Method for controlling reader on basis of operation time in wireless communication system supporting ambient IoT device, and apparatus therefor

Abstract

The present document relates to a method and apparatus for controlling a reader on the basis of an operation time in a wireless communication system supporting an ambient IoT device. To this end, the method performed by a network entity comprises: receiving information about a plurality of readers supporting the ambient IoT and information about a maximum operation time of the ambient IoT; transmitting the information about the maximum operation time and an ambient IoT operation execution instruction to a first reader among the plurality of readers; and when an ambient IoT operation completion report is received from the first reader or the maximum operation time has expired before the ambient IoT operation completion report is received, transmitting an ambient IoT operation stop instruction to the first reader, and transmitting the information about the maximum operation time and the ambient IoT operation execution instruction to a second reader among the plurality of readers.

Description

Method for controlling a reader based on operating time in a wireless communication system supporting ambient IOT devices and device therefor

[0001] The following description relates to a wireless communication system supporting an ambient IoT (Internet of Things), and more specifically, to a method for controlling a reader based on an operating time in a wireless communication system supporting an ambient IoT device, and to 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 controlling a reader based on an operating time in a wireless communication system supporting ambient IoT devices, and devices therefor.

[0011] In order to solve the above-described problem, another aspect of the present invention proposes a method for permanently deactivating an ambient IoT device in a wireless communication system and devices therefor.

[0012] In order to solve the above-described problem, another aspect of the present invention proposes a method for managing location information of an ambient IoT device in a wireless communication system and devices therefor.

[0013] 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.

[0014] In one aspect of the present invention for solving the above-described problem, a method performed by a network entity in a wireless communication system supporting an ambient IoT (Internet of Things) is proposed, the method comprising: receiving information about a plurality of readers supporting the ambient IoT and information about a maximum operation time of the ambient IoT; transmitting the information about the maximum operation time and an ambient IoT operation execution instruction to a first reader among the plurality of readers; and transmitting an ambient IoT operation stop instruction to the first reader when receiving an ambient IoT operation completion report from the first reader or when the maximum operation time expires before receiving the ambient IoT operation completion report, and transmitting the information about the maximum operation time and the ambient IoT operation execution instruction to a second reader among the plurality of readers.

[0015] Transmitting information about the maximum operation time and an instruction to perform the ambient IoT operation to the first reader may include transmitting an instruction to stop the ambient IoT operation to the remaining readers among the plurality of readers, excluding the first reader.

[0016] The above multiple readers may be included in the same inventory area.

[0017] The above plurality of readers can support Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) operation of the ambient IoT.

[0018] The coverage of at least two of the above plurality of readers may overlap.

[0019] Additionally, upon receiving ambient IoT deactivation information from an OAM (Operation Administration Maintenance) entity, an ambient IoT operation stop instruction may be transmitted to the plurality of readers.

[0020] Information about the plurality of readers and information about the maximum operating time of the ambient IoT can be received from an Operation Administration Maintenance (OAM) entity when the ambient IoT is activated.

[0021] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention may further include receiving a state change request message including a device identifier and a permanent deactivation indication from a UDM (Unified Data Manager Function) entity; transmitting a permanent deactivation command to an ambient IoT device corresponding to the device identifier; receiving a positive response to the permanent deactivation command from the ambient IoT device; and transmitting a state change response message including an acceptance response of the device identifier and the permanent deactivation indication to the UDM entity.

[0022] At this time, if a response to the permanent inactivity command is received, it may additionally include deleting information of the ambient IoT device from the list of ambient IoT devices managed by the network entity.

[0023] The above permanent inactivity command and the positive response to the above permanent inactivity command can be transmitted and received via a NAS (Non Access Stratum) message.

[0024] Meanwhile, in another aspect of the present invention for solving the above-described problem, a method is proposed, which is performed by a reader in a wireless communication system supporting an ambient IoT (Internet of Things), comprising: receiving information on a maximum operation time of an ambient IoT and an instruction to perform an ambient IoT operation from a network entity; transmitting an ambient IoT operation completion report to the network entity when the ambient IoT operation is completed within the maximum operation time; and receiving an instruction to stop an ambient IoT operation from the network entity in response to the ambient IoT operation completion report.

[0025] The above reader is one of a plurality of readers controlled by the network entity, and the plurality of readers may be included in the same inventory area.

[0026] The above plurality of readers can support Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) operation of the ambient IoT.

[0027] The coverage of at least two of the above plurality of readers may overlap.

[0028] In addition, in one embodiment of the present invention, a paging message is periodically transmitted to an ambient IoT device; an identifier of the ambient IoT device is received in response to the paging message, wherein a persistence timer is started when the ambient IoT device transmits the identifier of the ambient IoT device; and when the persistence timer expires, when an identifier of the ambient IoT device is received from the ambient IoT device in response to the paging message that is periodically transmitted, the persistence timer is additionally restarted in the ambient IoT device.

[0029] The above paging message may also include a Session Type Flag set to a value indicating an update.

[0030] In the above-described embodiment, the network entity may include an A-IoTF (Ambient - IoT Function) entity.

[0031] Meanwhile, in another aspect of the present invention for solving the above-described problem, a network entity of a wireless communication system supporting an ambient IoT (Internet of Things) 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 information about a plurality of readers supporting the ambient IoT and information about a maximum operation time of the ambient IoT; transmitting the information about the maximum operation time and an instruction to perform an ambient IoT operation to a first reader among the plurality of readers; And, when receiving an ambient IoT operation completion report from the first reader or when the maximum operation time expires before receiving the ambient IoT operation completion report, a network entity is proposed that includes transmitting an ambient IoT operation stop instruction to the first reader and transmitting information about the maximum operation time and an ambient IoT operation execution instruction to a second reader among the plurality of readers.

[0032] In addition, in another aspect of the present invention, a reader of a wireless communication system supporting an ambient IoT (Internet of Things) is proposed, comprising: 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: receiving information about a maximum operation time of an ambient IoT and an instruction to perform an ambient IoT operation from a network entity; transmitting an ambient IoT operation completion report to the network entity when the ambient IoT operation is completed within the maximum operation time; and receiving an instruction to stop an ambient IoT operation from the network entity in response to the ambient IoT operation completion report.

[0033] According to the embodiments of the present invention as described above, when the coverages of base stations performing the role of A-IoT readers overlap, efficient base station operation is induced, and thus, an increase in the efficiency of A-IoT can be expected.

[0034] Additionally, according to the embodiments of the present invention as described above, it is possible to permanently deactivate an A-IoT device and report information of the A-IoT device.

[0035] In addition, according to the embodiments of the present invention as described above, a method for managing location information of an A-IoT device in a wireless communication system and a device therefor can be provided.

[0036] Specifically, the A-IoT device can provide information for a tracking service by responding to a message from a base station with its own device ID based on certain conditions.

[0037] The effects that can be obtained from the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0038] Figure 1 is a diagram briefly summarizing the requirements of IoT devices considered by 3GPP.

[0039] 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.

[0040] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating scenarios for operating A-IoT devices.

[0041] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining the configuration of an A-IoT device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 5 is a drawing for explaining the operation method of an A-IoT device and base station according to the prior art.

[0043] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining an operation method of an A-IoT device and a base station according to the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a reader based on operating time in a wireless communication system supporting an A-IoT device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example in which an Access and mobility Management Function (AMF) entity controls multiple readers according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a state change of an A-IoT device according to the present invention.

[0047] FIG. 10 illustrates a signal flow diagram for switching an A-IoT device from an active state to an inactive state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating how AMF switches an A-IoT device from an active state to an inactive state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a periodic response process of an A-IoT device for location information update according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an aperiodic response process of an A-IoT device for location information update according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 14 illustrates a wireless device applicable to the present invention.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054]

[0055] As described above, in one aspect of the present invention, a method for operating an intermediate node supporting ambient IoT devices and devices therefor are proposed.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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).

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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).

[0061] 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).

[0062] 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).

[0063]

[0064] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining the configuration of an A-IoT device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] A-IoT devices can have various types, and the types of A-IoT devices currently being discussed in 3GPP standardization are as follows.

[0066] Device Type 1: 1uW power consumption, energy storage, and backscattering support.

[0067] Device Type 2a: 100 uW power consumption, energy storage, backscattering, DL and / or UL amplifier support

[0068] Device Type 2b: 100 uW power consumption, energy storage, active signal generation, DL and / or UL amplifier support

[0069] Figure 4 illustrates an example of a type 1 device among the types of A-IoT devices described above.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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).

[0074] 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.

[0075]

[0076] Motion time-based reader control

[0077] Figure 5 is a drawing for explaining the operation method of an A-IoT device and base station according to the prior art.

[0078] Referring to Fig. 5, on the other hand, in a wireless communication system supporting A-IoT, unlike a typical wireless communication system that selects the best base station, it can be seen that there is no base station selection process for the A-IoT device. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 5, if the location of the A-IoT device is at a point where the coverage of multiple readers, i.e., multiple base stations, overlaps, the A-IoT device may receive signals from multiple readers, i.e., base stations, and in such cases, the A-IoT device may have difficulty communicating properly.

[0079] To solve these problems, we propose a method for controlling a reader based on operating time in a wireless communication system supporting A-IoT devices.

[0080] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the operation of an A-IoT device and a base station according to the present invention. It is assumed that the location of the base station is registered with the OAM (Operation Administration Maintenance) unit. For convenience of explanation, the base station is referred to as a reader below.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 6, if there are multiple readers and the A-IoT function of each reader is activated and it is predicted that coverage between the readers will overlap, the OAM unit can transmit information about readers that will operate in a TDM (Time Division Multiplexing) manner and information about the maximum operation time to the AMF (Access and mobility Management Function) unit that communicates with the readers.

[0082] However, the present invention newly defines A-IoTF (Ambient IoT Function) as a new network entity for A-IoT service, and does not exclude the possibility of merging and performing some of the functions of AMF. For example, A-IoTF may perform some of the functions of AMF, such as connectivity of A-IoT RAN, inventory processing, device context management, and authentication management. However, in the following description, this specific network entity (AMF / A-IoTF) is assumed to be AMF for convenience, but it need not be interpreted in a limited manner.

[0083] Specifically, the determination of whether a reader has overlapping coverage can be made based on whether the reader is within the same inventory area. An inventory area refers to an area unit that manages A-IoT operations.

[0084] Furthermore, since each reader handles a different number of A-IoT devices, it is difficult to apply a uniform operating time. Therefore, it is desirable to provide information regarding the maximum operating time.

[0085] As shown in Fig. 6 (a), the AMF can transmit an operation execution instruction along with information about the maximum operation time to the reader that must operate, and can transmit an operation stop instruction to the remaining readers. Here, the operation execution instruction and the operation stop instruction can be transmitted using the N2 message. The reader that has received the operation execution instruction communicates with the A-IoT device within the maximum operation time, and if the reader determines that the communication is completed within the maximum operation time, the reader reports to the AMF that the communication is completed.

[0086] Additionally, when a communication completion message is reported from the currently operating reader or the maximum operation time has elapsed, the AMF can provide an operation execution instruction along with the maximum operation time to the next reader to operate, as shown in Fig. 6 (b).

[0087] The AMF unit may continue to provide maximum operation time and operation execution instructions to readers until it receives information from the OAM unit that the A-IoT function has been stopped or disabled. To this end, the AMF unit may transmit an operation stop instruction to all readers when it receives information from the OAM unit that the A-IoT function has been stopped or disabled.

[0088]

[0089] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a reader based on operating time in a wireless communication system supporting an A-IoT device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] Referring to FIG. 7, when the OAM unit activates the A-IoT function of each reader in step A05, if it is predicted that coverage between the readers will overlap, the OAM unit may transmit information about the readers and information about the maximum operating time to the AMF unit that communicates with the readers in step A10. In particular, the transmitted information about the readers may be information about readers that operate in a TDM (Time Division Multiplexing) manner.

[0091] Next, the AMF can transmit an operation execution instruction to the first reader to operate, i.e., the base station, along with information about the maximum operation time in step A15, and can transmit an operation stop instruction to the remaining readers in step A20. Here, the operation execution instruction and the operation stop instruction can be transmitted using the N2 message.

[0092] A reader that has received an action execution instruction communicates with an A-IoT device within the maximum action time, and if it determines that communication has been completed within the maximum action time, the reader reports to the AMF that communication has been completed.

[0093] Specifically, when a communication completion message is reported from the currently operating reader, such as in step A25, or the maximum operation time has elapsed, the AMF may instruct the currently operating reader to stop operation in step A30, and provide an operation execution instruction along with the maximum operation time to the next reader to operate in step A35.

[0094] The AMF unit may continue to provide the maximum operation time and operation execution instructions to the reader until it receives information from the OAM unit that the A-IoT function has been stopped or that the A-IoT function has been disabled.

[0095]

[0096] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example in which an Access and mobility Management Function (AMF) entity controls multiple readers according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0097] Referring to FIG. 8, the AMF entity receives information about a plurality of readers supporting the ambient IoT and information about a maximum operating time of the ambient IoT in step B05. Preferably, the information about the plurality of readers and the information about the maximum operating time of the ambient IoT may be received from an Operation Administration Maintenance (OAM) entity when the ambient IoT is activated.

[0098] In particular, the plurality of readers may be included in the same inventory area, so that the coverage of at least two of the plurality of readers may overlap. In particular, the ambient IoT must support Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) operation.

[0099] Next, the AMF entity transmits information about the maximum operation time and an instruction to perform an ambient IoT operation to a first reader among the plurality of readers in step B10. Furthermore, the AMF entity transmits an instruction to stop the ambient IoT operation to the remaining readers among the plurality of readers, excluding the first reader, in step B15.

[0100] Thereafter, when an ambient IoT operation completion report is received from the first reader, or when the maximum operation time expires before receiving the ambient IoT operation completion report, the AMF entity transmits an ambient IoT operation stop instruction to the first reader in step B20, and transmits information about the maximum operation time and an ambient IoT operation execution instruction to a second reader among the plurality of readers in step B25.

[0101] If, upon receiving ambient IoT deactivation information from the OAM (Operation Administration Maintenance) entity, the AMF entity transmits an ambient IoT operation stop instruction to the plurality of readers in step B30.

[0102]

[0103] Permanently disabled

[0104] Meanwhile, regarding A-IoT, 3GPP Rel-19 SA1 defines use cases and requirements, and 3GPP Rel-19 SA2 discusses network architecture to support A-IoT devices. Specifically, examining the requirements of TS 22.369 in 3GPP SA1, we can see that there is a demand for a mechanism to permanently disable A-IoT.

[0105] Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention discusses a method for permanently deactivating A-IoT devices, including for privacy protection, through network architecture. Furthermore, the permanent deactivation state itself is defined for permanent deactivation of A-IoT devices, and a mechanism for transitioning to this permanent deactivation state in a 5G system is discussed.

[0106] In particular, one embodiment of the present invention proposes to prevent wireless access to the identifier of an RFID tag in addition to the memory that may exist in the RFID tag through a Disable command or a Kill command.

[0107] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a state change of an A-IoT device according to the present invention.

[0108] Figure 9 illustrates an example of transitioning from an activated state to a deactivated state according to a Disable command of an application function (AF).

[0109] When an A-IoT device transitions to the deactivate state, the A-IoT device cannot register with a new wireless system and cannot operate permanently, thereby protecting the information of the A-IoT device.

[0110] FIG. 10 illustrates a signal flow diagram for switching an A-IoT device from an active state to an inactive state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0111] Step S1: The AF (application function) requests the NEF (Network Exposure Function) to permanently disable a specific A-IoT device through a State Request. The AF may include a device ID (device ID) in the State Request to identify the A-IoT device or a group of A-IoT devices.

[0112] Step S2: NEF requests the terminal to switch to permanent disabled state via UDM (Unified Data Manager Function) the A-IoT device information to check whether AF is allowed to request to switch to permanent disabled state of a specific A-IoT device.

[0113] Afterwards, UDM checks whether the State Request can be approved by considering AF information, State Request type, etc.

[0114] If it cannot be approved, UDM can notify NEF of the disapproval of the State Request through State Response, as in step S3. Hereinafter, it is assumed that the State Request is approved.

[0115] Step S4: The UDM determines the entity responsible for the State Request, such as the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) / AioTMF (A-IoT Management Function), and communicates with the responsible entity to forward the State Request to request a transition of the A-IoT device state, indicating the target state to be used. In the following, it is assumed that the UDM forwards the State Request to the AMF.

[0116] Step S5: The AMF transmits an NAS message to the A-IoT device indicating a new state to which the A-IoT device must transition. The NAS message is an A-IoT-related NAS message and may be specifically referred to as an A-IoT NAS message.

[0117] Step S6: The A-IoT device reports the results of the operation, such as indicating whether a state transition has occurred or reporting the current state of the A-IoT device, via a State Response. In particular, in step S6a, the A-IoT device transitions to the Deactivate state based on a request received from the network. An A-IoT device that transitions to the Deactivate state is permanently deactivated.

[0118] Step S7: The State Request result of the AMF / AIoTMF mentioned in Step S4 is transmitted to the UDM via a State Response. The State Request result transmitted via the State Response may be information indicating that the A-IoT device has changed its state to Deactivate.

[0119] In particular, in step S7a, the AMF / AIoTMF may delete information of the A-IoT device based on the action or result indicated by the A-IoT device. For example, if the State Request result is successful, the AMF may update the status of the A-IoT device, where the update includes deleting information of the A-IoT device. Of course, if the State Request result is not successful, the status of the A-IoT device may not be updated and may be stored as an update failure.

[0120] Step S8: UDM transmits the result of the request for A-IoT device status update (or current status report of A-IoT device) to NEF via State Response.

[0121] Step S9: Finally, NEF reports to AF whether the A-IoT device's Deactivate state has changed through State Response.

[0122]

[0123] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a process by which an AMF transitions an A-IoT device from an active state to an inactive state according to an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 11 describes only the signal transmission and reception between the AMF and the A-IoT device in the operation of FIG. 10.

[0124] Referring to FIG. 11, in step A05, the AMF entity receives a state change request message from the UDM entity, which includes a device identifier and a permanent deactivation indication. Here, the permanent deactivation indication included in the state change request message is triggered by the AF entity of the core network and is transmitted from the AF entity to the UDM entity via the NEF entity.

[0125] Next, in step A10, the AMF entity transmits a permanent deactivation command to the ambient IoT device corresponding to the device identifier via a Non Access Stratum (NAS) message (or A-IoT NAS message). Thereafter, in step A15, the AMF entity receives a positive response to the permanent deactivation command from the ambient IoT device via a Non Access Stratum (NAS) message (or A-IoT NAS message).

[0126] When a response to the permanent deactivation command is received, in step A20, the AMF entity transmits a state change response message including the device identifier and an acceptance response of the permanent deactivation instruction to the UDM entity. Here, the acceptance response of the permanent deactivation instruction may be the positive response received in step A15. In addition, the device identifier and the acceptance response of the permanent deactivation instruction included in the state change response message are transmitted from the UDM entity to the AF entity via the NEF entity.

[0127] Finally, the AMF entity deletes the information of the ambient IoT device from the list of ambient IoT devices managed by the AMF entity in step A20.

[0128]

[0129]

[0130] Method for managing location information of A-IoT devices

[0131] Meanwhile, when a UE according to the 5G standard connects to the network, the location where paging messages can be received can be specified in units of tracking areas through the UE's location registration, and if the UE is in an RRC connection (RRC_Connected) state, the UE's location can be confirmed in units of cells. In addition, in RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) technology, a reader located in a specific location can check the location information at each end of a logistics service by reading the ID of a tag, but it is impossible to confirm the location for the entire path that the tag moves.

[0132] On the other hand, A-IoT devices do not have a UICC (Universal Integrated Circuit Card), so unlike general UEs, they do not perform location registration procedures, and since the base station, i.e. the reader, does not connect RB (Radio Bearer) to each individual A-IoT device, location confirmation at the cell level is also impossible.

[0133] Additionally, RFID technology has a persistence timer associated with maintaining a session, which can determine whether to respond to a query message from a reader when the tag is located within the RF field. In addition, if the tag has not been supplied with RF energy for a certain period of time and then re-enters the RF field, the tag responds to a query message from the reader. On the other hand, if the mobile communication frequency that provides nationwide network service is used for A-IoT purposes, RF energy is always supplied to A-IoT devices, so it may be possible to provide a tracking service for A-IoT devices.

[0134] Based on these findings, the present invention proposes a method for providing tracking services for A-IoT devices. Specifically, the present invention proposes providing information for tracking services by having A-IoT devices respond to messages from a base station with their own device IDs according to predetermined conditions.

[0135]

[0136] 1. Components of an A-IoT-enabled wireless communication system that provides trekking services.

[0137] 1) Frequency bands that provide nationwide network coverage

[0138] In service areas where tracking capabilities are provided, energy harvesting operations via RF signals must always be possible.

[0139] 2) A-IoT devices that support persistence timers for maintaining sessions.

[0140] While the persistence timer is running, the A-IoT device does not respond to pseudo-paging messages from the base station. On the other hand, if a pseudo-paging message is received from the base station after the persistence timer has expired, the A-IoT device responds to the message.

[0141] 2. Conditions for A-IoT devices to respond to query messages from base stations for tracking services

[0142] A-IoT devices can provide information for tracking services by periodically or aperiodically transmitting responses to messages from a base station. In other words, location-related information for A-IoT devices can be updated periodically or aperiodically.

[0143] 1) Periodic Update

[0144] First, the present invention proposes a mobility technology that enables A-IoT devices to track their locations by periodically responding to pseudo-paging messages. In addition, the present invention proposes a technology that enables a base station to update the location information of an A-IoT device by transmitting the device ID that the A-IoT device periodically responds to pseudo-paging messages with, according to the operation of a persistence timer, along with location information (or cell ID) as a location report message to a core network.

[0145] Specifically, the base station informs the A-IoT device of the session configuration information through a select message or a query message.

[0146] The value of the persistence timer is determined according to the session settings defined in advance, and the actions taken upon start and expiration of the persistence timer are as follows: i) to iii).

[0147] i) The persistence timer is started after the A-IoT device transmits its device ID in response to the pseudo-paging message.

[0148] ii) If the persistence timer is running, the A-IoT device does not respond to pseudo-paging messages.

[0149] iii) When the persistence timer expires, the A-IoT device responds with a pseudo-paging message.

[0150] The base station provides information to the A-IoT device on whether it should respond to the pseudo-paging message based on whether the persistence timer has expired.

[0151] Specifically, if the base station sets the session type flag included in the pseudo-paging message to normal, the A-IoT device responds to the pseudo-paging message regardless of whether the persistence timer has expired.

[0152] On the other hand, if the base station sets the session type flag included in the pseudo-paging message to update, the A-IoT device responds to the pseudo-paging message only when the persistence timer has expired, and does not respond to the pseudo-paging message if the persistence timer has not expired.

[0153] Meanwhile, the base station transmits the device ID received from the A-IoT device to the core network via a paging response message or inventory response message.

[0154] Even if there is no paging message or inventory request message from the AF (Application Function) entity, the base station may periodically transmit a pseudo-paging message with the session type flag set to update. In this case, if the device ID responded by the A-IoT device is a response to the pseudo-paging message with the session type flag set to update, the base station may transmit the device ID and location information (or cell information) of the A-IoT device to the core network through a Location Report message instead of a paging response message or an inventory response message.

[0155] The AF entity can provide tracking services by periodically receiving location information by device ID from the core network.

[0156] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a periodic response process of an A-IoT device for location information update according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0157] Referring to FIG. 12, the A-IoT device periodically receives a pseudo-paging message from the base station in step A05. In particular, the pseudo-paging message includes a session type flag, and it is assumed that the session type flag is set to a value indicating update.

[0158] Next, in step A10, the A-IoT device transmits its device ID to the base station in response to the pseudo-paging message and starts the persistence timer.

[0159] If the persistence timer is running, no response is sent even if a pseudo-paging message is received.

[0160] That is, when a pseudo-paging message is received after the expiration of the persistence timer, such as in step A15, the device ID is transmitted to the base station in response thereto and the persistence timer is restarted.

[0161]

[0162] 2) Aperiodic Update or Normal Update

[0163] In the present invention, a technology is proposed in which a base station includes an inventory area code in a pseudo-paging message and transmits it to an A-IoT device, and in a case where a pre-stored inventory area code and an inventory area code received from the base station are different, the A-IoT device transmits a device ID to update location information according to the movement of the A-IoT device.

[0164] Specifically, the base station may transmit an inventory area code indicating the service provision area for each A-IoT service by including it in a pseudo-paging message.

[0165] The A-IoT device can store the inventory area code after responding with the device ID to a pseudo-paging message from a base station. In addition, if the A-IoT device receives a pseudo-paging message in which the session type flag is set to update, and the inventory area code is the same, the A-IoT device does not respond to the pseudo-paging message. If the A-IoT device receives a pseudo-paging message in which the inventory area code is different from the value stored in the A-IoT device due to a change in the location of the A-IoT device or other reasons, the A-IoT device responds with the device ID to the pseudo-paging message.

[0166] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an aperiodic response process of an A-IoT device for location information update according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0167] Referring to FIG. 13, in step B05, the A-IoT device receives a first pseudo-paging message including a first inventory area code from the base station, and in step B10, the A-IoT device can store the first inventory area code after responding with a device ID.

[0168] Continuing, at step B15, the A-IoT device receives a second pseudo-paging message from the base station that includes a second inventory area code.

[0169] If the second inventory area code is identical to the first inventory area code, the A-IoT device does not respond to the second pseudo-paging message. However, if the second inventory area code is different from the first inventory area code, the A-IoT device may store the second inventory area code after responding with the device ID in step B20. Preferably, the previously stored first inventory area code is replaced with the second inventory area code and stored.

[0170]

[0171] Device configuration

[0172] Figure 14 illustrates a wireless device to which the present technology can be applied.

[0173] 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.

[0174] 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.

[0175] 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). In addition, 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.

[0176] 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.

[0177] 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.

[0178] 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.

[0179] 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.

[0180]

[0181] 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.

[0182] 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.

[0183] The method for controlling a reader based on an operating time in a wireless communication system supporting an ambient IoT device according to the embodiments of the present invention as described above and the device 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.

Claims

1. A method performed by a network entity in a wireless communication system supporting Ambient IoT (Internet of Things), Receive information about a plurality of readers supporting the ambient IoT and information about the maximum operating time of the ambient IoT; Transmitting information about the maximum operation time and an instruction to perform an ambient IoT operation to a first reader among the plurality of readers; and When an ambient IoT operation completion report is received from the first reader, or when the maximum operation time has expired before receiving the ambient IoT operation completion report, transmitting an ambient IoT operation stop instruction to the first reader, and transmitting information about the maximum operation time and an ambient IoT operation execution instruction to a second reader among the plurality of readers. method.

2. In paragraph 1, Transmitting information about the maximum operation time and an instruction to perform the ambient IoT operation to the first reader, Including transmitting the ambient IoT operation stop instruction to the remaining readers excluding the first reader among the plurality of readers, method.

3. In paragraph 1, The above multiple readers are included in the same inventory area, method.

4. In paragraph 1, The above multiple readers, Supporting the Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) operation of the above ambient IoT, method.

5. In paragraph 1, The coverage of at least two readers among the plurality of readers overlaps, method.

6. In paragraph 1, When receiving ambient IoT deactivation information from an OAM (Operation Administration Maintenance) entity, transmitting an ambient IoT operation stop instruction to the plurality of readers. method.

7. In paragraph 1, Information about the plurality of readers and information about the maximum operating time of the ambient IoT, When the above ambient IoT is activated, it is received from the OAM (Operation Administration Maintenance) entity. method.

8. In paragraph 1, Receive a state change request message from a UDM (Unified Data Manager Function) entity, including a device identifier and a permanent inactivity indication; Transmitting a permanent inactivity command to an ambient IoT device corresponding to the above device identifier; Receive a positive response to the permanent inactivity command from the ambient IoT device; and Further comprising transmitting a state change response message including the device identifier and an acceptance response of the permanent inactivity indication to the UDM entity. method.

9. In paragraph 8, In addition, upon receiving a response to the permanent inactivity command, the method further includes deleting information of the ambient IoT device from the list of ambient IoT devices managed by the network entity. method.

10. In paragraph 8, The above permanent inactivity command and the positive response to the above permanent inactivity command are, Transmitted and received via NAS (Non Access Stratum) messages, method.

11. A method performed by a reader in a wireless communication system supporting Ambient IoT (Internet of Things), Receive information about the maximum operating time of ambient IoT and instructions to perform ambient IoT operations from a network entity; If the ambient IoT operation is completed within the above maximum operation time, an ambient IoT operation completion report is transmitted to the network entity; and In response to the ambient IoT operation completion report, comprising receiving an ambient IoT operation stop instruction from the network entity, method.

12. In paragraph 11, The above reader is one of a plurality of readers controlled by the above network entity, The above multiple readers are included in the same inventory area, method.

13. In paragraph 12, The above multiple readers, Supporting the Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) operation of the above ambient IoT, method.

14. In paragraph 12, The coverage of at least two readers among the plurality of readers overlaps, method.

15. In paragraph 11, Periodically send paging messages to ambient IoT devices; In response to the paging message, an identifier of the ambient IoT device is received, wherein a persistence timer is started when the ambient IoT device transmits the identifier of the ambient IoT device; and In addition, when the persistence timer expires, upon receiving an identifier of the ambient IoT device from the ambient IoT device in response to the paging message transmitted periodically, the persistence timer is restarted in the ambient IoT device. method.

16. In paragraph 11, The above paging message is, characterized in that it includes a Session Type Flag set to a value indicating an update; method.

17. In paragraph 1, The above network entity includes an A-IoTF (Ambient - IoT Function) entity. method.

18. In the network entity of a wireless 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, Receive information about a plurality of readers supporting the ambient IoT and information about the maximum operating time of the ambient IoT; Transmitting information about the maximum operation time and an instruction to perform an ambient IoT operation to a first reader among the plurality of readers; and When an ambient IoT operation completion report is received from the first reader, or when the maximum operation time has expired before receiving the ambient IoT operation completion report, transmitting an ambient IoT operation stop instruction to the first reader, and transmitting information about the maximum operation time and an ambient IoT operation execution instruction to a second reader among the plurality of readers. Network entity.

19. In a reader of a wireless 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, Receive information about the maximum operating time of ambient IoT and instructions to perform ambient IoT operations from a network entity; If the ambient IoT operation is completed within the above maximum operation time, an ambient IoT operation completion report is transmitted to the network entity; and In response to the ambient IoT operation completion report, comprising receiving an ambient IoT operation stop instruction from the network entity, reader.

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