause the at least one processor to perform operations, the operations including: storing locations of ambient IoT devices based on a predetermined area; and transmitting a command to a reader based on the locations of the ambient IoT devices stored based on the predetermined area, wherein the predetermined area is determined based on an ID of the reader when the ambient IoT devices are directly connected to the reader, and is determined based on an ID of an intermediate node when the ambient IoT devices are connected to the reader via an intermediate node.

[0034] Also, in one aspect of the present invention, a reader of a mobile communication system supporting an ambient IoT (Internet of Things) is disclosed. The reader comprises: at least one processor; and at least one computer memory operably connected to the at least one processor and storing instructions that, when executed, cause the at least one processor to perform operations, wherein the operations include receiving a command from a core network that stores locations of ambient IoT devices based on a predetermined area; and transmitting a message to one or more of the ambient IoT devices based on the command, wherein the predetermined area is determined based on an ID of the reader when the ambient IoT devices are directly connected to the reader, and is determined based on an ID of an intermediate node when the ambient IoT devices are connected to the reader via an intermediate node.

[0035] According to the embodiments of the present invention as described above, a UE performing the role of an A-IoT reader can be registered in an A-IoT service area list and operated as an intermediate node, thereby increasing the efficiency of A-IoT.

[0036] In addition, according to the embodiments of the present invention as described above, by selecting the most suitable base station, i.e., reader, to transmit a message such as an inventory request signal or a command signal to a target A-IoT device or according to a target service in a core network, time delay can be minimized and duplicate data transmission and duplicate signaling per A-IoT device can be prevented.

[0037] In addition, according to the embodiments of the present invention as described above, the reader, i.e., the base station, can apply individual proximity determination for each service, thereby expanding the scope of A-IoT application and flexibly applying various implementation scenarios.

[0038] Furthermore, according to the embodiments of the present invention as described above, in a wireless communication system supporting A-IoT, readers can be efficiently selected and updated while taking into account a wider range of environments, thereby increasing A-IoT signal throughput. The effects that can be obtained from the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains from the description below.

[0039] Figure 1 is a diagram briefly summarizing the requirements of IoT devices considered by 3GPP.

[0040] Figure 2 is a drawing for explaining an example of use in an automatic warehouse as an example of the concept of an inventory use case among the use cases of A-IoT.

[0041] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating scenarios for operating A-IoT devices.

[0042] Figure 4 is a drawing for explaining the configuration of an A-IoT device.

[0043] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a method of operating an intermediate node in an A-IoT system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of registering and operating an intermediate node in an A-IoT system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 7 illustrates a process of selecting a base station for transmitting a message to an A-IoT device from an A-IoT service area list according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 8 illustrates a method for updating an A-IoT service area list according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation performed by an AMF entity according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of performing proximity determination of an A-IoT device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating another example of performing proximity determination of an A-IoT device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating another example of performing proximity determination of an A-IoT device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation performed by an AIoTF entity according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 14 illustrates a wireless device to which the present technology can be applied.

[0053] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. However, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In addition, in the drawings, parts irrelevant to the description have been omitted to clearly explain the present invention, and similar parts have been designated with similar reference numerals throughout the specification.

[0054] Throughout the specification, whenever a part is said to "include" a component, this does not mean that it excludes other components, but rather that it may include other components, unless otherwise stated.

[0055]

[0056] As described above, in one aspect of the present invention, a method for operating an intermediate node supporting an A-IoT device and devices therefor are proposed.

[0057] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating scenarios for operating A-IoT devices. For convenience of explanation, the following description assumes that the "reader" corresponds to a base station (220), but is not limited thereto.

[0058] 410 of FIG. 3 illustrates a structure in which an A-IoT device (210a) is directly connected to a base station (220), and the A-IoT device (210a) responds to a query from the base station (220) and transmits data.

[0059] Meanwhile, 420 of FIG. 3 illustrates a structure in which an A-IoT device (210b) is not directly connected to a base station (220), but transmits data to the base station (220) via an intermediate node (215).

[0060] The intermediate medium (215) may be a general portable user equipment (UE), such as a smartphone, that performs 5G communication or subsequent 6G communication. FIG. 3 illustrates a concept in which a general UE (215) is connected to a base station (220) via a Uu interface.

[0061] The UE as such an intermediate medium (215) can be connected to multiple A-IoT devices and transmit data of the A-IoT devices to the base station (220).

[0062] With regard to the description of FIG. 3, it can be generally seen that the base station (220) acts as a reader that collects data from A-IoT devices (210a, 210b). However, depending on the case / use case, the UE (215) may also act as a reader that collects data from A-IoT devices (210a, 210b).

[0063] That is, the 'reader' is a device for securing data of an A-IoT device (210) and providing an A-IoT service, and may be a base station (220) or an intermediate node (215) between the base station (220) and the A-IoT device (210).

[0064]

[0065] Figure 4 is a drawing for explaining the configuration of an A-IoT device.

[0066] A-IoT devices can have various types, and the types of A-IoT devices currently being discussed in 3GPP standardization are as follows.

[0067] Device Type 1: 1uW power consumption, energy storage, and backscattering support.

[0068] Device Type 2a: 100 uW power consumption, energy storage, backscattering, DL and / or UL amplifier support

[0069] Device Type 2b: 100 uW power consumption, energy storage, active signal generation, DL and / or UL amplifier support

[0070] Figure 4 illustrates an example of a type 1 device among the types of A-IoT devices described above.

[0071] The A-IoT device illustrated in FIG. 4 may include a matching network (510), an RF energy harvester (520: harvester), a PMU (531: Power Management Unit), and an energy storage module (532) to support an energy storage function. In brief, the RF energy harvester (520) extracts energy from a received RF signal and stores it in the energy storage module (532), thereby supporting the operation of a low-power consumption A-IoT device.

[0072] Meanwhile, for processing the signal received by DL, an RF BPF (541: Band Pass Filter), an RF energy envelope detector (542), a BB LPF (543: BaseBand Low Pass Filter), a comparator / 1-bit ADC (552), and a clock generator (551) may be included.

[0073] It is currently under discussion whether the frequency band of the DL signal of the A-IoT device will be used fixedly or variably, and accordingly, the RF BPF (541) is indicated by a dotted line in the structure of Fig. 4.

[0074] Processing of the received DL signal and generation of the UL signal can be performed by the BB logic (553) including a decoder, a controller, and an encoder, as illustrated in FIG. 4. The necessary information is stored by the memory (560), and the stored information can be reused by the BB logic (553).

[0075] The UL signal transmission of an A-IoT device can be transmitted through a backscatter modulator (570). Roughly speaking, an A-IoT device with a simple, low-power transmission structure transmits a UL signal by backscatter-ing the signal, and can perform line coding by adjusting the impedance to Z1 or Z2 as illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0076]

[0077] Meanwhile, mobile readers used in RFID serve as both a base station and core of an A-IoT system. However, to use mobile readers in A-IoT, an intermediate node must be registered as a UE. Therefore, it is necessary to implement an operation that registers the intermediate node performing the reader role with the network and updates its location information. However, existing 5G technology does not define an operation for the UE to transmit paging messages or to register and manage the UE's location information in a tracking area (TA) list.

[0078] For reference, when registering a base station that acts as a reader in the A-IoT system to the network, an A-IoT service area code can be registered separately and used to provide inventory commands for A-IoT.

[0079]

[0080] <Example 1: Operation method of intermediate nodes>

[0081] Since the intermediate node can be a fixed terminal or a mobile terminal, it registers its location through a registration request message to the 5G network, and when the TA (tracking area) changes due to location movement, it can update the TA (tracking area) through a mobility registration update procedure.

[0082] Based on this discussion, the following proposes a method of registering a UE that acts as a mobile A-IoT reader in the A-IoT Service Area List and using it as an intermediate node.

[0083] First, we explain how to manage the A-IoT service area list in the core network.

[0084] When registering a base station as an A-IoT reader, the NG SETUP REQUEST message is transmitted along with the A-IoT Service Area Code, and the core network transmits paging or inventory commands to the base station mapped to the A-IoT Service Area Code.

[0085] On the other hand, when registering a UE, which is an A-IoT intermediate node, as a reader, the REGISTRATION REQUEST message is transmitted with the A-IoT Service Area Code included, and in the core network, a UE ID such as GUTI is registered instead of a base station ID in the A-IoT Service Area Code to transmit paging or an inventory command.

[0086] Additionally, when the TA (tracking area) of a mobile intermediate node changes, the A-IoT service area code is transmitted when performing a mobility registration update procedure.

[0087] In addition, when transmitting paging or an inventory command in the core network, if there is a UE ID registered in the A-IoT Service Area List, paging or an inventory command is transmitted through a DOWNLINK NAS TRANSPORT message to the corresponding UE ID, and the intermediate node transmits a response received from the A-IoT device, more specifically, the tag of the A-IoT device, through an UPLINK NAS TRANSPORT message.

[0088]

[0089] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a method of operating an intermediate node in an A-IoT system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] In particular, in Fig. 5, it is assumed that the UE is registered as a reader and operated as an A-IoT intermediate node.

[0091] Referring to FIG. 5, the UE, which is an intermediate node, transmits a REGISTRATION REQUEST message to the base station in S501 to register itself as a reader. Preferably, the REGISTRATION REQUEST message includes an A-IoT service area code.

[0092] The base station that receives this transmits an Initial UE message to the core network in S502 to register the intermediate node UE as a reader, and the Initial UE message includes the REGISTRATION REQUEST message received from the intermediate node UE in S501. That is, the Initial UE message includes an A-IoT service area code.

[0093] The core network that receives the A-IoT service area code stores the A-IoT service area code for each intermediate node as shown in Table 1 below.

[0094] A-IoT Service Area CodexxxxxxxID TypeBS ID / UE IDIDyyyyyyyy

[0095]

[0096] After storing the A-IoT service area code for each intermediate node or before storing the A-IoT service area code for each intermediate node, the core network transmits an Initial Context Setup Request message to the base station in S503. The Initial Context Setup Request message includes a REGISTRATION ACCEPT message to notify that the intermediate node, UE, has registered as a reader.

[0097] Afterwards, the base station can send a REGISTRATION ACCEPT message to the UE, which is an intermediate node, at S504 to notify that it has been registered as a reader.

[0098] Additionally, the core network transmits a paging or inventory command to the A-IoT device, more specifically, the tag of the A-IoT device, via a DOWNLINK NAS TRANSPORT message to the corresponding UE ID in S505, i.e., to an intermediate node. S505 exemplifies transmitting an inventory request using the inventory command.

[0099] The UE, which is an intermediate node that receives this, transmits a paging or inventory request to the A-IoT device, more specifically, the tag of the A-IoT device, at S506.

[0100] Additionally, the A-IoT device, more specifically, the Tag of the A-IoT device, transmits a response to paging or an inventory response to the UE, which is an intermediate node, at S507, and the UE, which is an intermediate node, transmits an UPLINK NAS TRANSPORT message containing the response to paging or an inventory response to the core network at S508.

[0101]

[0102] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of registering and operating an intermediate node in an A-IoT system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 assumes that a UE is registered as a reader and operated as an A-IoT intermediate node.

[0103] The UE, which is an intermediate node, transmits a reader registration request message containing an A-IoT service area code to the core network via the base station in step A05. In particular, the core network may store a list of A-IoT service area codes. In this case, the core network may update the list of A-IoT service area codes based on the identifier of the intermediate node and the A-IoT service area code.

[0104] Thereafter, the UE, which is an intermediate node, receives a reader registration acceptance message corresponding to the reader registration request message of the intermediate node from the core network through the base station in step A10.

[0105] Additionally, the UE, which is an intermediate node, can transmit a first inventory command of a DOWNLINK NAS TRANSPORT message received from the core network through the base station to the A-IoT device in step A15. Furthermore, the UE, which is an intermediate node, can include a second inventory command received from the A-IoT device in an UPLINK NAS TRANSPORT message and transmit it from the core network through the base station in step A20.

[0106] The above first inventory command and the above second inventory command can be transmitted and received based on the A-IoT service area code list stored in the core network.

[0107] Additionally, if the TA (Tracking Area) of the UE, which is the intermediate node, has changed, the UE, which is the intermediate node, can transmit a message related to a mobility registration update procedure to the core network through the base station, and the message related to the mobility registration update procedure includes the A-IoT service area code.

[0108]

[0109] <Example 2: Reader Selection Method>

[0110] An AMF entity or A-IoTF (A-IoT Function) entity can avoid interference between base stations acting as readers by sequentially transmitting inventory messages to base stations registered in the A-IoT Service Area list. However, if messages are transmitted using a simple time-division method, time delays may occur, and a single A-IoT device may receive duplicate data from multiple accessible base stations.

[0111] Even in the existing 5G standard, there is an action in which the base station notifies the core network of the location information of the UE's connection through a location report message, but in A-IoT, there is no action in which a session is set up and a location is registered for each UE, so it is difficult to use the existing location report message.

[0112] To address these issues, the present invention proposes a method for managing an A-IoT service area list (SAL) for selecting a base station to transmit a message based on a target service or a target A-IoT device in a core network. In particular, using the A-IoT service area list of the present invention, the AMF can select a base station, i.e., a reader, to transmit a paging-like message.

[0113] For convenience of explanation, the operation of the present invention is described below as being performed by an AMF entity. However, in cases where the functions of the two devices are distinguished, such as in the case of an indirect path where both an AMF entity and an AIoTF entity are used, it may be included that the operation may be performed by an A-IoTF entity.

[0114]

[0115] 1. Structure of the A-IoT Service Area List

[0116] The AMF (Access Management Function) entity stores the A-IoT service area list, which is a list of base stations to which paging-like messages will be delivered.

[0117] The A-IoT Service Area Code (SAC) to which the message must be delivered may vary depending on the service provider ID included in the paging-like message transmitted from the AF (Application Function) to the AMF. In other words, the A-IoT Service Area Code, which is the service provision area, may be different for each A-IoT service, and the corresponding information may be stored in the AMF in advance, or may be included in the paging-like message transmitted from the AF.

[0118] When AMF receives a paging-like message from AF, it sequentially transmits the paging-like message to all base stations corresponding to the A-IoT service area code matching the requested service provider ID.

[0119] If there are multiple A-IoT service area codes matching the requested service provider ID, a paging-like message can be delivered simultaneously for each A-IoT service area code.

[0120] 2. Storage of information on base stations that will transmit paging-like messages within the A-IoT service area code.

[0121] AMF sequentially delivers paging-like messages in the order stored in the list when there is no priority for base stations stored within the same A-IoT service area code.

[0122] When the base station transmits a paging response message or an inventory response message to the AMF after performing an inventory operation, the base station may include information such as the average reception level received from A-IoT devices, the collision occurrence rate, and the number of A-IoT devices for which the inventory operation has been completed.

[0123] AMF can receive measurement results of A-IoT devices from each base station through a paging response message or inventory response message, or by requesting a separate location report message.

[0124] AMF can update the inventory priorities of base stations within the A-IoT service area list based on information received for each base station via paging response messages, inventory response messages, or separate location report messages.

[0125] 3. How to update base station priorities in the A-IoT service area list

[0126] When AMF receives a paging message or inventory request message from AF, it forwards the message to the base station corresponding to each service provider ID in the A-IoT service area list.

[0127] If there is more than one base station in a specific A-IoT service area code, paging messages or inventory request messages are transmitted sequentially according to priority, and if priority is not determined, they are transmitted in the order stored in the list.

[0128] AMF adjusts the priorities of base stations stored in the A-IoT service area list based on information in the paging response message, inventory response message, or separate location report message delivered after the inventory operation for each base station is completed.

[0129] AMF can request paging or inventory from the highest-priority base station, or it can sequentially request paging or inventory from all stored base stations in order of priority. This behavior may vary depending on the settings stored for each service provider ID.

[0130] AMF can request paging or inventory from the next highest priority base station when the inventory operation of the highest priority base station is completed, there is no response, or there are no A-IoT devices connected to the highest priority base station.

[0131]

[0132] FIG. 7 illustrates a process for selecting a base station for transmitting a message to an A-IoT device from an A-IoT service area list according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 7 assumes that an A-IoT service area list, which is a list of base stations to which an Access Management Function (AMF) will transmit a paging message or inventory request message, is stored.

[0133] Referring to FIG. 7, in step S701, the AMF receives a paging-like message, i.e., a paging message or an inventory request message, from the AF (Application Function). Here, the paging-like message may include a service provider ID and an A-IoT service area code, which is a service provision area for each A-IoT service.

[0134] In step S702, when the AMF receives a paging-like message from the AF, it identifies all base stations corresponding to the A-IoT service area codes matching the requested service provider ID. Meanwhile, if there are multiple A-IoT service area codes matching the requested service provider ID, the AMF can simultaneously transmit a paging-like message for each A-IoT service area code.

[0135] Thereafter, in step S703, the AMF transmits a paging message or an inventory request message to the reader, i.e., the base station, identified in step S702. In addition, in step S704, the reader, i.e., the base station, transmits a paging message or an inventory request message to an A-IoT device or an A-IoT tag, and in step S705, receives a paging response message or an inventory response message from the A-IoT device or A-IoT tag. That is, the base station performs an inventory operation with the A-IoT device.

[0136] In step S706, the base station transmits a paging response message or inventory response message to the AMF after performing an inventory operation. In this case, the paging response message or inventory response message may include information such as the average reception level received from A-IoT devices, the collision occurrence rate, and the number of A-IoT devices for which the inventory operation has been completed.

[0137] If there is a separate request, AMF can receive a Location Report message from the base station, as in step S707.

[0138] The AMF may update the inventory priority of base stations within the A-IoT service area list, as in step S508, based on information received for each base station via a paging response message, inventory response message, or separate location report message. Subsequently or concurrently, the AMF transmits a paging response message or inventory response message to the AF, as in step S509.

[0139] FIG. 8 illustrates a method for updating an A-IoT service area list according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0140] In particular, in Fig. 8, it is assumed that an A-IoT service area list, which is a list of base stations to which a paging message or inventory request message will be transmitted, is stored in the AMF (Access Management Function). In particular, the A-IoT service area list may include, for each base station, information such as a service provider ID, a BS ID, information regarding previously reported received signal strength, and the number of A-IoT devices that can be managed.

[0141] When AMF receives a paging message or inventory request message from AF, it identifies the base station corresponding to each service provider ID in the A-IoT service area list as in step S801.

[0142] In particular, if there is more than one base station in a specific A-IoT service area code, paging messages or inventory request messages are transmitted sequentially according to priority. If no priority is determined, they are transmitted in the order stored in the list. In Fig. 8, it is assumed that inventory operations are performed in the order of BS #1 and BS #2.

[0143] That is, by performing the processes of steps S802 to S805, inventory operation #1 is performed. As a result, the AMF receives a paging response message or an inventory response message from BS #1 in step S805, and the message may include information such as an average reception level received from A-IoT devices, a collision occurrence rate, and the number of A-IoT devices for which the inventory operation has been completed. In addition, the AMF may receive a location report message from BS #1 in step S805.

[0144] Based on the results of this inventory operation #1, the AMF updates the A-IoT service area list in step S806. For example, it adjusts the priorities of the base stations stored in the A-IoT service area list.

[0145] In addition, by performing the process of step S807 to step S810, inventory operation #2 is performed. As a result, the AMF receives a paging response message or an inventory response message from BS #2 in step S810, and the message may include information such as an average reception level received from A-IoT devices, a collision occurrence rate, and the number of A-IoT devices for which the inventory operation has been completed. In addition, the base station may receive a location report message from BS #1 in step S810.

[0146] Based on the results of this inventory operation #2, the AMF updates the A-IoT service area list in step S811. For example, it adjusts the priorities of the base stations stored in the A-IoT service area list.

[0147] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation performed by an AMF entity according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0148] Referring to FIG. 9, when the AMF entity receives an Inventory Request message from the AF (Application Function) entity in step B05, the AMF entity identifies at least one base station corresponding to the inventory request in the A-IoT service area list, as in step B10.

[0149] More specifically, the inventory request message includes a service identifier, and the AMF entity can identify one or more A-IoT service area codes corresponding to the service identifier and identify at least one base station corresponding to the one or more A-IoT service area codes.

[0150] Thereafter, the AMF entity transmits an inventory request message related to at least one A-IoT device to the at least one base station in step B15. Preferably, if there are multiple base stations corresponding to the service identifier in the A-IoT service area list, the AMF entity can transmit the inventory request message related to the at least one A-IoT device in descending order of priority, starting from a base station with the highest priority among the multiple base stations.

[0151] Continuing, the AMF entity receives an Inventory Response message from the at least one base station in response to the inventory request message related to the at least one A-IoT device, as in step B20. Preferably, a Location Report message may also be received together with the Inventory Response message.

[0152] Finally, the AMF entity updates the A-IoT service area list based on the information included in the inventory response message, as in step A25. In particular, updating the A-IoT service area list may mean adjusting the priorities of multiple base stations included in the A-IoT service area list based on the information included in the inventory response message.

[0153]

[0154] <Example 3: Proximity-based Coverage Control Method>

[0155] As mentioned above, A-IoT can be used in a variety of fields, including material management, sensing, and positioning. However, the current 3GPP standard does not consider situations that can be satisfied by the small coverage of A-IoT devices, making it difficult to support access control and other diverse use cases. In particular, RFID is not suitable for scenarios that require reading only the ID of nearby tags, necessitating the application of a separate short-range communication technology, such as NFC (Near Field Communication).

[0156] Recent 3GPP standardization has introduced the concept of proximity determination, discussing ways to support diverse scenarios even in A-IoT systems with relatively small coverage areas. Specifically, the following two options are being considered for proximity determination.

[0157] Option 1: If the reader successfully receives a D2R (Device to Reader) transmission from an A-IoT device in response to an R2D (Reader to Device) transmission, the A-IoT device is considered to be in proximity to the reader.

[0158] Option 2: Based on the measurement results from the reader side, the A-IoT device determines whether there is proximity.

[0159]

[0160] Based on this discussion, the present invention describes a method for operating an A-IoT system based on the proximity of an A-IoT device to a reader.

[0161] First, the service provider transmits an inventory command to the core network via an Application Function (AF) entity. Here, the service provider can request tag ID collection and other information through the inventory command.

[0162] The present invention proposes that an AF entity include proximity related parameter information in an inventory command transmitted to the core network side.

[0163] If the distance for reading the tag ID of an A-IoT device varies depending on the application scenario, the proximity-related parameters may include the required proximity for each scenario and parameters for determining it.

[0164] Proximity-related parameters are applicable to both Option 1 and Option 2, which are the proximity judgment methods described above.

[0165] For example, in case of option 1, if the base station, i.e., the reader, first adjusts the downlink coverage and then sends an inventory request message to the A-IoT device, and in response receives a tag ID from the A-IoT device, the A-IoT device can determine that it is in proximity to the reader.

[0166] For example, in the case of option 2, the base station, i.e., the reader, can receive a signal containing a tag ID from an A-IoT device and determine whether the A-IoT device and the reader are in proximity based on the signal containing the tag ID.

[0167] Whether to apply option 1 or option 2 above can be individually decided for each A-IoT server or base station.

[0168]

[0169] Meanwhile, it is desirable to reflect proximity-related parameters only when applying proximity judgment, and if proximity judgment is applied, even if proximity-related parameters are received, they are not applied and tag IDs are collected from A-IoT devices.

[0170] AF entities provide proximity-related information to the core network or base station. They can also directly convey coverage radius requirements for each service (e.g., 1 m, 10 cm, etc.). In this case, parameters reflecting the coverage radius requirements for each service, based on the aforementioned options, can be determined by the core network or base station.

[0171] Alternatively, the AF entity may include proximity-related parameters itself as proximity-related information provided to the core network or base station.

[0172] For example, in Option 1, proximity determination is made based on downlink coverage adjustment of the base station, i.e., the reader, so information about the Physical Resource Block (PRB) output can be included in the proximity-related parameters. That is, the output of the PRB to be used for the reader-to-device (R2D) channel can be included in the proximity-related parameters and transmitted to the base station, i.e., the reader.

[0173] For example, in Option 2, proximity determination is made based on signals received from A-IoT devices, and therefore, a reference value for the signal reception level, i.e., a proximity threshold, may be included in the proximity-related parameters. In other words, only A-IoT devices with a tag ID having a reception level higher than the proximity threshold may be determined to be in proximity to the base station, i.e., the reader.

[0174]

[0175] Meanwhile, in topology 2 where an intermediate node exists, the entity communicating with the tag, i.e., the A-IoT device, is the intermediate node and not the base station. Therefore, when an inventory command is transmitted from the AF entity, the base station, i.e., the reader, must instruct the intermediate node to collect the tag ID of the A-IoT device.

[0176] At this time, in order to determine the proximity of an A-IoT device, the base station must inform the intermediate node of the parameters to be applied for each of the above-described options when instructing it. That is, for option 1, the PRB (Physical Resource Block) output information for downlink coverage adjustment is provided to the intermediate node, and for option 2, the reference value of the signal reception level, i.e., the proximity threshold information, is provided to the intermediate node.

[0177] The intermediate node receiving this can adjust the PRB output or perform proximity judgment by selecting the received tag ID based on a proximity-related threshold.

[0178]

[0179] The present invention proposes to transmit information for proximity determination when transmitting an inventory command from an AF entity to a base station, and in particular, it is explained that proximity-related parameters may include a required coverage radius or parameters to be applied according to proximity determination options.

[0180] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[0181] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of performing proximity determination of an A-IoT device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 10 illustrates an example in which PRB output information for Option 1 is included in an inventory command.

[0182] Referring to FIG. 10, a base station, i.e., a reader, receives an inventory command including PRB output information from an AF entity in step C05, and adjusts downlink coverage based on the PRB output information in step C10.

[0183] Next, the base station, i.e., the reader, transmits an inventory request signal or a signal requesting a response from the A-IoT device to at least one A-IoT device in step C15.

[0184] Finally, if the base station, i.e., the reader, receives a response signal from at least one A-IoT device in step C20, the at least one A-IoT device is determined to be in proximity to the base station. Here, the response signal preferably includes a tag ID.

[0185]

[0186] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating another example of performing proximity determination of an A-IoT device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 11 illustrates an example in which a proximity-related threshold for Option 2 is included in an inventory command.

[0187] Referring to FIG. 11, a base station, i.e., a reader, receives an inventory command including proximity-related threshold information from an AF entity in step D05, and receives a signal from an A-IoT device in step D10. Here, it is preferable that the signal received from the A-IoT device includes a tag ID.

[0188] In step D15, the base station, i.e., the reader, determines that the A-IoT device is in proximity to the base station only if the strength of the signal received from the A-IoT device is greater than or equal to a proximity-related threshold.

[0189] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating another example of performing proximity determination of an A-IoT device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 12 illustrates an example in which information regarding the coverage radius required for an inventory command is included.

[0190] Referring to FIG. 12, the base station, i.e., the reader, receives an inventory command including coverage radius information required for each service from the AF entity in step E05, and determines a proximity determination option in step E10. Here, the proximity determination option includes Option 1 or Option 2 described above.

[0191] If option 1 is selected, the base station, i.e., the reader, determines the PRB output based on the coverage radius information in step E15, and adjusts the downlink coverage based on the PRB output information in step E20. Next, the base station, i.e., the reader, transmits an inventory request signal or a signal requesting a response from the A-IoT device to at least one A-IoT device in step E25.

[0192] If the base station, i.e., the reader, receives a response signal from at least one A-IoT device in step E30, the at least one A-IoT device is determined to be in proximity to the base station. Here, it is preferable that the response signal include a tag ID.

[0193] On the other hand, if option 2 is selected, the base station, i.e., the reader, determines a proximity-related threshold based on the coverage radius information in step E35 and receives a signal from the A-IoT device in step E40. Here, it is preferable that the signal received from the A-IoT device includes a tag ID.

[0194] In step E45, the base station, i.e., the reader, determines that the A-IoT device is in proximity to the base station only if the strength of the signal received from the A-IoT device is greater than or equal to a proximity-related threshold.

[0195]

[0196] <Example 4: Reader Selection and Update Method in A-IoTF>

[0197] Conventional UEs connect to core equipment, such as the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), through a base station. However, in A-IoT, communication can be achieved through a direct path, where the base station directly connects to the AIoTF, without the AMF, which manages the mobility of A-IoT devices.

[0198] When AIoTF is connected to a base station via a direct path or an indirect path, a method is needed to select a reader to transmit and receive messages and to update information of the reader depending on the type of reader (e.g., gNB or UE), thereby enabling message transmission in an existing wireless communication network without defining a separate protocol for A-IoT.

[0199] The information of the reader may include the type of reader included in each A-IoT service area, global ID, reader index, A-IoT service ID, gNB IP, etc., as shown in Table 2 below.

[0200] Service Area Code The service area code can use the Tracking Area (TA) code, or a separate service area code for A-IoT can be defined. Reader Type Indicates either the base station (i.e., gNB) or each UE. Reader ID gNB global ID or GUTI (Global Unique Temporary Identifier) ​​Reader Index 1 to ngNB IP IP address of the base station (i.e., gNB) directly connected to the IoT. A-IoT Service ID Identifier of each A-IoT application service.

[0201]

[0202] (1) Plan 1

[0203] The first method of the fourth embodiment of the present invention specifically describes reader selection and update in an A-IoT system using a direct path (i.e., direct connection between a base station and AIoTF). In particular, the reader may be a base station (i.e., a gNB) or an intermediary UE, and these are described separately.

[0204] A) Reader selection and update procedure when gNB (base station) is a reader

[0205] (A-1) AIoTF can receive and update information from the reader in Table 2 above through O&M (operation and management).

[0206] (A-2) When transmitting an inventory request or a command request in AIoTF, the message is transmitted to the gNB, which is a reader corresponding to each A-IoT service area code or A-IoT service ID. At this time, the NGAP (NG Application Protocol) message transmitted between AIoTF and the gNB, which is a reader, includes the ID of the gNB, which is a reader, and the ID of AIoTF, and the inventory request / command request transmitted in the NGAP message may include the reader type and reader ID (for example, a combination of the gNB ID, which is a reader, and a reader index).

[0207] Meanwhile, the reader list stored and referenced in AIoTF may include reader information of the gNB type and reader information of each UE type, and in this case, the reader list corresponding to each A-IoT service area code may include the ID of the gNB and / or each UE.

[0208] Additionally, when AIoTF sends an inventory request to a gNB that is a reader, the list of readers included in the inventory request may include the IDs of gNBs and / or intermediate UEs belonging to the same service area.

[0209] Additionally, inventory requests / command requests can be transmitted per A-IoT service area unit or gNB unit, or per reader unit.

[0210] B) Reader selection and update procedure when each UE is a reader

[0211] (B-1) When a UE equipped with A-IoT reader capability accesses the network or connects to a PDN / DNN for A-IoT, O&M receives location registration information of the UE as a reader from AMF and transmits the service area code and gNB ID of the base station, i.e., gNB, to which the UE accessed to AIoTF. Upon receiving this, AIoTF adds or updates the reader information to the reader list based on the GUTI of the UE.

[0212] (B-2) When AIoTF transmits an inventory request / command request to the base station with the reader type set to a UE, if the UE is in an idle state, the base station transmits a paging message to the UE based on the tmsi value included in the GUTI, which is the ID of the reader.

[0213] (B-3) When a UE is disconnected from the network or the PDN / DNN connection for A-IoT is released, O&M receives status information of the UE from AMF and transmits it to AIoTF, and AIoTF deletes information of the reader corresponding to the GUTI from the reader list.

[0214]

[0215] (2) Option 2

[0216] The second method of the fourth embodiment of the present invention specifically describes reader selection and update in an A-IoT system that uses an indirect path (i.e., an indirect connection between a base station and an AIoTF via an AMF). As with the first embodiment, in the second embodiment, the reader may be a base station (i.e., a gNB) or an intermediary UE, and these will be described separately.

[0217] C) Reader selection and update procedure when the base station (i.e., gNB) is the reader.

[0218] (C-1) AIoTF transmits inventory requests / command requests, etc. to AMF via NGAP, and AMF forwards the message to the corresponding gNB by referencing the reader ID (e.g., gNB ID + reader index) of the AIoTF message received from AIoTF. At this time, the inventory request / command request includes the AIoTF ID.

[0219] (C-2) When the reader gNB transmits an inventory response / command response, etc., it includes the AIoTF ID and transmits it to the AMF, and the AMF forwards the message to the corresponding AIoTF by referencing the AIoTF ID of the received AIoT message.

[0220] D) If the UE is a reader

[0221] (D-1) When AIoTF transmits an inventory request / command request, etc. to AMF, if it includes the GUTI of each UE as a reader ID, AMF transmits an A-IoT message to the corresponding UE based on the location registration information of the corresponding UE.

[0222] (D-2) The gNB allocates wireless resources for A-IoT to the corresponding UE based on the tmsi value of the GUTI, which is a reader ID included in an inventory request / command request, and transmits an A-IoT message.

[0223]

[0224] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation performed by an AIoTF entity according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0225] Referring to FIG. 13, in step F05, the AIoTF entity selects at least one reader having a specific A-IoT service area code from the list of readers provided by the AIoTF entity.

[0226] Next, in step F10, the AIoTF entity determines an identifier of at least one reader.

[0227] Specifically, if the at least one reader is the base station, the identifier may be determined as a combination of the identifier of the base station and the reader index. On the other hand, if the at least one reader is a UE belonging to the base station, the identifier may be determined to include all or part of the GUTI (Global Unique Temporary Identifier) ​​of the UE.

[0228] Finally, in step F15, the AIoTF entity transmits an A-IoT message including the identifier to the base station. In particular, the A-IoT message may include the identifier of the AIoTF. In addition, the AIoTF entity may transmit the A-IoT message to the base station via an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) entity.

[0229] Additionally, the AIoTF entity may receive information about one or more readers from an operation and management (O&M) entity. In this case, the AIoTF entity may update the reader list based on the information about the one or more readers.

[0230]

[0231] Figure 14 illustrates a wireless device to which the present technology can be applied.

[0232] Referring to FIG. 14, the first wireless device (100) and the second wireless device (200) can transmit and receive wireless signals via various wireless access technologies (e.g., LTE, NR). Here, the first wireless device (100) and the second wireless device (200) can correspond to the A-IoT device (210) and the reader (215, 220) (particularly, the base station or intermediate node) of FIG. 3, respectively.

[0233] A first wireless device (100) includes one or more processors (102) and one or more memories (104), and may further include one or more transceivers (106) and / or one or more antennas (108). The processor (102) controls the memories (104) and / or the transceivers (106), and may be configured to implement the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods, and / or operational flowcharts disclosed in this document. For example, the processor (102) may process information in the memory (104) to generate first information / signal, and then transmit a wireless signal including the first information / signal via the transceiver (106). In addition, the processor (102) may receive a wireless signal including second information / signal via the transceiver (106), and then store information obtained from signal processing of the second information / signal in the memory (104). The memory (104) may be connected to the processor (102) and may store various information related to the operation of the processor (102). For example, the memory (104) may perform some or all of the processes controlled by the processor (102), or may store software code including commands for performing the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed in this document. Here, the processor (102) and the memory (104) may be part of a communication modem / circuit / chip designed to implement a wireless communication technology (e.g., LTE E-UTRA, 5G NR). The transceiver (106) may be connected to the processor (102) and may transmit and / or receive wireless signals via one or more antennas (108). The transceiver (106) may include a transmitter and / or a receiver. The transceiver (106) may be used interchangeably with an RF (Radio Frequency) unit. In the present invention, a wireless device may also mean a communication modem / circuit / chip.

[0234] The second wireless device (200) includes one or more processors (202), one or more memories (204), and may further include one or more transceivers (206) and / or one or more antennas (208). The processor (202) controls the memories (204) and / or the transceivers (206), and may be configured to implement the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods, and / or operational flowcharts disclosed in this document. For example, the processor (202) may process information in the memory (204) to generate third information / signals, and then transmit a wireless signal including the third information / signals via the transceivers (206). Furthermore, the processor (202) may receive a wireless signal including fourth information / signals via the transceivers (206), and then store information obtained from signal processing of the fourth information / signals in the memory (204). The memory (204) may be connected to the processor (202) and may store various information related to the operation of the processor (202). For example, the memory (204) may store software code including commands for performing some or all of the processes controlled by the processor (202) or for performing the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods and / or operation flowcharts disclosed in this document. Here, the processor (202) and the memory (204) may be part of a communication modem / circuit / chip designed to implement a wireless communication technology (e.g., LTE E-UTRA, 5G NR). The transceiver (206) may be connected to the processor (202) and may transmit and / or receive wireless signals via one or more antennas (208). The transceiver (206) may include a transmitter and / or a receiver. The transceiver (206) may be used interchangeably with an RF unit. In the present invention, a wireless device may also mean a communication modem / circuit / chip.

[0235] Hereinafter, the hardware elements of the wireless device (100, 200) will be described in more detail. Although not limited thereto, one or more protocol layers may be implemented by one or more processors (102, 202). For example, one or more processors (102, 202) may implement one or more layers (e.g., functional layers such as PHY, MAC, RLC, PDCP, RRC, SDAP). One or more processors (102, 202) may generate one or more Protocol Data Units (PDUs) and / or one or more Service Data Units (SDUs) according to the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed in this document. One or more processors (102, 202) may generate messages, control information, data, or information according to the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed in this document. One or more processors (102, 202) can generate signals (e.g., baseband signals) including PDUs, SDUs, messages, control information, data or information according to the functions, procedures, proposals and / or methods disclosed herein, and provide the signals to one or more transceivers (106, 206). One or more processors (102, 202) can receive signals (e.g., baseband signals) from one or more transceivers (106, 206) and obtain PDUs, SDUs, messages, control information, data or information according to the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods and / or operational flowcharts disclosed herein.

[0236] One or more processors (102, 202) may be referred to as a controller, a microcontroller, a microprocessor, or a microcomputer. One or more processors (102, 202) may be implemented by hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof. For example, one or more Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), one or more Digital Signal Processors (DSPs), one or more Digital Signal Processing Devices (DSPDs), one or more Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs), or one or more Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) may be included in one or more processors (102, 202). The descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods, and / or operational flowcharts disclosed in this document may be implemented using firmware or software, and the firmware or software may be implemented to include modules, procedures, functions, etc. The descriptions, functions, procedures, suggestions, methods and / or operation flowcharts disclosed in this document may be implemented using firmware or software configured to perform one or more processors (102, 202) or stored in one or more memories (104, 204) and executed by one or more processors (102, 202). The descriptions, functions, procedures, suggestions, methods and / or operation flowcharts disclosed in this document may be implemented using firmware or software in the form of codes, instructions and / or sets of instructions.

[0237] One or more memories (104, 204) may be coupled to one or more processors (102, 202) and may store various forms of data, signals, messages, information, programs, codes, instructions, and / or commands. The one or more memories (104, 204) may be configured as ROM, RAM, EPROM, flash memory, hard drives, registers, cache memory, computer-readable storage media, and / or combinations thereof. The one or more memories (104, 204) may be located internally and / or externally to the one or more processors (102, 202). Additionally, the one or more memories (104, 204) may be coupled to the one or more processors (102, 202) via various technologies, such as wired or wireless connections.

[0238] One or more transceivers (106, 206) can transmit user data, control information, wireless signals / channels, etc., as mentioned in the methods and / or flowcharts of this document, to one or more other devices. One or more transceivers (106, 206) can receive user data, control information, wireless signals / channels, etc., as mentioned in the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods and / or flowcharts of this document, from one or more other devices. For example, one or more transceivers (106, 206) can be connected to one or more processors (102, 202) and can transmit and receive wireless signals. For example, one or more processors (102, 202) can control one or more transceivers (106, 206) to transmit user data, control information, or wireless signals to one or more other devices. Additionally, one or more processors (102, 202) may control one or more transceivers (106, 206) to receive user data, control information, or wireless signals from one or more other devices. Additionally, one or more transceivers (106, 206) may be coupled to one or more antennas (108, 208), and one or more transceivers (106, 206) may be configured to transmit and receive user data, control information, wireless signals / channels, or the like, as referred to in the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods, and / or operational flowcharts disclosed herein, via one or more antennas (108, 208). In this document, one or more antennas may be multiple physical antennas or multiple logical antennas (e.g., antenna ports). One or more transceivers (106, 206) can convert received user data, control information, wireless signals / channels, etc. from RF band signals to baseband signals in order to process the received user data, control information, wireless signals / channels, etc. using one or more processors (102, 202).One or more transceivers (106, 206) may convert user data, control information, wireless signals / channels, etc. processed by one or more processors (102, 202) from baseband signals to RF band signals. For this purpose, one or more transceivers (106, 206) may include an (analog) oscillator and / or filter.

[0239]

[0240] The detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention disclosed above has been provided to enable those skilled in the art to implement and practice the present invention. While the above description has been made with reference to preferred embodiments of the present invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, those skilled in the art can utilize the individual components described in the above-described embodiments in combination with each other.

[0241] Accordingly, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[0242] The method for operating an intermediate node supporting an A-IoT device according to the embodiments of the present invention as described above and the devices therefor are suitable for use in a 3GPP-based mobile communication environment, but as described above, they can also be widely used in communication methods other than 3GPP to efficiently operate an intermediate node in an A-IoT environment.

Claims

1. A method performed by a core network in a mobile communication system supporting Ambient IoT (Internet of Things). Store the locations of ambient IoT devices based on a specific area; and Including transmitting a command to a reader based on the location of the ambient IoT devices stored based on the above-mentioned predetermined area, The above specified area is, When the above ambient IoT devices are directly connected to the reader, it is determined based on the ID of the reader. When the above ambient IoT devices are connected to the reader via an intermediate node, it is determined based on the ID of the intermediate node. method.

2. In paragraph 1, Receive a reader registration request message including an A-IoT service area code from the intermediate node through the reader; Store the identifier of the above intermediate node and the A-IoT service area code; Transmitting a reader registration acceptance message corresponding to the reader registration request message of the intermediate node to the intermediate node through the reader; and Based on the identifier of the intermediate node and the A-IoT service area code, transmitting a first inventory command to the ambient IoT device through the reader and the intermediate node; and Receiving a second inventory command from the ambient IoT device through the reader and the intermediate node, method.

3. In paragraph 2, Storing the identifier of the above intermediate node and the A-IoT service area code, Including updating the A-IoT service area code list based on the identifier of the intermediate node and the A-IoT service area code. method 4. In paragraph 2, Based on the reader identifier corresponding to the first inventory command matching the identifier of the intermediate node associated with the A-IoT service area code, the first inventory command is transmitted to the ambient IoT device through the reader and the intermediate node. method.

5. In paragraph 2, It further includes receiving a message related to a mobility registration update procedure from the intermediate node through the reader based on a change in the TA (Tracking Area) of the intermediate node, The message related to the above mobility registration update procedure includes the A-IoT service area code. method.

6. In paragraph 1, The above interrupt node includes a UE (User Equipment), method.

7. In paragraph 1, Identify at least one reader corresponding to the inventory request in the A-IoT service area list; Transmitting an inventory request message related to at least one ambient IoT device to at least one reader; In response to an inventory request message related to said at least one ambient IoT device, receiving an inventory response message from said at least one reader; and including updating the A-IoT service area list based on the information included in the inventory response message; method.

8. In paragraph 7, Updating the above A-IoT service area list, Including adjusting the priorities of a plurality of readers included in the A-IoT service area list based on information included in the inventory response message. method.

9. In paragraph 7, When there are multiple readers corresponding to the service identifier in the above A-IoT service area list, transmitting an inventory request message related to at least one ambient IoT device, Including transmitting an inventory request message related to the at least one ambient IoT device in descending order of priority from a reader having the highest priority among the plurality of readers, method.

10. In paragraph 7, Receiving an inventory response message from at least one reader, Receiving a Location Report message together with the inventory response message from at least one reader, method.

11. In paragraph 7, The above inventory request message includes a service identifier, Identifying at least one reader corresponding to the inventory request in the above A-IoT service area list, Identify one or more A-IoT service area codes corresponding to the above service identifier; and Including identifying at least one reader corresponding to said one or more A-IoT service area codes; method.

12. In paragraph 1, From the list of readers, select at least one reader with a specific service area code; determining an identifier of at least one reader; and Including transmitting an A-IoT message including the above identifier to a base station, method.

13. A method performed by a reader in a mobile communication system supporting Ambient IoT (Internet of Things), Receives a command from the core network that stores the locations of ambient IoT devices based on a predetermined area; and Based on the above command, including transmitting a message to one or more of the ambient IoT devices, The above specified area is, When the above ambient IoT devices are directly connected to the reader, it is determined based on the ID of the reader. When the above ambient IoT devices are connected to the reader via an intermediate node, it is determined based on the ID of the intermediate node. method.

14. In paragraph 13, Receive an inventory command including coverage radius information from the core network; Determining a proximity determination technique of one or more ambient IoT devices; Based on the above coverage radius information, proximity determination related parameters for the determined proximity determination technique are determined; and Based on the proximity determination related parameters, determining whether the one or more ambient IoT devices are in proximity to the reader, method.

15. In paragraph 14, Determining the proximity judgment technique of the above ambient IoT device is as follows: comprising a step of selecting one of the first judgment technique and the second judgment technique; Based on the selection of the first judgment technique, the proximity judgment related parameters include the output level of the reader, Based on the selection of the second judgment technique, the proximity judgment related parameter includes a threshold of a signal received from the ambient IoT device. method.

16. In paragraph 15, When the first judgment technique is selected, determining whether the ambient IoT device is in proximity is as follows: Adjusting the downlink coverage of the reader based on the output level of the reader; Sending a request message to the above ambient IoT device; and When receiving a response message to the request message from the ambient IoT device, the ambient IoT device determines that the ambient IoT device is in proximity to the reader. method.

17. In paragraph 15, When the second judgment technique is selected, determining whether the ambient IoT device is in proximity is as follows: Receive a signal from the above ambient IoT device; and If the quality of the signal received from the ambient IoT device is higher than the threshold, the ambient IoT device is determined to be in proximity to the reader. method.

18. In paragraph 14, Determining the proximity of the above ambient IoT device is as follows: Including transmitting information about the proximity determination related parameters to an intermediate node connected to the ambient IoT device. method.

19. In the core network of a mobile communication system supporting Ambient IoT (Internet of Things), at least one processor; and At least one computer memory operably connected to said at least one processor and storing instructions that, when executed, cause said at least one processor to perform operations; The above actions are, Store the locations of ambient IoT devices based on a specific area; and Including transmitting a command to a reader based on the location of the ambient IoT devices stored based on the above-mentioned predetermined area, The above specified area is, When the above ambient IoT devices are directly connected to the reader, it is determined based on the ID of the reader. When the above ambient IoT devices are connected to the reader via an intermediate node, it is determined based on the ID of the intermediate node. Core network.

20. In a reader of a mobile communication system supporting Ambient IoT (Internet of Things), at least one processor; and At least one computer memory operably connected to said at least one processor and storing instructions that, when executed, cause said at least one processor to perform operations; The above actions are, Receives a command from the core network that stores the locations of ambient IoT devices based on a predetermined area; and Based on the above command, including transmitting a message to one or more of the ambient IoT devices, The above specified area is, When the above ambient IoT devices are directly connected to the reader, it is determined based on the ID of the reader. When the above ambient IoT devices are connected to the reader via an intermediate node, it is determined based on the ID of the intermediate node. reader.

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