Handling response to downlink message

Abstract

There is provided a method for handling a response to a downlink message. The method is performed by a first wireless device in a first area of a network. The method comprises, in response to receiving a first downlink message from a first entity of the network, initiating (102) transmission of a first response message towards the first entity if one or more conditions are met. The one or more conditions comprise a first condition. The first condition is met only if the first wireless device has not initiated transmission of first information to the first entity within a first time period preceding the receipt of the first downlink message.

Description

[0001] HANDLING RESPONSE TO DOWNLINK MESSAGE

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to methods for handling a response to a downlink message, and devices and entities configured to operate in accordance with those methods.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Wireless Internet of Things (loT) devices are often battery powered. As such, the battery lifetime, and the requirement to change the battery included in such devices, can be a concern for many potential applications for wireless loT devices, such as asset tracking or environmental / industrial sensors. For this reason, the wireless communications industry has been interested in so-called zero-energy (ZE) devices. ZE devices refer to wireless loT devices that do not require battery replacement, and often harvest energy from the environment. In some use cases, such as monitoring the temperature of foodstuffs, ZE devices may have small batteries that are disposable (e.g. organic, compostable batteries), rechargeable, or have very limited capacity.

[0006] These ZE devices can also be of very small form factor and can even be printable. ZE devices generally target ultra-low power consumption to enable operation based on either energy-harvesting from one or more ambient sources, or back-scattering communication (e.g. radio frequency identification (RFID)). That is, instead of relying on energy (e.g. for communication) being provided by a battery, a ZE device can instead harvest energy from an ambient source (e.g. by harvesting vibrations, solar power, radio frequency (RF) signals, etc.). Alternatively, a charge carrier wave can be provided to the ZE device, and the ZE device can modulate and reflect the wave back to a reader (e.g. in a back-scattering communication case). As such, a ZE device can benefit from energy autonomous operation during the lifetime of the device without the need for manual replacement, or charging of batteries. Compared to existing radio access technologies, the energy autonomous operation of ZE devices puts new requirements on radio interfaces and protocols.

[0007] Work related to Ambient-loT is ongoing in Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) study item (SI) RP-222685, “Study on Ambient loT”, and both active and passive tracks are being considered. The difference between active and passive tracks depends on whether uplink communication for an loT device (e.g. tag) relies on signals which are independently generated by the loT device. Specifically, an loT device is said to be active if the device is able to rely on independently generated signals. In contrast, an loT device is said to be passive if the device relies on modulation and backscattering of an incoming carrier wave. Passive loT devices usually have a much shorter range and a lower level of coverage than active loT devices. As such, the techniques associated with deployments for serving Ambient-loT use cases can differ depending on whether a passive or active device is involved. For example, a passive device scenario is currently being considered for a use case involving tracking inventory in a warehouse. However, due to the poor coverage of passive loT devices, only loT devices (e.g. tags) within a range of both a carrier wave emitter, and a backscattering reader (e.g. within ~10m or so of both), can be usefully utilised in such a use case. That is, as a consequence of the poor coverage of passive loT devices, only devices within a limited range will be able to successfully respond to a received carrier wave. Therefore, there are challenges associated with the use of some types of loT devices for certain use cases.

[0008] SUMMARY

[0009] As mentioned above, there are certain challenges associated with existing techniques for handling loT device use cases. In particular, a popular use case for Ambient-loT is an inventory use case. In this use case, loT devices can be utilised to keep track of goods and assets (e.g. in a delivery chain). The use of loT devices in such a use case can replace the use of barcodes or RFID tags. Specifically, the use of loT devices can enable the identification of assets (e.g. boxes) without the need to manually scan said assets, and thus provide for more efficient handling of inventory. A potential technique that is being considered for such a use case makes use of passive loT devices in the form of passively backscattering tags. This technique requires that an RF carrier wave is transmitted to a tag, and that the tag then modulates and reflects the signal (e.g. while adding a tag identifier (ID) to the signal) to then be read by a reader. However, this technique is associated with a relatively short range of operation (i.e. approximately 10m). Thus, such a technique is only suitable for scenarios in which a carrier wave transmitter and reader are located in close proximity to the tag. For example, a scenario in which assets (e.g. goods and / or boxes) arrive at a warehouse by passing through a gateway which acts as both carrier wave transmitter and reader. Since the coverage of this solution is relatively poor, the identification process implicitly provides positioning information of the tag (i.e. the tag must be located within approximately 10m of the reader at the point in time at which the reader reads the backscattered signal from the tag). For the same reason, in a large area containing multiple tags, not very many tags will respond to carrier wave transmission (e.g. paging from a network). As such, the use of (e.g. passive) loT devices for certain use cases exhibits a disadvantage in that signal coverage can be lower than desired.

[0010] Since the coverage offered by techniques involving active loT devices is better than those involving passive loT devices, active loT devices can be used to generate a response from a larger proportion of devices contained within an (e.g. large) area. That is, the use of active loT devices instead of passive loT device can enable more devices to respond to a paging message from a network. For example, in a scenario in which devices are located within a large area (e.g. a warehouse, or spread out over several square kilometres), the use of active loT devices can potentially allow all devices to respond to paging (i.e. and not only devices within a ~10m radius of a carrier wave transmitter and reader). As a result, paging can be a useful mechanism for finding and / or locating devices within an area. However, if all devices within the area always respond to every paging signal, congestion of uplink access resources (e.g. preamble overload and contention) can be caused. As such, the use of (e.g. active) loT devices for certain use cases can result in high levels of uplink congestion which can negatively impact the functionality of the network. Therefore, in summary, the use of loT devices for certain use cases has disadvantages associated with one or more of signal coverage and uplink congestion.

[0011] It is therefore an object of the disclosure to obviate or eliminate at least some of the above-described disadvantages associated with existing techniques.

[0012] Therefore, according to an aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a first method for handling a response to a downlink message. The first method is performed by a first wireless device in a first area of a network. The first method comprises, in response to receiving a first downlink message from a first entity of the network, initiating transmission of a first response message towards the first entity if one or more conditions are met. The one or more conditions comprise a first condition. The first condition is met only if the first wireless device has not initiated transmission of first information to the first entity within a first time period preceding the receipt of the first paging message.

[0013] In some examples, the first information may comprise a second response message associated with a second downlink message received from the first entity. In some examples, if the first wireless device has initiated transmission of the first information, the first method may comprise determining an amount of time elapsed between transmission initiation of the first information and the receipt of the first downlink message. In some examples, the first condition can be met if the determined amount of time is greater than the first time period. Alternatively, or in addition, in some examples, the first condition may not be met if the determined amount of time is less than or equal to the first time period.

[0014] In some examples in which the first wireless device has initiated transmission of the first information, the first method may comprise initiating a timer in response to initiating transmission of the first information. An initial value of the timer can correspond to the first time period. In some examples, the first condition can be met if the timer is expired upon receipt of the first downlink message. Alternatively, or in addition, the first condition may not be met if the timer has not expired upon receipt of the first downlink message. In some examples, the first method may comprise, if the first wireless device moves to a second area of the network, configuring the timer as expired. The second area can be different to the first area.

[0015] In some examples, the first response message and / or the first information may comprise an identifier of the first wireless device. Alternatively, or in addition, the first response message and / or the first information may comprise location information of the first wireless device. In examples in which the first response message comprises the location information of the first wireless device, the first method may comprise, in response to receiving the first downlink message, determining the location of the first wireless device. In some examples, the one or more conditions can comprise a second condition. The second condition can be met if the location of the first wireless device is determined. In some examples, the location information may be comprised in the first response message if a first criterion is met. the first criterion can be met if the location of the first wireless device has changed within a second time period preceding the receipt of the first downlink message.

[0016] In some examples, the first time period may be configured by the network. In some examples, the first method may comprise receiving second information indicative of a value of the first time period. In some examples, the one or more conditions may comprise a third condition. The third condition can be met if the first downlink message comprises one or more of: information indicative of an identifier of the first wireless device, information indicative of an identifier associated with a group of wireless devices, and information indicative of an identifier of a service associated with the first wireless device. The group of wireless devices can comprise the first wireless device.

[0017] In some examples, the one or more conditions may comprise a fourth condition. The fourth condition can be met if a status of the first wireless device meets a second criterion. In some examples, the first downlink message may comprise information indicative of the second criterion. In some examples, if the fourth condition is met, the first response message may comprise information indicative of the status of the first wireless device.

[0018] In some examples, the one or more conditions may comprise a fifth condition. The fifth condition can be met if a third time period has elapsed since transmission initiation of the first information. The third time period can correspond to a charging time for the first wireless device. The charging time can correspond to a time required for the first wireless device to charge from a first energy level to a fully charged state. The first energy level can correspond to a zero energy state of the first wireless device, or a minimum operational energy state of the first wireless device. In some examples, the first response message may comprise information indicative of an energy status of the first wireless device.

[0019] In some examples, the one or more conditions can comprise a sixth condition. The sixth condition can be met if third information is received from the first entity. The third information can be indicative of a request for the first wireless device to initiate transmission of the first response message regardless of whether the first condition is met. In some examples, the third information can comprise information indicative of a bitmask.

[0020] In some examples, the first downlink message may comprise a paging message, and / or a downlink command. In examples in which the first downlink message comprises a paging message, the paging message may comprise a paging request, or fourth information indicative that a response to the first paging message is not required. In some examples, the first area of the network may comprise one or more of a cell of the network, a cell group of the network, a beam of a cell of the network, a radio access network (RAN) registration area, a tracking area, and a service area.

[0021] In some examples, the first wireless device can be one of a plurality of wireless devices. In some examples, each wireless device of the plurality of wireless devices is associated with an object in a storage facility. In some examples, the first downlink message may comprise an inventory request.

[0022] In some examples, the first wireless device may comprise a user equipment (UE) an ambient loT device, and / or a zero energy device.

[0023] According to another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a second method for handling a response to a downlink message. The second method is performed by a first entity in a first area of a network. The second method comprises in response to transmitting a first downlink message towards a first wireless device of the network, receiving a first response message from the first wireless device if one or more conditions are met. The one or more conditions comprise a first condition. The first condition is met only if the first wireless device has not initiated transmission of first information to the first entity within a first time period preceding the receipt of the first downlink message.

[0024] In some examples, the first method may comprise configuring the first time period. In some examples, configuring the first time period may comprise initiating transmission of second information towards the first wireless device. The second information can be indicative of a value of the first time period.

[0025] According to another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a method performed by a system. The method performed by the system comprises the first method described earlier and the second method described earlier.

[0026] According to another aspect of the disclosure, there is also provided a first wireless device comprising processing circuitry configured to operate in accordance with the first method referred to herein. In some embodiments, the first wireless device may comprise at least one memory for storing instructions which, when executed by the processing circuitry, cause the first wireless device to operate in accordance with the first method referred to herein.

[0027] According to another aspect of the disclosure, there is also provided a first entity comprising processing circuitry configured to operate in accordance with the second method referred to herein. In some embodiments, the first entity may comprise at least one memory for storing instructions which, when executed by the processing circuitry, cause the first entity to operate in accordance with the second method referred to herein.

[0028] According to another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a system. The system comprises at least one first wireless device, as described earlier, and at least one first entity, as described earlier.

[0029] According to another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by processing circuitry, cause the processing circuitry to perform the first method referred to herein and / or the second method referred to herein.

[0030] According to another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a computer program product, embodied on a non-transitory machine-readable medium, comprising instructions which are executable by processing circuitry to cause the processing circuitry to perform the first method referred to herein and / or the second method referred to herein.

[0031] Thus, in the manner described above, improved techniques for handling a response to a downlink message are provided. Advantageously, the techniques can be applied to (e.g. 3GPP) loT use cases such as automatic inventory, asset tracking, etc., in order to obviate issues with current loT techniques, such as uplink congestion. Indeed, a first wireless device in a first area of a network will only initiate transmission of a response message, in response to receiving a downlink message, if one or more conditions are met. Since the one or more conditions comprise a first condition which is only met if the wireless device has not initiated transmission of first information towards a first entity of the network within a first time period preceding the receipt of the downlink message, unnecessary responses are avoided and thus network congestion is reduced.

[0032] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a better understanding of the techniques, and to show how they may be put into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0033] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a first wireless device according to an embodiment;

[0034] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating a method performed by the first wireless device according to an embodiment;

[0035] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating a first entity according to an embodiment;

[0036] Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating a method performed by the first entity according to an embodiment;

[0037] Figures 5 to 8 are block diagrams illustrating a method performed by the first wireless device according to some embodiments;

[0038] Figure 9 is a block diagram illustrating a method performed by the first entity according to an embodiment; and

[0039] Figure 10 is a block diagram illustrating a computer program product according to an embodiment.

[0040] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Generally, all terms used herein are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the relevant technical field, unless a different meaning is clearly given and / or is implied from the context in which it is used. All references to a / an / the element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc. are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of the element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise. The steps of any methods disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless a step is explicitly described as following or preceding another step and / or where it is implicit that a step must follow or precede another step. Any feature of any of the embodiments disclosed herein may be applied to any other embodiment, wherever appropriate. Likewise, any advantage of any of the embodiments may apply to any other embodiments, and vice versa. Other objectives, features and advantages of the enclosed embodiments will be apparent from the following description.

[0042] Some of the embodiments contemplated herein will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Other embodiments, however, are contained within the scope of the subject-matter disclosed herein, the disclosed subject-matter should not be construed as limited to only the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of example to convey the scope of the subject-matter to those skilled in the art.

[0043] In some instances, detailed descriptions of well-known methods, entities, interfaces, circuits, and devices are omitted so as not obscure the description with unnecessary detail. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the functions described may be implemented in one or more entities using hardware circuitry (e.g., analogue and / or discrete logic gates interconnected to perform a specialized function, ASICs, PLAs, etc.) and / or using software programs and data in conjunction with one or more digital microprocessors or general purpose computers. Entities that communicate using the air interface also have suitable radio communications circuitry. Moreover, where appropriate the technology can additionally be considered to be embodied entirely within any form of computer-readable memory, such as solid-state memory, magnetic disk, or optical disk containing an appropriate set of computer instructions that would cause a processor to carry out the techniques described herein.

[0044] As described herein, there are described herein techniques performed by a first wireless device. As used herein, a wireless device (e.g. the first wireless device referred to herein) may refer to a device capable, configured, arranged and / or operable to communicate wirelessly with network nodes and / or other wireless devices (e.g. user equipment (UE)). Examples of a wireless device include, but are not limited to, a smart phone, mobile phone, cell phone, voice over IP (VoIP) phone, wireless local loop phone, desktop computer, personal digital assistant (PDA), wireless camera, gaming console or device, music storage device, playback appliance, wearable terminal device, wireless endpoint, mobile station, tablet, laptop, laptop-embedded equipment (LEE), laptopmounted equipment (LME), smart device, wireless customer-premise equipment (CPE), vehicle, vehicle-mounted or vehicle embedded / integrated wireless device, etc. Other examples include any wireless device identified by the 3GPP. A wireless device (e.g. the first wireless device), as referred to herein, may comprise one or more of a UE, an Ambient loT device, and a zero energy (ZE) device. Work related to Ambient-loT is ongoing in Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) study item (SI) RP-222685, “Study on Ambient loT”. An excerpt from this SI is provided below.

[0045] As described earlier, the first wireless device referred to herein is in a first area of a network. The network referred to herein can be any type of network. For example, the network referred to herein may be a communications or telecommunications network. In some embodiments, the network referred to herein can be a mobile network, such as a fifth generation (5G) mobile network or any other generation mobile network (e.g. 6G). In some embodiments, the network referred to herein can be a core network (e.g. a 5G core (5GC) network) or a radio access network (RAN). In some embodiments, the network referred to herein can be a virtual network or an at least partially virtual network. Although some examples have been provided for the type of network referred to herein, it will be understood that the network referred to herein can be any other type of network.

[0046] Figure 1 illustrates a first wireless device 10 in a first area of a network in accordance with an embodiment. The first wireless device 10 is for handling a response to a downlink message. In some embodiments, the first wireless device 10 referred to herein can refer to equipment capable, configured, arranged and / or operable to communicate directly or indirectly with the first entity referred to herein, and / or with other nodes or equipment to enable and / or to perform the functionality described herein. In some embodiments, the first wireless device 10 referred to herein can, for example, be a physical node (e.g. a physical machine or server) or a virtual node (e.g. a virtual machine, VM). As mentioned herein, in some examples, the first wireless device may be one or more of a UE, an Ambient-loT device, and a zero energy (ZE) device. In examples in which the first wireless device 10 is an Ambient-loT device, the first wireless device 10 may be an active Ambient-loT device, or a passive Ambient-loT device.

[0047] As illustrated in Figure 1 , the first wireless device 10 comprises processing circuitry (or logic) 12. The processing circuitry 12 controls the operation of the first wireless device 10 and can implement the method described herein in respect of the first wireless device 10. The processing circuitry 12 can be configured or programmed to control the first wireless device 10 in the manner described herein. The processing circuitry 12 can comprise one or more hardware components, such as one or more processors, one or more processing units, one or more multi-core processors and / or one or more modules. In particular implementations, each of the one or more hardware components can be configured to perform, or is for performing, individual or multiple steps of the method described herein in respect of the first wireless device 10. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 12 can be configured to run software to perform the method described herein in respect of the first wireless device 10. The software may be containerised according to some embodiments. Thus, in some embodiments, the processing circuitry 12 may be configured to run a container to perform the method described herein in respect of the first wireless device 10.

[0048] Briefly, the processing circuitry 12 of the first wireless device 10 is configured to, in response to receiving a first downlink message from a first entity of the network, initiate transmission of a first response message towards the first entity if one or more conditions are met. The one or more conditions comprise a first condition. The first condition is met only if the first wireless device has not initiated transmission of first information to the first entity within a first time period preceding the receipt of the first downlink message. As illustrated in Figure 1 , in some embodiments, the first wireless device 10 may optionally comprise a memory 14. The memory 14 of the first wireless device 10 can comprise a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory. In some embodiments, the memory 14 of the first wireless device 10 may comprise a non-transitory media. Examples of the memory 14 of the first wireless device 10 include, but are not limited to, a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a mass storage media such as a hard disk, a removable storage media such as a compact disk (CD) or a digital versatile disk (DVD), and / or any other memory.

[0049] The processing circuitry 12 of the first wireless device 10 can be communicatively coupled (e.g. connected) to the memory 14 of the first wireless device 10. In some embodiments, the memory 14 of the first wireless device 10 may be for storing program code or instructions which, when executed by the processing circuitry 12 of the first wireless device 10, cause the first wireless device 10 to operate in the manner described herein in respect of the first wireless device 10. For example, in some embodiments, the memory 14 of the first wireless device 10 may be configured to store program code or instructions that can be executed by the processing circuitry 12 of the first wireless device 10 to cause the first wireless device 10 to operate in accordance with the method described herein in respect of the first wireless device 10. Alternatively or in addition, the memory 14 of the first wireless device 10 can be configured to store any information, data, messages, requests, responses, indications, notifications, signals, or similar, that are described herein. The processing circuitry 12 of the first wireless device 10 may be configured to control the memory 14 of the first wireless device 10 to store any of the information, data, messages, requests, responses, indications, notifications, signals, or similar, that are described herein.

[0050] In some embodiments, as illustrated in Figure 1 , the first wireless device 10 may optionally comprise a communications interface 16. The communications interface 16 of the first wireless device 10 can be communicatively coupled (e.g. connected) to the processing circuitry 12 of the first wireless device 10 and / or the memory 14 of the first wireless device 10. The communications interface 16 of the first wireless device 10 may be operable to allow the processing circuitry 12 of the first wireless device 10 to communicate with the memory 14 of the first wireless device 10 and / or vice versa. Similarly, the communications interface 16 of the first wireless device 10 may be operable to allow the processing circuitry 12 of the first wireless device 10 to communicate with any one or more nodes (e.g. first entity) referred to herein and / or any other node. The communications interface 16 of the first wireless device 10 can be configured to transmit and / or receive any of the information, data, messages, requests, responses, indications, notifications, signals, or similar, that are described herein. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 12 of the first wireless device 10 may be configured to control the communications interface 16 of the first wireless device 10 to transmit and / or receive any of the information, data, messages, requests, responses, indications, notifications, signals, or similar, that are described herein.

[0051] Although the first wireless device 10 is illustrated in Figure 1 as comprising a single memory 14, it will be appreciated that the first wireless device 10 may comprise at least one memory (i.e. a single memory or a plurality of memories) 14 that operate in the manner described herein. Similarly, although the first wireless device 10 is illustrated in Figure 1 as comprising a single communications interface 16, it will be appreciated that the first wireless device 10 may comprise at least one communications interface (i.e. a single communications interface or a plurality of communications interfaces) 16 that operate in the manner described herein. It will also be appreciated that Figure 1 only shows the components required to illustrate an embodiment of the first wireless device 10 and, in practical implementations, the first wireless device 10 may comprise additional or alternative components to those shown.

[0052] Figure 2 illustrates a method performed by a first wireless device 10 in a first area of a network in accordance with an embodiment. The method is for handling a response to a downlink message. The first wireless device 10 described earlier with reference to Figure 1 can be configured to operate in accordance with the method of Figure 2. The method can be performed by or under the control of the processing circuitry 12 of the first wireless device 10 according to some embodiments.

[0053] With reference to Figure 2, at block 102, in response to receiving a first downlink message from a first entity of the network, transmission of a first response message is initiated towards the first entity if one or more conditions are met. Herein, the term “initiate” can mean, for example, cause or establish. Thus, the first wireless device 10 (e.g. the processing circuitry 12 of the first wireless device 10) can be configured to itself transmit the first response message (e.g. via the communications interface 16 of the first wireless device 10) or can be configured to cause another entity to transmit the first response message. The one or more conditions comprise a first condition. The first condition is met only if the first wireless device 10 has not initiated transmission of first information to the first entity within a first time period preceding the receipt of the first downlink message.

[0054] A downlink message, as referred to herein, can be defined as any message that is received by the first wireless device 10 from the network (e.g. the first entity referred to herein). As such, any messages received by the first wireless device 10 may be said to be received “via downlink”. Conversely, any signals transmitted towards (e.g. the first entity of) the network can be referred to herein as an uplink signal. For example, the first response message referred to herein can be said to be an uplink message. As such, any messages transmitted by the first wireless device 10 may be said to be transmitted “via uplink”.

[0055] As mentioned herein, transmission of the first response message is initiated only if one or more conditions are met. Thus, the transmission initiation of the first response message can be said to be conditional. The first response message can be a response to the first downlink message. For example, the first response message can be an uplink response transmitted in response to receiving the first downlink message. The first downlink message can be a paging message according to some examples. As also mentioned herein, the one or more conditions comprise a first condition which is met only if the first wireless device 10 has not initiated transmission of first information to the first entity within a first time period preceding the receipt of the first downlink message.

[0056] In some examples, the first information may comprise a second response message associated with (e.g. a response to) a second downlink message received from the first entity. The second downlink can be received prior to the receipt of the first downlink message. As such, in some examples, the second response message referred to herein can be transmitted before the receipt of the first downlink message referred to herein. The second downlink message can be a paging message according to some embodiments.

[0057] In some examples, the transmission of the first information may correspond to a successful transmission towards the first entity. Thus, in some examples, the first wireless device 10 may only respond to the first downlink message if the first wireless device 10 has not already responded to a downlink message and / or had successful transmission to the network (e.g. the first entity) during a time corresponding to the first time period. The first time period can be referred to herein as “T_response”. As mentioned herein, the first downlink message may be a paging message. Therefore, in some examples, initiating transmission of the first response message can be referred to herein as responding to paging. An exemplary paging message is described by way of the following syntax:

[0058] - ASN1 START

[0059] - TAG-PAGING-START

[0060] Paging ::= SEQUENCE { pagingRecordList PagingRecordList OPTIONAL, - Need N lateNonCriticalExtension OCTET STRING OPTIONAL, nonCritical Extension Paging-v1700-IEs OPTIONAL

[0061] Paging-v1700-IEs ::= SEQUENCE pagingRecordList-v1700 PagingRecordList-v1700 OPTIONAL, - Need N pagingGroupList-r17 PagingGroupList-r17 OPTIONAL, - Need N nonCritical Extension Paging-v19xy-IEs OPTIONAL

[0062] }

[0063] Paging-v19xy-IEs ::= SEQUENCE pagingRecordList-v19xy PagingRecordList-v19xy OPTIONAL, - Need N nonCritical Extension SEQUENCE {} OPTIONAL

[0064] }

[0065] PagingRecordList ::= SEQUENCE (SIZE(1..maxNrofPageRec)) OF PagingRecord

[0066] PagingRecordList-v1700 ::= SEQUENCE (SIZE(1..maxNrofPageRec)) OF PagingRecord-v1700

[0067] PagingGroupList-r17 ::= SEQUENCE (SIZE(1 ..maxNrofPageGroup- r17)) OF TMGI-r17 PagingRecordList-v19xy ::= SEQUENCE (SIZE(1..maxNrofPageRec)) OF

[0068] PagingRecord-v19xy

[0069] PagingRecord ::= SEQUENCE { ue-ldentity PagingUE-ldentity, accessType ENUMERATED {non3GPP} OPTIONAL, - Need N

[0070] }

[0071] PagingRecord-v1700 ::= SEQUENCE { pagingCause-r17 ENUMERATED {voice} OPTIONAL - Need N

[0072] }

[0073] PagingUE-ldentity ::= CHOICE { ng-5G-S-TMSI NG-5G-S-TMSI, fulll-RNTI l-RNTI-Value,

[0074] PagingRecord-v19xy ::= SEQUENCE { service-id INTEGER (1..8) OPTIONAL - Need N service-Status ENUMERATED {inProduction, inDelivery,

[0075] Deliverd, Lost} OPTIONAL

[0076] }

[0077] - TAG-PAGING-STOP

[0078] - ASN1STOP

[0079] In a specific example in which the first wireless device 10 is associated with an asset (e.g. a box), the first area of the network is associated with a storage facility (e.g. warehouse), and the first downlink message comprises a paging message, if the first wireless device 10 has already transmitted a second response message in response to a second downlink message (e.g. comprising a paging message) within the first time period (e.g. T_response), the first condition is not met. As a result, the first wireless device 10 does not initiate transmission of the first response message (e.g. via uplink). In this example, the use of the first condition can ensure that only first wireless devices associated with newly arrived assets (e.g. boxes) in the storage facility initiate transmission of a first response message in response to receiving a first downlink message. As such, uplink congestion in the network is reduced. That is, an uplink synchronised access peak can be handled in a more convenient manner. In the example mentioned above, the purpose of the first downlink message can be to determine the location of the first wireless device 10 in the storage facility. However, since the first wireless device 10 has previously transmitted the second response message within the first time period preceding the receipt of the first downlink message, the network (e.g. the first entity referred to herein) is already aware of the location of the first wireless device 10 (e.g. implicitly on a cell or beam synchronization signal block (SSB) level, and / or using positioning). As such, there is no need for the first wireless device 10 to initiate transmission of the first response message (e.g. comprising the same information as comprised in the second response message).

[0080] In a (e.g. cellular) network, a wireless device may respond to a paging message (e.g. paging request) if an identifier (e.g. “UE_ID”) of the wireless device is included in (e.g. a paging record of) the paging message. Therefore, the paging message can comprise information indicative of which devices are being targeted for paging. In some examples, the first downlink message referred to herein, and / or the second downlink message referred to herein, may comprise information indicative of an identifier of the first wireless device 10. For example, the first downlink message can comprise the identifier (ID) of the first wireless device 10. In some examples, the first downlink message referred to herein, and / or the second downlink message referred to herein, may comprise information indicative of an identifier associated with a group of wireless devices. The group of wireless devices can comprise the first wireless device 10.

[0081] In some examples, the one or more conditions referred to herein may comprise a third condition. In some of these examples, the third condition may be met if the first downlink information comprises one or more of information indicative of the identifier of the first wireless device 10, information indicative of the identifier associated with the group of wireless devices, and information indicative of an identifier of a service associated with the first wireless device 10. The service may be a service that the first wireless device 10 is configured to provide. The information indicative of the identifier associated with a group of wireless devices may be a group ID. As such, the third condition may be met if the first wireless device 10 is affiliated with the group ID. The first wireless device 10 may be configured (e.g. affiliated) with one or more group IDs. The group ID may be associated with a service group and / or an inventory group ID according to some examples. In examples in which the first downlink message comprises a paging message, the information indicative of the identifier of the first wireless device 10, the information indicative of the identifier associated with a group of wireless devices, and / or the information indicative of an identifier of the service, may be comprised in a paging record of the first downlink message.

[0082] As mentioned above, in some examples, the third condition may be met if the first downlink message comprises information indicative of an identifier of a service associated with the first wireless device 10. The information indicative of the identifier of the service may be referred to as a service ID. The first wireless device 10 can be (pre)configured with one or more service IDs. In some examples, an inventory service indication may be comprised in the information indicative of the identifier of the service. In these examples, if the first wireless device 10 is (pre)configured with conditional response for this inventory service, the third condition may be met.

[0083] Each of the one or more group IDs, and / or each of the one or more service IDs, can be associated with a different (e.g. value of) first time period. As such, the amount of time comprised in the first time period, as referred to herein, may depend on the group ID and / or the service ID comprised in the first downlink message.

[0084] In an example, the first wireless device 10 can be configured with multiple service IDs, as exemplified by the following abstract syntax notation one (ASN.1) for radio resource control (RRC):

[0085] CondlllResponselnfoSetList ::= SEQUENCE (SIZE(1..maxConditionalUIResponse)) OF ConditionalUIReponse

[0086] ConditionalUIReponse ::= SEQUENCE { service-id Service-Id, t3xy-condUIRespne ENUMERATED {ml, m5, m15, m60, m240} OPTIONAL - Need S }

[0087] In some examples, both the first condition, as defined herein, and the third condition, as defined herein, may need to be met in order for the one or more conditions, as referred to herein, to be met.

[0088] In some examples, the one or more conditions may comprise a fourth condition, and the fourth condition may be met if a status of the first wireless device 10 meets a second criterion. In some examples, the first downlink message can comprise information indicative of the second criterion. That is, the second criterion may be (e.g. dynamically) indicated in the first downlink message (e.g. paging message) and may indicate which status(es) of the first wireless device 10 meet the second criterion. The status of the first wireless device 10 can correspond to a state of the first wireless device 10. For example, the status of the first wireless device 10 can comprise an “in production” status, a “ready for delivery” status, an “in delivery / transit” status, a “return” status, a “lost” status, etc. In a particular example in which the first wireless device 10 is associated with an object of a storage facility, the second criterion may not be met if the status of the first wireless device 10 is a “delivered” status (i.e. since the object has already been delivered to a customer and is therefore no longer present in the storage facility). In this example, the fourth condition is not met and thus transmission of a first response message is not initiated. As such, the techniques can be used to avoid unnecessary responses from wireless devices.

[0089] In some examples, each of the first condition, as defined herein, the third condition, as defined herein, and the fourth condition, as defined herein, may need to be met in order for the one or more conditions, as referred to herein, to be met. For example, the first wireless device 10 may only initiate transmission of the first response message, as referred to herein, if a specific group ID is comprised in the first downlink message, the status of the first wireless device 10 meets the second criterion, and the first condition is met.

[0090] Different wireless devices may have different energy storage capabilities (e.g. from a few millijoules to hundreds of millijoules) and may rely on different energy sources for harvesting (e.g. solar, indoor light, RF, vibration, etc.). Furthermore, depending on energy harvesting efficiency, and / or harvesting area, at the wireless device, the amount of energy harvested in a unit time can vary. Consequently, the charging duration and the operating period (i.e. the amount of time the UE can perform communication, such as transmit and / or receive, on a full charge) may be different among wireless devices. Therefore, after performing a communication (e.g. responding to paging via uplink), each device may have to wait a certain charging duration before it can perform another communication.

[0091] In some examples, the one or more conditions referred to herein may comprise a fifth condition. In these examples, the fifth condition may be met if a third time period has elapsed since transmission initiation of the first information, as described herein. The third time period can correspond to a charging time for the first wireless device 10. The charging time can be referred to herein as a charging duration and / or T_charge. Therefore, the techniques described herein can be made energy aware. The charging time can correspond to a time required for the first wireless device 10 to charge from a first energy level to a fully charged state. The first energy level may correspond to a zero energy state of the first wireless device 10. As such, in some examples, the charging time may correspond to a first-time charging duration (e.g. time to charge an energy storage of the first wireless device 10 from an empty state to the fully charged state). In some examples, the first energy level may correspond to a minimum operational energy state of the first wireless device. As such, in some examples, the charging time can correspond to a time to recharge from a minimum operating voltage of the first wireless device 10 to the fully charged state. The charging time can be specific to a particular wireless device (e.g. the first wireless device 10 referred to herein), a group of devices in an (e.g. geographical) area, and / or to all devices in a (e.g. geographical) area.

[0092] In some examples, both the first condition, as referred to herein, and the fifth condition, as referred to herein, may need to be met in order for the one or more conditions, as referred to herein, to be met. Therefore, in some examples, the transmission of the first response message, as referred to herein, can be conditional on whether the fifth condition is met. For example, in some examples, the first wireless device 10 may not initiate transmission of the first response message if the fifth condition is not met (e.g. if a time T_charge has not elapsed between receiving the first downlink message and transmission initiation of the first information, as referred to herein).

[0093] The charging time may be (pre)configured at the first wireless device 10. In some examples, the first time period, as defined herein, may be longer than the third time period (e.g. so that the first wireless device 10 has time to charge before responding to the first downlink message).

[0094] Figure 3 illustrates a first entity 20 of a first area of a network in accordance with an embodiment. The first entity 20 is for handling a response to a downlink message. In some embodiments, the first entity 20 referred to herein can refer to equipment capable, configured, arranged and / or operable to communicate directly or indirectly with the first wireless device 10 referred to herein, and / or with other nodes or equipment to enable and / or to perform the functionality described herein. In some embodiments, the first entity 20 referred to herein can, for example, be a physical node (e.g. a physical machine or server) or a virtual node (e.g. a virtual machine, VM). In some examples, the first entity 20 referred to herein may be a network node, and / or a base station.

[0095] As illustrated in Figure 3, the first entity 20 comprises processing circuitry (or logic) 22. The processing circuitry 22 controls the operation of the first entity 20 and can implement the method described herein in respect of the first entity 20. The processing circuitry 22 can be configured or programmed to control the first entity 20 in the manner described herein. The processing circuitry 22 can comprise one or more hardware components, such as one or more processors, one or more processing units, one or more multi-core processors and / or one or more modules. In particular implementations, each of the one or more hardware components can be configured to perform, or is for performing, individual or multiple steps of the method described herein in respect of the first entity 20. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 22 can be configured to run software to perform the method described herein in respect of the first entity 20. The software may be containerised according to some embodiments. Thus, in some embodiments, the processing circuitry 22 may be configured to run a container to perform the method described herein in respect of the first entity 20.

[0096] Briefly, the processing circuitry 22 of the first entity 20 is configured to, in response to transmitting a first downlink message towards a first wireless device 10 of the network, receive a first response message from the first wireless device 10 if one or more conditions are met. The one or more conditions comprise a first condition. The first condition is met only if the first wireless device 10 has not initiated transmission of first information to the first entity within a first time period preceding the receipt of the first downlink message. As illustrated in Figure 3, in some embodiments, the first entity 20 may optionally comprise a memory 24. The memory 24 of the first entity 20 can comprise a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory. In some embodiments, the memory 24 of the first entity 20 may comprise a non-transitory media. Examples of the memory 24 of the first entity 20 include, but are not limited to, a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a mass storage media such as a hard disk, a removable storage media such as a compact disk (CD) or a digital versatile disk (DVD), and / or any other memory.

[0097] The processing circuitry 22 of the first entity 20 can be communicatively coupled (e.g. connected) to the memory 24 of the first entity 20. In some embodiments, the memory 24 of the first entity 20 may be for storing program code or instructions which, when executed by the processing circuitry 22 of the first entity 20, cause the first entity 20 to operate in the manner described herein in respect of the first entity 20. For example, in some embodiments, the memory 24 of the first entity 20 may be configured to store program code or instructions that can be executed by the processing circuitry 22 of the first entity 20 to cause the first entity 20 to operate in accordance with the method described herein in respect of the first entity 20. Alternatively or in addition, the memory 24 of the first entity 20 can be configured to store any information, data, messages, requests, responses, indications, notifications, signals, or similar, that are described herein. The processing circuitry 22 of the first entity 20 may be configured to control the memory 24 of the first entity 20 to store any of the information, data, messages, requests, responses, indications, notifications, signals, or similar, that are described herein.

[0098] In some embodiments, as illustrated in Figure 3, the first entity 20 may optionally comprise a communications interface 26. The communications interface 26 of the first entity 20 can be communicatively coupled (e.g. connected) to the processing circuitry 22 of the first entity 20 and / or the memory 24 of the first entity 20. The communications interface 26 of the first entity 20 may be operable to allow the processing circuitry 22 of the first entity 20 to communicate with the memory 24 of the first entity 20 and / or vice versa. Similarly, the communications interface 26 of the first entity 20 may be operable to allow the processing circuitry 22 of the first entity 20 to communicate with any one or more nodes (e.g. the first wireless device 10) referred to herein and / or any other node. The communications interface 26 of the first entity 20 can be configured to transmit and / or receive any of the information, data, messages, requests, responses, indications, notifications, signals, or similar, that are described herein. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 22 of the first entity 20 may be configured to control the communications interface 26 of the first entity 20 to transmit and / or receive any of the information, data, messages, requests, responses, indications, notifications, signals, or similar, that are described herein.

[0099] Although the first entity 20 is illustrated in Figure 3 as comprising a single memory 24, it will be appreciated that the first entity 20 may comprise at least one memory (i.e. a single memory or a plurality of memories) 24 that operate in the manner described herein. Similarly, although the first entity 20 is illustrated in Figure 3 as comprising a single communications interface 26, it will be appreciated that the first entity 20 may comprise at least one communications interface (i.e. a single communications interface or a plurality of communications interfaces) 26 that operate in the manner described herein. It will also be appreciated that Figure 3 only shows the components required to illustrate an embodiment of the first entity 20 and, in practical implementations, the first entity 20 may comprise additional or alternative components to those shown.

[0100] Figure 4 illustrates a method performed by a first entity 20 in a first area of a network in accordance with an embodiment. The method is for handling a response to a downlink message. The first entity 20 described earlier with reference to Figure 3 can be configured to operate in accordance with the method of Figure 4. The method can be performed by or under the control of the processing circuitry 22 of the first entity 20 according to some embodiments.

[0101] With reference to Figure 4, at block 112, in response to transmitting a first downlink message towards a first wireless device 10 of the network, a first response message is received from the first wireless device 10 if one or more conditions are met. The one or more conditions comprise a first condition. The first condition is met only if the first wireless device 10 has not initiated transmission of first information to the first entity 20 within a first time period preceding the receipt of the first downlink message. Each of the first downlink message, the first wireless device 10, the first response message, the one or more conditions, and the first time period can be as described herein.

[0102] As mentioned herein, in some examples, the one or more conditions referred to herein may comprise a fifth condition. In these examples, the fifth condition may be met if a third time period has elapsed since transmission initiation of the first information, as described herein. The third time period can correspond to a charging time for the first wireless device 10. In some examples, the charging time may be configured (e.g. set) by the network (e.g. by the first entity 20). For example, the first entity 20 (e.g. of a communication service provider (CSP)) may obtain (e.g. get) time charging information from a datasheet of the first wireless device 10. The first entity 20 may use this information as an input for configuring the value of the third time period. In an example, multiple wireless devices within a warehouse (e.g. each serving the same use case) are likely to be from one or a few vendors, and hence it may be relatively straightforward for the first entity 20 (e.g. of a CSP) to obtain the charging time information. In some examples, the first wireless device 10 may report its charging time to the network (e.g. first entity 20). The first wireless device 10 may receive a request (e.g. from the first entity 20) to provide information indicative of the charging time. The request to provide information indicative of the charging time can be comprised in the first downlink message, as referred to herein.

[0103] In some examples, the first downlink message may comprise a request for an energy status (e.g. of the first wireless device 10). Alternatively, or in addition, the first downlink message may comprise system information which may indicate to the first wireless device 10 that energy status information be reported to the network (e.g. the first entity 20). Thus, the first downlink message can act as a trigger for reporting the energy status of the first wireless device 10 (e.g. via uplink response). The first response message, as defined herein, may comprise information indicative of the energy status of the first wireless device 10. The energy status may comprise information indicative of the charging time for the first wireless device 10. The network (e.g. the first entity 20) may (re)configure (e.g. update) the third time period based on the energy status of the first wireless device 10. The (re)configuration can be periodic (e.g. based on received response messages transmitted by the first wireless device 10 in response to downlink messages). In some examples, the network (e.g. the first entity 20) may abstain from sending a downlink message (e.g. the first downlink message) to the first wireless device 10 until the third time period has elapsed (e.g. until the first wireless device 10 has had enough time to harvest energy for responding to the downlink message).

[0104] Typically, wireless devices in a first area (e.g. a warehouse) may be used for the same use cases, such as inventory or asset tracking. These wireless device may be of the same type and / or capability, and / or may have a similar operating period. Therefore, the charging time for each of the wireless devices may be identical. However, since the coverage area of (e.g. active) wireless devices can be hundreds of meters, multiple use cases and / or or services may be served within the same area (e.g. same cell and / or same warehouse). Hence, there can be multiple wireless device types (e.g. having different energy storage capabilities) in the same area. Therefore, in some examples, the network (e.g. the first entity 20) may configure (e.g. set) different third time periods (e.g. T_charge1 , T_charge2, etc.) based on wireless device type. In this way, different charging durations of different types of wireless device can be taken into account. In some examples, a single third time period can be configured for all wireless devices in q first area, based on the charging times for each of the different wireless device types (e.g. T_charge = max(T_charge1 , Tcharge_2, ...)).

[0105] Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating process steps in a further example of a method performed by the first wireless device 10. The steps of the method of Figure 5 illustrate example ways in which the steps of the method, as described with reference to Figure 2, may be implemented and supplemented in order to achieve the above discussed and additional functionality.

[0106] In some examples, the first time period referred to herein can be configured by the network (e.g. the first entity 20 referred to herein). As illustrated by block 202 of Figure 5, in some examples, the first wireless device 10 may receive second information indicative of a value of the first time period. For example, the first wireless device 10 may receive the second information from the first entity 20. The value of the first time period may correspond to an amount of time (e.g. in units of time, such as seconds, minutes, hours, days, etc.). For example, the first time period may correspond to 1 minute, 5 minutes, 15 minutes, 60 minutes, 240 minutes, etc.

[0107] As illustrated by block 204 of Figure 5, in some examples, a second downlink message, as defined herein, can be received (e.g. from the first entity 20). That is, the first wireless device 10 (e.g. the processing circuitry 12 of the first wireless device 10) may receive the second downlink message (e.g. via the communications interface 16 of the first wireless device 10). The second downlink message may comprise a paging message (e.g. a paging request). In some examples, the second downlink message may comprise the same information as the first downlink message referred to herein. As illustrated by block 206 of Figure 5, in response to receiving the second downlink message, transmission of first information, as referred to herein, can be initiated (e.g. towards the first entity 20). That is, the first wireless device 10 (e.g. the processing circuitry 12 of the first wireless device 10) may initiate transmission of the first information (e.g. via the communications interface 16 of the first wireless device 10). As such, the network (e.g. the first entity 20) can receive the first information from the first wireless device 10. As illustrated in Figure 5, in some examples, the first information can comprise a second response message (e.g. transmitted in response to receipt of the second downlink message). As illustrated by block 208 of Figure 5, in some examples, a first downlink message, as defined herein, can be received (e.g. from the first entity 20). That is, the first wireless device 10 (e.g. the processing circuitry 12 of the first wireless device 10) may receive the first downlink message (e.g. via the communications interface 16 of the first wireless device 10).

[0108] As illustrated by block 210 of Figure 5, in some examples, the method may comprise determining an amount of time elapsed between transmission initiation of the first information and the receipt of the first downlink message. That is, the first wireless device 10 (e.g. the processing circuitry 12 of the first wireless device 10) may determine the amount of time elapsed. The determination of the amount of time elapsed can be based on relative time. For example, the determination can be based on the time at which transmission of the first information is initiated. In some examples, the first wireless device 10 may store (e.g. in the memory 14 of the first wireless device 10) a time reference corresponding to the time at which the transmission of the first information occurs. The first wireless device 10 may then compare the time reference to the time at which the first downlink message is received by the first wireless device 10 (e.g. the current time). The time reference can comprise system information, such as a system frame number (SFN), a hyper frame number (H-SFN), and / or a coordinated universal time (UTC). Determining the amount of time elapsed in this way can be beneficial in scenarios in which the first wireless device 10 is unable to keep an accurate track of time. For example, first wireless device 10 may not comprise a high-accuracy oscillator, or a clock (e.g. in scenarios in which the first wireless device 10 is a crystal-free device). In these examples, the first wireless device 10 may not be able to initiate a timer, as described herein.

[0109] As illustrated by blocks 212 and 214 of Figure 5, in some examples, if the determined amount of time is greater than the first time period, as referred herein, the first condition is met. As such, in these examples, the one or more conditions referred to herein are met and the first wireless device 10 can initiate transmission of the first downlink message (e.g. via uplink), as described herein. In some examples, the first condition may be met if there is no time reference stored at the first wireless device 10. For example, if the first wireless device 10 has not initiated transmission of first information, then the first wireless device 10 may not have stored a time reference. As illustrated by blocks 212 and 216 of Figure 5, in some examples, if the determined amount of time is less than or equal to the first time period, as referred to herein, the first condition is not met. As such, in these examples, the one or more conditions referred to herein may not be met and the first wireless device 10 may not initiate transmission of the first downlink message.

[0110] In a particular example, the time reference referred to herein may be referred to as “T_0”, the time at which the first downlink message is received may be referred to as “T_current”, and the value of the first time period may be referred to as “T_response”. In this example, the determination of whether the first condition has been met can be based on the following relationships:

[0111] T_current - T_0 > T_response, first condition is met.

[0112] T_current - T_0 < T_response, first condition is not met.

[0113] Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating process steps in a further example of a method performed by the first wireless device 10. The steps of the method of Figure 6 illustrate example ways in which the steps of the method, as described with reference to Figure 2 and / or Figure 5, may be implemented and supplemented in order to achieve the above discussed and additional functionality.

[0114] The method steps illustrated by blocks 302 and 304 of Figure 5 can be as described with reference to blocks 204 and 206 of Figure 5, respectively.

[0115] As illustrated by block 306 of Figure 6, in some examples, a timer may be initiated in response to initiating transmission of first information, as described with reference to block 304 of Figure 6. That is, the first wireless device 10 (e.g. the processing circuitry 12 of the first wireless device 10) may initiate (e.g. start) the timer in response to initiating transmission of the first information. The initial value of the timer can correspond to the first time period, as defined herein. In some examples, the timer may expire (e.g. stop) when the first time period has elapsed (e.g. since timer initiation). As mentioned herein, and as illustrated in Figure 6, in some examples the first information can comprise a second response message associated with a second downlink message received from the first entity 20. Therefore, in some examples, whenever the first wireless device 10 responds to a downlink message (e.g. paging message), the first wireless device 10 may initiate the timer. In some examples, the first information may comprise information indicative that the first wireless device 10 is configured to initiate the timer. For example, the first information can comprise information indicative that the first wireless device 10 is able to use the timer functionality.

[0116] It will be understood that, in some examples, the second downlink message may not be received (e.g. as described with reference to block 302). In these examples, the first wireless device 10 may simply initiate transmission of first information towards the network (e.g. the first entity 20). The transmission initiation of first information can comprise a successful data exchange between the first wireless device 10 and the network (e.g. the first entity 20). The first information can comprise information indicative of a location of the first wireless device 10. As such, in some examples, the network (e.g. the first entity 20) can be made aware of the location of the first wireless device 10 from the first information. The amount of time associated with the first time period may depend on whether the first information comprises a second response message. For example, if the first information corresponds to a successful data transmission (i.e. and not the second response message as defined herein), the amount of time associated with the first time period may be different than if the first information comprises the second response message, as defined herein.

[0117] As illustrated by block 308 of Figure 6, in some examples, a first downlink message, as defined herein, can be received (e.g. from the first entity 20). That is, the first wireless device 10 (e.g. the processing circuitry 12 of the first wireless device 10) may receive the first downlink message (e.g. via the communications interface 16 of the first wireless device 10).

[0118] As illustrated by blocks 310 and 312 of Figure 6, in some examples, if the timer has expired (e.g. the first time period has elapsed) upon receipt of the first downlink message, then the first condition, as defined herein, may be met. As such, in these examples, the one or more conditions referred to herein may be met, and the first wireless device 10 may initiate transmission of the first response message, as described herein. As illustrated by blocks 310 and 314 of Figure 6, in some examples, if the timer has not expired (e.g. the first time period has not elapsed) upon receipt of the first downlink message, then the first condition, as defined herein, may not be met. As such, in these examples, the one or more conditions referred to herein may not be met, and the first wireless device 10 may not initiate transmission of the first response message. For example, if the timer is still running when the first downlink message is received, the first wireless device 10 may not respond to the first downlink message (e.g. paging message).

[0119] Figure 7 is a flow chart illustrating process steps in a further example of a method performed by the first wireless device 10. The steps of the method of Figure 7 illustrate example ways in which the steps of the method, as described with reference to Figure 2, Figure 5, and / or Figure 6, may be implemented and supplemented in order to achieve the above discussed and additional functionality.

[0120] The method steps illustrated by blocks 402 and 404 of Figure 7 can be as described with reference to blocks 304 and 306 of Figure 6, respectively.

[0121] As illustrated by block 406 of Figure 7, in some examples, the first wireless device 10 may move (e.g. from the first area referred to herein) to a second area of the network. As illustrated by block 408 of Figure 7, in some examples, the timer, as referred to herein, can be configured to be expired if the first wireless device 10 moves to the second area. The second area and the first area may be different (e.g. cells of the network). Therefore, in some examples, the first wireless device 10 may stop the timer in response to an area change of the first wireless device 10.

[0122] The first area of the network and / or the second area of the network may be a geographical area. Alternatively, or in addition, the first area of the network and / or the second area of the network may comprise one or more of a cell of the network, a cell group of the network, a beam of a cell of the network, a RAN registration area, a tracking area, and a service area. The beam of the cell may be defined by an index, for example a synchronization signal block (SSB) index. The service area may be a defined service area. For example, the service area may be defined (e.g. indicative) by a service area index in SI.

[0123] In some examples, the one or more conditions referred to herein can comprise a sixth condition. In these examples, the sixth condition may be met if third information is received by the first wireless device 10 from the first entity 20. The third information can be indicative of a request for the first wireless device 10 to initiate transmission of the first response message regardless of whether the first condition is met. Therefore, the network (e.g. the first entity 20) can instruct the first wireless device 10 to (e.g. temporarily) ignore the first condition. For example, the third information can be indicative that the first wireless device 10 should not perform a timer-based conditional response. In some examples, the third information can be indicative of a request to use the identifier of the first wireless device 10 in determining whether to respond to a downlink message (e.g. the first downlink message). In some examples, the third information can comprise information indicative of a (e.g. UE_ID) bitmask. In these examples, the first wireless device 10 may only initiate transmission of the first response message, as defined herein, if the identifier of the first wireless device 10 matches the bitmask. For example, the bitmask may be configured such that an identifier of the first wireless device 10 only matches the bitmask if a numerical identifier of the first wireless device 10 ends in an odd digit. In another example, the bitmask may be configured such that the identifier of the first wireless device 10 only matches the bitmask if a subset of numbers of the identifier of the first wireless device 10 match a subset defined by the bitmask (e.g. if the first seven numbers of the identifier are 9401834).

[0124] The third information may be comprised in a downlink message (e.g. the first downlink message, and / or the second downlink message, referred to herein), and / or in another message received by the first wireless device 10. Therefore, the use of the sixth condition, as defined herein, can allow the network (e.g. the first entity 20) to time- distribute load in the uplink of the network (e.g. by requesting responses from a subset of wireless devices at any one time).

[0125] This can be especially useful in cases in which it is desirable to do a fresh inventory of all wireless devices that happen to occupy a first area (e.g. a building) at a given time. Indeed, the use of the sixth condition allows for the ability to ignore the need for any timer(s) to elapse (expire) at the first wireless device 10.

[0126] Figure 8 is a flow chart illustrating process steps in a further example of a method performed by the first wireless device 10. The steps of the method of Figure 8 illustrate example ways in which the steps of the method, as described with reference to Figure 2, Figure 5, Figure 6, and / or Figure 7, may be implemented and supplemented in order to achieve the above discussed and additional functionality. As illustrated by block 502 of Figure 8, in some examples, a first downlink message, as defined herein, can be received (e.g. from the first entity 20). That is, the first wireless device 10 (e.g. the processing circuitry 12 of the first wireless device 10) may receive the first downlink message (e.g. via the communications interface 16 of the first wireless device 10).

[0127] Regarding positioning, the first response message referred to herein can comprise information indicative of the location of the first wireless device 10. In some examples, positioning upon paging (e.g. for inventory) may be implicit (e.g. on a cell level) or based on positioning method execution (i.e. measurements and processing). For example, positioning may be based on downlink-based positioning performed by the first wireless device 10.

[0128] As illustrated by block 504 of Figure 8, the location of the first wireless device 10 may be determined in response to receiving the first downlink message. That is, the first wireless device 10 (e.g. the processing circuitry 12 of the first wireless device 10) may determine the location. Therefore, the receipt of the first downlink message (e.g. paging message) can trigger the determination of the location of the first wireless device 10. In some examples, the first response message can comprise location information of the first wireless device 10. As such, the first response message can be referred to herein as an uplink sounding transmission in some examples.

[0129] In legacy 3GPP procedures, the only device action usually triggered by paging is a device response. Alternatively, or in addition, in the techniques described herein, positioning determination can be triggered by paging (e.g. receiving the first downlink message). For example, if an (e.g. inventory) service ID and / or a group ID is comprised in the first downlink message (e.g. the paging record of a paging message), and the first wireless device 10 is configured with said service ID and / or group ID, respectively, the first wireless device 10 can initiate a procedure to determine its location. In some examples, the determination of the location of the first wireless device 10 may only be performed if the first condition, as defined herein, is met. In some examples, the determination of the location of the first wireless device 10 may be performed by measuring on positioning reference symbols (PRSs) from one or more network nodes (e.g. base stations) and determining location (e.g. position) from the time difference of arrival. In some examples, the one or more conditions referred to herein may comprise a second condition. In these examples, the second condition can be met if the location of the first wireless device is determined. As such, in some examples the first wireless device 10 may initiate transmission of the first response message only after determining the location of the first wireless device 10. In some examples, the first response message can comprise the location information of the first wireless device 10. As such, in some examples, the first wireless device 10 can report the location information (e.g. determined positioning information) to the network (e.g. first entity 20) via the first response message.

[0130] In some examples, the location information may only be comprised in the first response message if a first criterion is met. In these examples, the first criterion may be met if the location of the first wireless device has changed within a second time period preceding the receipt of the first downlink message. In some examples, the second time period may be different to, or the same as, the first time period defined herein. Thus, in some examples, the first wireless device 10 may only report the location (e.g. position) of the first wireless device 10 if it differs more than a configurable amount from a previously reported location (e.g. reported earlier within the second time period).

[0131] As mentioned herein, the first downlink message can comprise a paging message. In these examples, the paging message can comprise a paging request. For example, the paging request may be a request to respond with a response message. Alternatively, in some examples, the paging message can comprise fourth information indicative that a response to the first paging message is not required. Thus, in some examples, the fourth information may be included in the first downlink message if no response to the first downlink message is required (e.g. by the first wireless device 10). As such, the fourth information can be used (e.g. by the network) to disable (e.g. uplink) responses to a downlink message (e.g. the first downlink message). The fourth information can be specific to a particular wireless device, group of wireless devices, and / or a service. The fourth information can comprise a (e.g. one-bit) flag. For example, the fourth information can comprise a one-bit flag indication in the paging message to indicate to paged device(s) (e.g. the first wireless device 10) that a (e.g. uplink) response is not required. Therefore, the network (e.g. the first entity 20) can enable or disable (e.g. UL) responses to a paging message in a dynamic manner (e.g. depending on device profile, use case, etc). This technique can be applied to both individual paging (e.g. for unicast / point-to- point communications), and group paging for group communications. Figure 9 is a flow chart illustrating process steps in a further example of a method performed by the first entity 20. The steps of the method of Figure 9 illustrate example ways in which the steps of the method, as described with reference to Figure 4, may be implemented and supplemented in order to achieve the above discussed and additional functionality.

[0132] As illustrated by block 602 of Figure 9, in some examples, the first time period, as defined herein, may be configured. More specifically, the first entity 20 (e.g. the processing circuitry 22 of the first entity) can configure the first time period. As illustrated by block 604 of Figure 9, in some examples, configuring the first time period may comprise initiating transmission of second information towards the first wireless device 10. More specifically, the first entity 20 (e.g. the processing circuitry 22 of the first entity 20) may initiate transmission of the second information (e.g. via the communications interface 26 of the first entity 20). The second information can be indicative of a value of the first time period. The second information may be transmitted via non-access stratum (NAS) signaling (e.g. in scenarios in which the network referred to herein comprises a core network (CN)). Alternatively, or in addition, the second information may be transmitted via RRC signaling and / or via System Information (SI) signaling (e.g. in scenarios in which the network referred to herein comprises a RAN). As such, in some examples, the first time period can be configured by the network (e.g. the first entity 20). In some examples, the first area referred to herein may comprise a cell of the network. Therefore, in some examples, the first time period can be specific to a configuration of a network cell.

[0133] It will be understood that the one or more conditions referred to herein can comprise any combination of the one or more conditions described herein. For example, the one or more conditions can comprise any one or more of: the first condition referred to herein, the second condition referred to herein, the third condition referred to herein, the fourth condition referred to herein, the fifth condition referred to herein, and the sixth condition referred to herein.

[0134] The techniques described herein can be applied to a wide range of technology areas, such as 3GPP technology, Ambient-loT technology, Long-Term Evolution Machine Type Communication (LTE-M) technology, Narrow Band-Internet of Things (NB-loT) technology, RedCap technology, and LTE and new radio (NR) technology. Figure 10 illustrates a computer program product 702 according to an embodiment. More specifically, there is provided a computer program product 702 comprising a computer readable storage medium 704. The computer readable storage medium 604 comprises instructions (e.g. computer program 706) which are executable by processing circuitry (such as the processing circuitry 12 of the first wireless device 10, and / or the processing circuitry 22 of the first entity 20 described herein) to cause the first wireless device 10 to perform the method described herein in respect of the first wireless device 10, and / or to cause the first entity 20 to perform the method described herein in respect of the first entity 20. There is provided a computer program product 602 comprising a carrier 604 containing instructions for causing the first wireless device 10 (e.g. the processing circuitry 12 of the first wireless device 10 described herein, and / or the processing circuitry 22 of the first entity 20 described herein) to perform at least part of the method described herein. In some embodiments, the carrier 604 can be any one of an electronic signal, an optical signal, an electromagnetic signal, an electrical signal, a radio signal, a microwave signal, or a computer-readable storage medium.

[0135] There is also provided a computer program 606 comprising instructions which, when executed by processing circuitry (such as the processing circuitry 12 of the first wireless device 10 described herein, and / or the processing circuitry 22 of the first entity 20 described herein), cause the processing circuitry to perform at least part of the method described herein.

[0136] In some embodiments, the first wireless device functionality and / or the first entity functionality described herein can be performed by hardware. Thus, in some embodiments, the first wireless device 10 described herein and / or the first entity 20 described herein can be a hardware entity. However, it will also be understood that optionally at least part or all of the first wireless device functionality and / or the first entity functionality described herein can be virtualized. For example, the functions performed by the first wireless device 10 and / or the first entity 20 described herein can be implemented in software running on generic hardware that is configured to orchestrate the first wireless device functionality and / or the first entity functionality described herein. In some embodiments, at least part or all of the first wireless device functionality and / or the first entity functionality described herein may be performed in a network enabled cloud. Thus, the method described herein can be realised as a cloud implementation according to some embodiments. It will be understood that at least some or all of the method steps described herein can be automated in some embodiments. That is, in some embodiments, at least some or all of the method steps described herein can be performed automatically. The method described herein can be a computer-implemented method.

[0137] Therefore, as described herein, there is provided advantageous techniques for handling a response to a downlink message. The techniques are improved as they enable a first wireless device 10 to conditionally respond to a downlink message received from a network. Indeed, one or more conditions need to be met in order for the first wireless device to initiate transmission of a response message in response to receiving a downlink message from a first entity 20 of the network. Enabling a conditional response in this manner allows for better handling of loT use cases which rely on uplink responses from a wireless device (e.g. of a plurality of wireless devices). The techniques are especially useful in use cases involving automatic inventory tracking and / or asset tracking, in which a large number of wireless devices are present in a network area. By providing conditional response to downlink messages, uplink congestion in the network can be avoided. For example, the techniques described herein can be advantageously applied to a use case which involves facilitating inventory of wireless devices (e.g. as they enter a warehouse or factory) without causing unnecessary uplink congestion. Moreover, the techniques described herein can be utilised in a large area of a network, and thus avoid the coverage issues associated with the use of some passive Ambient- loT techniques.

[0138] It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the idea, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. The terms “comprising”, “comprise”, “has”, “having”, “include”, and / or “including”, when used herein, does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in a claim. As used herein, the single forms “a” or “an” or “the” does not exclude a plurality, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. A single processor or other unit may fulfil the functions of several units recited in the claims. Any reference signs in the claims shall not be construed so as to limit their scope.

[0139] It shall be understood that although the terms “first” and “second”, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another, these terms are not a restriction related to temporal order.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method for handling a response to a downlink message, wherein the method is performed by a first wireless device (10) in a first area of a network, the method comprising: in response to receiving (204, 302) a first downlink message from a first entity of the network, initiating (102) transmission of a first response message towards the first entity if one or more conditions are met, wherein the one or more conditions comprise: a first condition, wherein the first condition is met only if the first wireless device (10) has not initiated transmission of first information to the first entity within a first time period preceding the receipt of the first downlink message.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein: the first information comprises a second response message associated with a second downlink message received from the first entity.

3. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein if the first wireless device (10) has initiated transmission of the first information, the method comprises; determining (210) an amount of time elapsed between transmission initiation of the first information and the receipt of the first downlink message.

4. The method as claimed in claim 3, wherein: the first condition is met if the determined amount of time is greater than the first time period; and the first condition is not met if the determined amount of time is less than or equal to the first time period.

5. The method as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein if the first wireless device has initiated transmission of the first information, the method comprises: initiating (306, 404) a timer in response to initiating transmission of the first information, wherein an initial value of the timer corresponds to the first time period.

6. The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein: the first condition is met if the timer is expired upon receipt of the first downlink message; andthe first condition is not met if the timer has not expired upon receipt of the first downlink message.

7. The method as claimed in claims 5 or 6, wherein the method comprises: if the first wireless device moves to a second area of the network, configuring (408) the timer as expired, wherein the second area is different to the first area.

8. The method as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the first response message and / or the first information comprise: an identifier of the first wireless device (10); and / or location information of the first wireless device (10).

9. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the first response message comprises the location information of the first wireless device (10), and wherein the method comprises: in response to receiving the first downlink message, determining (504) the location of the first wireless device (10).

10. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein: the one or more conditions comprise a second condition; and the second condition is met if the location of the first wireless device (10) is determined.

11. The method as claimed in claims 8 or 9, wherein: the location information is comprised in the first response message if a first criterion is met; and the first criterion is met if the location of the first wireless device (10) has changed within a second time period preceding the receipt of the first downlink message.

12. The method as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the first time period is configured by the network.

13. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the method comprises: receiving (202) second information indicative of a value of the first time period.

14. The method as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein:the one or more conditions comprise a third condition; and the third condition is met if the first downlink message comprises one or more of: information indicative of an identifier of the first wireless device (10); information indicative of an identifier associated with a group of wireless devices, wherein the group of wireless devices comprises the first wireless device (10); and information indicative of an identifier of a service associated with the first wireless device (10).

15. The method as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein: the one or more conditions comprise a fourth condition; and the fourth condition is met if a status of the first wireless device (10) meets a second criterion.

16. The method as claimed in claim 15, wherein: the first downlink message comprises information indicative of the second criterion.

17. The method as claimed in claim 15 or 16, wherein: if the fourth condition is met, the first response message comprises information indicative of the status of the first wireless device (10).

18. The method as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein: the one or more conditions comprise a fifth condition; and the fifth condition is met if a third time period has elapsed since transmission initiation of the first information, wherein the third time period corresponds to a charging time for the first wireless device (10).

19. The method as claimed in claim 18, wherein: the charging time corresponds to a time required for the first wireless device (10) to charge from a first energy level to a fully charged state.

20. The method as claimed in claim 19, wherein the first energy level corresponds to: a zero energy state of the first wireless device (10); or a minimum operational energy state of the first wireless device (10).

21. The method as claimed in claim 19 or 20, wherein the first response message comprises: information indicative of an energy status of the first wireless device (10).

22. The method as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein: the one or more conditions comprise a sixth condition; and the sixth condition is met if third information is received from the first entity, wherein the third information is indicative of a request for the first wireless device (10) to initiate transmission of the first response message regardless of whether the first condition is met.

23. The method as claimed in claim 22, wherein the third information comprises information indicative of a bitmask.

24. The method as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the first downlink message comprises: a paging message; and / or a downlink command.

25. The method as claimed in claim 24, wherein the first downlink message comprises a paging message, and wherein the paging message comprises: a paging request; or fourth information indicative that a response to the first paging message is not required.

26. The method as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the first area of the network comprises one or more of: a cell of the network; a cell group of the network; a beam of a cell of the network; a radio access network, RAN, registration area; a tracking area; and a service area.

27. The method as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the first wireless device (10) is one of a plurality of wireless devices.

28. The method as claimed in claim 26, wherein each wireless device of the plurality of wireless devices is associated with an object in a storage facility.

29. The method as claimed in claim 28, wherein the first downlink message comprises an inventory request.

30. The method as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the first wireless device (10) comprises: a user equipment, UE; an ambient internet of things, loT, device; and / or a zero energy device.

31. A method for handling a response to a downlink message, wherein the method is performed by a first entity (20) in a first area of a network, the method comprising: in response to transmitting a first downlink message towards a first wireless device (10) of the network, receiving (112) a first response message from the first wireless device (10) if one or more conditions are met, wherein the one or more conditions comprise: a first condition, wherein the first condition is met only if the first wireless device (10) has not initiated transmission of first information to the first entity (20) within a first time period preceding the receipt of the first downlink message.

32. The method as claimed in claim 31, wherein: the first information comprises a second response message associated with a second downlink message received from the first entity (20).

33. The method as claimed in claim 31 or 32, wherein the first response message and / or the first information comprise: an identifier of the first wireless device (10); and / or location information of the first wireless device (10).

34. The method as claimed in any of claims 31 to 33, wherein the method comprises: configuring (602) the first time period.

35. The method as claimed in claim 34, wherein configuring (602) the first time period comprises: initiating (604) transmission of second information towards the first wireless device (10), wherein the second information is indicative of a value of the first time period.

36. The method as claimed in any of claims 31 to 35, wherein: the one or more conditions comprise a third condition; and the third condition is met if the first downlink message comprises one or more of: information indicative of an identifier of the first wireless device (10); information indicative of an identifier associated with a group of wireless devices, wherein the group of wireless devices comprises the first wireless device (10); and information indicative of an identifier of a service associated with the first wireless device (10).

37. The method as claimed in any of claims 31 to 36, wherein: the one or more conditions comprise a fourth condition; and the fourth condition is met if a status of the first wireless device (10) meets a second criterion.

38. The method as claimed in claim 37, wherein: the first downlink message comprises information indicative of the second criterion.

39. The method as claimed in claim 37 or 38, wherein: if the fourth condition is met, the first response message comprises information indicative of the status of the first wireless device (10).

40. The method as claimed in any of claims 31 to 39, wherein: the one or more conditions comprise a fifth condition; and the fifth condition is met if a third time period has elapsed since transmission initiation of the first information by the first wireless device (10), wherein the third time period corresponds to a charging time for the first wireless device (10).

41. The method as claimed in claim 40, wherein:the charging time corresponds to a time required for the first wireless device (10) to charge from a first energy level to a fully charged state.

42. The method as claimed in claim 41, wherein the first energy level corresponds to: a zero energy state of the first wireless device (10); or a minimum operational energy state of the first wireless device (10).

43. The method as claimed in claim 41 or 42, wherein the first response message comprises: information indicative of an energy status of the first wireless device (10).

44. The method as claimed in any of claims 31 to 42, wherein: the one or more conditions comprise a sixth condition; and the sixth condition is met if third information is transmitted towards the first wireless device (10), wherein the third information is indicative of a request for the first wireless device (10) to initiate transmission of the first response message regardless of whether the first condition is met.

45. The method as claimed in claim 44, wherein the third information comprises information indicative of a bitmask.

46. The method as claimed in any of claims 31 to 45, wherein the first downlink message comprises: a paging message; and / or a downlink command.

47. The method as claimed in claim 46, wherein the first downlink message comprises a paging message, and wherein the paging message comprises: a paging request; or fourth information indicative that a response to the first paging message is not required.

48. The method as claimed in any of claims 31 to 47, wherein the first area of the network comprises one or more of: a cell of the network; a cell group of the network;a beam of a cell of the network; a radio access network, RAN, registration area; a tracking area; and a service area.

49. The method as claimed in any of claims 31 to 48, wherein the first wireless device (10) is one of a plurality of wireless devices.

50. The method as claimed in claim 49, wherein each wireless device of the plurality of wireless devices is associated with an object in a storage facility.

51. The method as claimed in claim 50, wherein the first downlink message comprises an inventory request.

52. The method as claimed in any of claims 31 to 51 , wherein the first wireless device (10) comprises: a user equipment, UE; an ambient internet of things, loT, device; and / or a zero energy device.

53. A method performed by a system, the method comprising: the method as claimed in any of claims 1 to 30; and / or the method as claimed in any of claims 31 to 52.

54. A first wireless device (10) comprising: processing circuitry (12) configured to operate in accordance with any of claims 1 to 30.

55. A first wireless device (10) as claimed in claim 54, wherein: the first wireless device (10) comprises: at least one memory (14) for storing instructions which, when executed by the processing circuitry (12), cause the first wireless device (10) to operate in accordance with any of claims 1 to 30.

56. A first wireless device (10) comprising processing circuitry (12) configured to cause the first wireless device (10) to:in response to receiving a first downlink message from a first entity of a network, initiate transmission of a first response message towards the first entity if one or more conditions are met, wherein the one or more conditions comprise: a first condition, wherein the first condition is met only if the first wireless device has not initiated transmission of first information to the first entity within a first time period preceding the receipt of the first downlink message.

57. The first wireless device (10) as claimed in claim 56, wherein: the processing circuitry (12) is configured to cause the first wireless device (10) to perform the method according to any of claims 2 to 30.

58. A first entity (20) comprising: processing circuitry (22) configured to operate in accordance with any of claims 31 to 53.

59. A first entity (20) as claimed in claim 58, wherein: the first entity (20) comprises: at least one memory (24) for storing instructions which, when executed by the processing circuitry (22), cause the first entity (20) to operate in accordance with any of claims 31 to 53.

60. A first entity (20) comprising processing circuitry (22) configured to cause the first entity (20) to: in response to transmitting a first downlink message towards a first wireless device of the network, receive a first response message from the first wireless device if one or more conditions are met, wherein the one or more conditions comprise: a first condition, wherein the first condition is met only if the first wireless device (10) has not initiated transmission of first information to the first entity within a first time period preceding the receipt of the first downlink message.

61. The first entity (20) as claimed in claim 60, wherein: the processing circuitry (22) is configured to cause the first entity (20) to perform the method according to any of claims 32 to 53.

62. A system comprising: at least one first wireless device (10) as claimed in any of claims 54 to 57; andat least one first entity (20) as claimed in any of claims 58 to 61.

63. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by processing circuitry, cause the processing circuitry to perform the method according to any of claims 1 to 30, and / or any of claims 31 to 53.

64. A computer program product, embodied on a non-transitory machine-readable medium, comprising instructions which are executable by processing circuitry to cause the processing circuitry to perform the method according to any of claims 1 to 30, and / or any of claims 31 to 53.

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