Apparatuses and communication methods

Abstract

A wireless communication method performed by an ambient internet-of-things (AIoT) device includes receiving a first code and a second code from a network node, determining whether the first code and the second code are identical, in response to the first code and the second code being identical, permanently disabling a transmission function of the AIoT device, and in response to the first code and the second code being different, performing a state-based update of the transmission function of the AIoT device.

Description

APPARATUSES AND COMMUNICATION METHODSCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 655,502, entitled “METHOD FOR ENABLING AND DISABLING AMBIENT INTERNET-OF-THINGS DEVICE,” filed on June 3, 2024, which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by this reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the field of communication systems, and more particularly, to apparatuses and wireless communication methods.BACKGROUND

[0003] Ambient loT (AIoT) is a 5G-enabled service supporting large-scale, low-power devices across diverse applications such as warehousing, logistics, and smart environments. To preserve network reliability, AIoT devices transmits only when authorized. Existing control methods like remote wipe, kill switch, or backoff timers are not suitable for AIoT due to their destructive nature or resource demands, which conflict with AIoT constraints such as limited power, memory, and compute. Accordingly, there is a need for a lightweight, non-destructive mechanism to enable or disable AIoT transmission in a controlled and efficient manner.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for apparatuses and wireless communication methods.SUMMARY

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to propose apparatuses and wireless communication methods, which can enable flexible temporary or permanent disabling of AIoT device transmission and / or enhance network security and performance.

[0006] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, a wireless communication method performed by an ambient internet-of-things (AIoT) device includes receiving a first code and a second code from a network node; determining whether the first code and the second code are identical; in response to the first code and the second code being identical, permanently disabling a transmission function of the AIoT device; and in response to the first code and the second code being different, performing a state-based update of the transmission function of the AIoT device.

[0007] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, a wireless communication method performed by a network node includes transmitting, to an ambient internet-of-things (AIoT) device, a first code and a second code; determining whether the first code and the second code are identical; in response to the first code and the second code being identical, requesting the AIoT device to permanently disable a transmission function of the AIoT device; and in response to the first codeand the second code being different, requesting the AIoT device to perform a state-based update of the transmission function of the AIoT device.

[0008] In a third aspect of the present disclosure, an ambient intemet-of-things (AIoT) device includes a receiver configured to receive a first code and a second code from a network node and an executor configured to determine whether the first code and the second code are identical, wherein in response to the first code and the second code being identical, the executor is configured to permanently disable a transmission function of the AIoT device, and in response to the first code and the second code being different, the executor is configured to perform a state-based update of the transmission function of the AIoT device.

[0009] In a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, an ambient intemet-of-things (AIoT) device includes a memory, a transceiver, and a processor coupled to the memory and the transceiver. The AIoT device is configured to perform the above method.

[0010] In a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a network node includes a transmitter configured to transmit, to an ambient intemet-of-things (AIoT) device, a first code and a second code and an executor configured to determine whether the first code and the second code are identical, wherein in response to the first code and the second code being identical, the executor requests the AIoT device to permanently disable a transmission function of the AIoT device, and in response to the first code and the second code being different, the executor requests the AIoT device to perform a state-based update of the transmission function of the AIoT device.

[0011] In a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a network node includes a memory, a transceiver, and a processor coupled to the memory and the transceiver. The network node is configured to perform the above method.

[0012] In a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium has stored thereon instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the above method.

[0013] In an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, a chip includes a processor, configured to call and run a computer program stored in a memory, to cause a device in which the chip is installed to execute the above method.

[0014] In a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer readable storage medium, in which a computer program is stored, causes a computer to execute the above method.

[0015] In a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program product includes a computer program, and the computer program causes a computer to execute the above method.

[0016] In an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program causes a computer to execute the above method.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] In order to illustrate the embodiments of the present disclosure or related art more clearly, the following figures will be described in the embodiments are briefly introduced. It is obvious that the drawings are merely some embodiments of the present disclosure, a person having ordinary skill in this field can obtain other figures according to these figures without paying the premise.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a user equipment (UE), a base station (BS), and an AIoT device of communication in a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an AIoT device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an AIoT device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a wireless communication method performed by an AIoT device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a network node according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a network node according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a wireless communication method performed by a network node according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a disabling and enabling radio frequency (RF) transmission capability mechanism in an AIoT communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a temporarily disabling RF transmission mechanism in an AIoT communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a temporarily enabling RF transmission mechanism in an AIoT communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an example of a computing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0030] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with the technical matters, structural features, achieved objects, and effects with reference to the accompanying drawings as follows. Specifically, the terminologies in the embodiments of the present disclosure are merely for describing the purpose of the certain embodiment, but not to limit the disclosure.

[0031] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to various communication systems, such as a global system of mobile communication (GSM) system, a code division multiple access (CDMA) system, a wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) system, a general packet radio service (GPRS), a long term evolution (LTE) system, a LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, a LTE time division duplex (TDD) system, an advanced long term evolution (LTE-A) system, a future 5th generation (5G) system (may also be called a new radio (NR) system), an evolution system of a NR system, a LTE-based access to unlicensed spectrum (LTE-U) system, a NR-based access to unlicensed spectrum (NR-U) system, an universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS), a global interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication system, wireless local area networks (WLAN), wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), or other communication systems, etc.

[0032] Optionally, a user equipment (UE) mentioned in the embodiments of the present application may refer to an access terminal, a subscriber unit, a subscriber station, a mobile station, a remote station, a remote terminal, a mobile device, a user terminal, a terminal, a wireless communication device, a user agent, or a user device. The access terminal may be a cellular radio telephone, a cordless telephone, a session initiation protocol (SIP) telephone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a handheld device with wireless communication functions, a computing device, other processing devices coupled with a wireless modem, an in- vehicle device, a wearable device, a terminal device in a future 5G network, a terminal device in a future evolved public land mobile network (PLMN), etc.

[0033] Optionally, the communication system in the embodiment of the present application may be applied to an unlicensed spectrum, where the unlicensed spectrum may also be considered as a shared spectrum, or the communication system in the embodiment of the present application may also be applied to a licensed spectrum, where the licensed spectrum can also be considered an unshared spectrum.

[0034] 5G ambient loT (AIoT) service is a 5G-enabled solution that supports various use cases such as automated warehousing, inventory management, smart grids, non-public logistics, industrial manufacturing, loT sensors, and smart homes. AIoT devices operate over both licensed and unlicensed spectrum and collect information related to their specific use cases. Whenrequested, they report this information back to a 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) network or an application server via the 3 GPP network.

[0035] For network performance and reliability, it is important that AIoT devices communicate only when requested. Otherwise, the vast number of AIoT devices, expected to number in the millions, communicating or transmitting data simultaneously could overwhelm the network’s bandwidth and lead to undesirable effects, such as preventing other devices, like user equipments (UEs), from gaining access to the network.

[0036] The 5G network should be able to control when AIoT devices are allowed to communicate and when they are not, for example, by enabling or disabling an AIoT device.

[0037] Several UE vendors offer solutions such as a “remote kill switch” or “remote wipe” that can be used to erase data from a stolen UE. Current 3GPP standards also support features like a backoff timer, which is used to temporarily stop a UE from requesting network access until a specified period of time has passed.

[0038] One major drawback of using a “remote kill switch” or “remote wipe” is that it erases all data stored on the UE. While this may be useful in the case of a stolen UE, it is not ideal for an AIoT device whose value lies in the data it contains.

[0039] Another drawback is that the “remote kill switch” renders the UE completely inoperable until it is reconfigured. In contrast, an AIoT device may only need to be temporarily disabled to stop it from transmitting to the network until the network becomes available (e.g., less congested).

[0040] Yet another drawback of using a backoff timer on an AIoT device is that the device keeps a timer or counter active, which requires maintaining a state. This goes against the typical characteristics of AIoT devices, which often lack a conventional battery (or have limited battery capacity) and rely on energy harvesting, with limited storage and computing capabilities.

[0041] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a mechanism for disabling an AIoT device and enabling a temporarily disabled AIoT device within a communication network.

[0042] FIG. 1 illustrates that, in some embodiments, a UE 10, a base station (BS) 20, and an AIoT device 30 of communication in a communication system 40. The communication system 40 includes the UE 10, the BS 20, and the AIoT device 30. The UE 10 may be an intermediate UE. The UE 10 may include a memory 12, a transceiver 13, and a processor 11 coupled to the memory 12 and the transceiver 13. The BS 20 may include a memory 22, a transceiver 23, and a processor 21 coupled to the memory 22 and the transceiver 23. The AIoT device 30 may include a memory 32, a transceiver 33, and a processor 31 coupled to the memory 32 and the transceiver 33. The processor 11, 21, or 31 may be configured to implement proposed functions, procedures and / or methods described in this description. Layers of radio interface protocol may be implemented inthe processor 11, 21, or 31. The memory 12, 22, or 32 is operatively coupled with the processor 11, 21, or 31 and stores a variety of information to operate the processor 11, 21, or 31. The transceiver 13, 23, or 33 is operatively coupled with the processor 11, 21, or 31, and the transceiver 13, 23, or 33 transmits and / or receives a radio signal.

[0043] The processor 11, 21, or 31 may include application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), other chipset, logic circuit and / or data processing device. The memory 12, 22, or 32 may include read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), flash memory, memory card, storage medium and / or other storage device. The transceiver 13, 23, or 33 may include baseband circuitry to process radio frequency signals. When the embodiments are implemented in software, the techniques described herein can be implemented with modules (e.g., procedures, functions, and so on) that perform the functions described herein. The modules can be stored in the memory 12, 22, or 32 and executed by the processor 11, 21, or 31. The memory 12, 22, or 32 can be implemented within the processor 11, 21, or 31 or external to the processor 11, 21, or 31 in which case those can be communicatively coupled to the processor 11, 21, or 31 via various means as is known in the art.

[0044] In some embodiments, the transceiver 13 or 23 is configured to transmit, to the AIoT device 30, a first code and a second code, and the processor 11 or 21 is configured to determine whether the first code and the second code are identical. In response to the first code and the second code being identical, the processor 11 or 21 requests the AIoT device 30 to permanently disable a transmission function of the AIoT device 30, and in response to the first code and the second code being different, the processor 11 or 21 requests the AIoT device 30 to perform a state-based update of the transmission function of the AIoT device 30. This can solve issues in the prior art and other issues. Further, the proposed some embodiments can enable flexible temporary or permanent disabling of AIoT device transmission and / or enhance network security and performance.

[0045] In some embodiments, the transceiver 33 is configured to receive a first code and a second code from a network node (such as the UE 10 or the BS 20), and the processor 31 is configured to determine whether the first code and the second code are identical. In response to the first code and the second code being identical, the processor 31 is configured to permanently disable a transmission function of the AIoT device 30, and in response to the first code and the second code being different, the processor 31 is configured to perform a state-based update of the transmission function of the AIoT device 30. This can solve issues in the prior art and other issues. Further, the proposed some embodiments can enable flexible temporary or permanent disabling of AIoT device transmission and / or enhance network security and performance.

[0046] FIG. 2 illustrates an AIoT device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The AIoT device 200 is configured to implement some embodiments of the disclosure. Some embodiments of the disclosure may be implemented into the AIoT device 200 using any suitably configured hardware and / or software. The AIoT device 200 includes an executor 201 and a receiver 202. The receiver is configured to receive a first code and a second code from a network node. The executor 201 is configured to determine whether the first code and the second code are identical. In response to the first code and the second code being identical, the executor 201 is configured to permanently disable a transmission function of the AIoT device, and in response to the first code and the second code being different, the executor 201 is configured to perform a state-based update of the transmission function of the AIoT device. This can solve issues in the prior art and other issues. Further, the proposed some embodiments can enable flexible temporary or permanent disabling of AIoT device transmission and / or enhance network security and performance.

[0047] FIG. 3 illustrates an AIoT device 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The AIoT device 300 is configured to implement some embodiments of the disclosure. Some embodiments of the disclosure may be implemented into the AIoT device 300 using any suitably configured hardware and / or software. The AIoT device 300 may include a memory 301, a transceiver 302, and a processor 303 coupled to the memory 301 and the transceiver 302. The processor 303 may be configured to implement proposed functions, procedures and / or methods described in this description. Layers of radio interface protocol may be implemented in the processor 303. The memory 301 is operatively coupled with the processor 303 and stores a variety of information to operate the processor 303. The transceiver 302 is operatively coupled with the processor 303, and the transceiver 302 transmits and / or receives a radio signal. The processor 303 may include application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), other chipset, logic circuit and / or data processing device. The memory 301 may include read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), flash memory, memory card, storage medium and / or other storage device. The transceiver 302 may include baseband circuitry to process radio frequency signals. When the embodiments are implemented in software, the techniques described herein can be implemented with modules (e.g., procedures, functions, and so on) that perform the functions described herein. The modules can be stored in the memory 301 and executed by the processor 303. The memory 301 can be implemented within the processor 303 or external to the processor 303 in which case those can be communicatively coupled to the processor 303 via various means as is known in the art.

[0048] In some embodiments, the transceiver 302 is configured to transmit, to an AIoT device, a first code and a second code, and the processor 303 is configured to determine whether the first code and the second code are identical. In response to the first code and the second code being identical, the processor 303 requests the AIoT device to permanently disable a transmission function of the AIoT device, and in response to the first code and the second code being different, the processor 303 requests the AIoT device to perform a state-based update of the transmission function of the AIoT device. This can solve issues in the prior art and other issues. Further, the proposed some embodiments can enable flexible temporary or permanent disabling of AIoT device transmission and / or enhance network security and performance.

[0049] FIG. 4 illustrates a wireless communication method 400 performed by an AIoT device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The wireless communication method 400 performed by the AIoT device is configured to implement some embodiments of the disclosure. Some embodiments of the disclosure may be implemented into the wireless communication method 400 performed by the AIoT device using any suitably configured hardware and / or software. In some embodiments, the wireless communication method 400 performed by the AIoT device includes: an operation 402, receiving a first code and a second code from a network node; an operation 404, determining whether the first code and the second code are identical; an operation 406, in response to the first code and the second code being identical, permanently disabling a transmission function of the AIoT device, and in response to the first code and the second code being different, performing a state-based update of the transmission function of the AIoT device. This can solve issues in the prior art and other issues. Further, the proposed some embodiments can enable flexible temporary or permanent disabling of AIoT device transmission and / or enhance network security and performance.

[0050] In some embodiments, performing the state-based update of the transmission function of the AIoT device includes determining a current state of the transmission function of the AIoT device, wherein the current state is enabled or temporarily disabled; and verifying the first code against a previously stored code. In some embodiments, in response to verifying that the first code matches the previously stored code and the current state is enabled, temporarily disabling the transmission function of the AIoT device. In some embodiments, in response to verifying that the first code matches the previously stored code and the current state is temporarily disabled, enabling the transmission function of the AIoT device. In some embodiments, the wireless communication method further includes replacing the previously stored code with the second code.

[0051] In some embodiments, the AIoT device is capable of receiving wireless signals from the network node while the transmission function of the AIoT device is temporarily disabled. In some embodiments, the transmission function of the AIoT device includes a radio frequency (RF)transmission capability of the AIoT device, the RF transmission capability includes an ability of the AIoT device to transmit wireless signals when triggered by the network node or by a local condition. In some embodiments, the wireless communication method further includes using previously established security keys to verify integrity or authenticity of the first code and the second code. In some embodiments, the network node includes an intermediate user equipment (UE) or a base station (BS). In some embodiments, the first code and the second code may be stop RF transmission codes.

[0052] FIG. 5 illustrates a network node 500 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The network node 500 is configured to implement some embodiments of the disclosure. Some embodiments of the disclosure may be implemented into the network node 500 using any suitably configured hardware and / or software. The network node 500 includes an executor 501 and a transmitter 502. The transmitter 502 is configured to transmit, to an ambient internet-of- things (AIoT) device, a first code and a second code. The executor 501 is configured to determine whether the first code and the second code are identical. In response to the first code and the second code being identical, the executor 501 requests the AIoT device to permanently disable a transmission function of the AIoT device, and in response to the first code and the second code being different, the executor 501 requests the AIoT device to perform a state-based update of the transmission function of the AIoT device. This can solve issues in the prior art and other issues. Further, the proposed some embodiments can enable flexible temporary or permanent disabling of AIoT device transmission and / or enhance network security and performance.

[0053] FIG. 6 illustrates a network node 600 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The network node 600 is configured to implement some embodiments of the disclosure. Some embodiments of the disclosure may be implemented into the network node 600 using any suitably configured hardware and / or software. The network node 600 may include a memory 601, a transceiver 602, and a processor 603 coupled to the memory 601 and the transceiver 602. The processor 603 may be configured to implement proposed functions, procedures and / or methods described in this description. Layers of radio interface protocol may be implemented in the processor 603. The memory 601 is operatively coupled with the processor 603 and stores a variety of information to operate the processor 603. The transceiver 602 is operatively coupled with the processor 603, and the transceiver 602 transmits and / or receives a radio signal. The processor 603 may include application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), other chipset, logic circuit and / or data processing device. The memory 601 may include read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), flash memory, memory card, storage medium and / or other storage device. The transceiver 602 may include baseband circuitry to process radio frequency signals. When the embodiments are implemented in software, the techniques described herein can be implemented with modules (e.g., procedures, functions, and so on) that perform the functions described herein.The modules can be stored in the memory 601 and executed by the processor 603. The memory 601 can be implemented within the processor 603 or external to the processor 603 in which case those can be communicatively coupled to the processor 603 via various means as is known in the art.

[0054] In some embodiments, the transceiver 602 is configured to transmit, to an ambient internet-of-things (AIoT) device, a first code and a second code. The processor 603 is configured to determine whether the first code and the second code are identical. In response to the first code and the second code being identical, the processor 603 requests the AIoT device to permanently disable a transmission function of the AIoT device, and in response to the first code and the second code being different, the processor 603 requests the AIoT device to perform a state-based update of the transmission function of the AIoT device. This can solve issues in the prior art and other issues. Further, the proposed some embodiments can enable flexible temporary or permanent disabling of AIoT device transmission and / or enhance network security and performance.

[0055] FIG. 7 illustrates a wireless communication method 700 performed by a network node according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The wireless communication method 700 performed by the network node is configured to implement some embodiments of the disclosure. Some embodiments of the disclosure may be implemented into the wireless communication method 700 performed by the network node using any suitably configured hardware and / or software. In some embodiments, the wireless communication method 700 performed by the network node includes: an operation 702, transmitting, to an ambient intemet-of-things (AIoT) device, a first code and a second code; an operation 704, determining whether the first code and the second code are identical; an operation 706, in response to the first code and the second code being identical, requesting the AIoT device to permanently disable a transmission function of the AIoT device, and in response to the first code and the second code being different, requesting the AIoT device to perform a state-based update of the transmission function of the AIoT device. This can solve issues in the prior art and other issues. Further, the proposed some embodiments can enable flexible temporary or permanent disabling of AIoT device transmission and / or enhance network security and performance.

[0056] In some embodiments, requesting the AIoT device to perform the state-based update of the transmission function of the AIoT device includes requesting the AIoT device to determine a current state of the transmission function of the AIoT device, wherein the current state is enabled or temporarily disabled; and requesting the AIoT device to verify the first code against a previously stored code. In some embodiments, in response to verifying that the first code matches the previously stored code and the current state is enabled, requesting the AIoT device to temporarilydisable the transmission function of the AIoT device. In some embodiments, in response to verifying that the first code matches the previously stored code and the current state is temporarily disabled, requesting the AIoT device to enable the transmission function of the AIoT device. In some embodiments, the wireless communication method further includes requesting the AIoT device to replace the previously stored code with the second code.

[0057] In some embodiments, the network node transmits the first code and the second code while the AIoT device remains capable of receiving wireless signals despite having the transmission function of the AIoT device temporarily disabled. In some embodiments, the transmission function of the AIoT device includes a radio frequency (RF) transmission capability of the AIoT device, the RF transmission capability includes an ability of the AIoT device to transmit wireless signals when triggered by the network node or by a local condition. In some embodiments, the wireless communication method further includes requesting the AIoT device to use previously established security keys to verify integrity or authenticity of the first code and the second code. In some embodiments, the network node includes an intermediate user equipment (UE) or a base station (BS). In some embodiments, the first code and the second code may be stop RF transmission codes.

[0058] Examples:

[0059] In some examples, two stop RF transmission codes (e.g., stop codes) are sent from a network node (e.g., via an intermediate UE or a base station) to an AIoT device. The two stop RF transmission codes may be the same or different. The RF transmission capability of the AIoT device may have been temporarily disabled previously.

[0060] In some examples, if the AIoT device’s RF transmission capability has not been disabled (e.g., the AIoT device can actively transmit RF signals when indicated by the network node or when certain local conditions are met) and the two stop transmission codes are different, the indication is for the AIoT device to temporarily disable its RF transmission capability. The AIoT device verifies the first received code against a previously stored stop transmission code. If the first received code matches the stored code, the AIoT device temporarily stops RF transmission and replaces the stored RF transmission code with the second received code. The newly stored RF transmission code (i.e., the second received code) may be used for verification the next time stop transmission codes are received.

[0061] In some examples, since only the RF transmission capability is temporarily disabled in the AIoT device, the device can still receive RF transmissions from the network node. This allows the network node to re-enable the temporarily disabled AIoT device, for example, when network congestion has subsided.

[0062] In some examples, if the AIoT device’s RF transmission capability has been disabled (e.g., the AIoT device can no longer actively transmit RF signals even if instructed by the network node or when certain local conditions are met) and the two stop transmission codes are different, the AIoT device verifies the first received code against a previously stored stop transmission code. If the first received code matches the stored code, the AIoT device enables its previously disabled RF transmission capability. The AIoT device then replaces the stored RF transmission code with the second received code. The newly stored RF transmission code (i.e., the second received code) may be used for verification the next time stop transmission codes are received.

[0063] In some examples, regardless of whether the current RF transmission capability of the AIoT device is enabled or disabled, if both received stop transmission codes are the same, the AIoT device permanently disables its RF transmission capability and is rendered out of service. In this case, the AIoT device can no longer re-enable the previously disabled RF transmission capability.

[0064] FIG. 8 illustrates a disabling and enabling radio frequency (RF) transmission capability mechanism in an AIoT communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 illustrates that, in some examples, upon receiving stop code 1 and stop code 2 from a network node, the AIoT device checks whether the two codes are identical. If the two codes are identical, the AIoT device permanently disables its RF transmission capability.

[0065] FIG. 8 illustrates that, in some examples, if stop code 1 and stop code 2 are different, the AIoT device checks whether its RF transmission capability is currently enabled or temporarily disabled. If the RF transmission capability is temporarily disabled and stop code 1 matches the AIoT device’s stored code, the AIoT device enables its RF transmission capability. The AIoT device then overwrites the stored code with stop code 2. If stop code 1 and stop code 2 are different, the AIoT device checks whether its RF transmission capability is currently enabled or disabled. If the RF transmission capability is enabled and stop code 1 matches the AIoT device’s stored code, the AIoT device temporarily disables its RF transmission capability. The AIoT device then overwrites the stored code with stop code 2.

[0066] FIG. 8 illustrates that, in some examples, if stop code 1 and stop code 2 are identical, the AIoT device permanently disables its RF transmission capability.

[0067] FIG. 9 illustrates a temporarily disabling RF transmission mechanism in an AIoT communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Not shown in FIG. 9 is the possibility that a temporary disable request is protected using previously established security keys.

[0068] FIG. 9 illustrates that, in some examples, the temporarily disabling RF transmission mechanism in the AIoT communication system includes at least one of following operations.

[0069] Operation 1 : An AIoT device and a network node are pre-provisioned with an RF transmission stop code. The AIoT device and the network node go through an authorization and authentication process, during which the AIoT device is authorized and authenticated. At this stage, the AIoT device and the network node may share a set of keys, allowing their communication to be protected.

[0070] Operation 2: The network node decides to temporarily disable the AIoT device’s RF transmission capability. The network node sends stop code 1 (set to the AIoT device’s preprovisioned RF transmission stop code) and stop code 2 (which can be any randomly generated number) to the AIoT device in a temporary disable request message. Since the AIoT device and the network node may have completed authentication and established shared keys, these keys can be used to protect the temporary disable request message.

[0071] Operation 3: The AIoT device receives stop code 1 and stop code 2. If the temporary disable request is protected using keys derived from a previously performed authentication process, the AIoT device verifies the message (e.g., by decrypting it and / or verifying its integrity). Additionally, the AIoT device verifies that stop code 1 matches the pre-provisioned RF transmission stop code.

[0072] Operation 4: If stop code 1 is successfully verified, the AIoT device temporarily disables its RF transmission capability. The AIoT device then replaces its stored RF transmission stop code with the received stop code 2.

[0073] Similarly, if the temporary disable request from the network is to permanently disable the AIoT device, the disable request message may contain two identical stop codes (e.g., stop code 1 is equal to stop code 2).

[0074] In the above, FIG. 9 illustrates an example call flow for temporarily disabling the RF transmission capability of an AIoT device in a 5G communication system. The process begins with registration and security establishment between the AIoT device and the network, including mutual authentication and provisioning of an RF transmission stop code. Upon deciding to temporarily disable the AIoT device, the network sends a Temporary Disable Request containing two stop codes. The AIoT device verifies the message using previously established security keys and checks whether the received stop code matches the stored code. If verified, the device temporarily disables its RF transmission and updates the stored stop code. If both received stop codes are identical, the device permanently disables its RF transmission capability.

[0075] FIG. 10 illustrates a temporarily enabling RF transmission mechanism in an AIoT communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Not shown in FIG. 10 is the possibility that the Enable Request is protected using previously established security keys.

[0076] FIG. 10 illustrates that, in some examples, the temporarily enabling RF transmission mechanism in the AIoT communication system includes at least one of the following operations.

[0077] Operation 1 : A network node sends an Enable Request to an AIoT device, including stop code 1 (which corresponds to the stop code previously stored in the AIoT device) and stop code 2 (which can be a newly generated random code).

[0078] Operation 2: The AIoT device receives the Enable Request and verifies the authenticity and integrity of the message, for example using shared security keys established during a previous authentication phase.

[0079] Operation 3: The AIoT device compares stop code 1 with the stored stop code. If they match, the AIoT device enables its RF transmission capability and replaces the stored stop code with stop code 2.

[0080] In the above, FIG. 10 illustrates an example call flow for re-enabling the RF transmission capability of an AIoT device that was previously disabled. This mechanism allows network- controlled restoration of device functionality without full reconfiguration, while maintaining lightweight operations suitable for resource-constrained AIoT devices.

[0081] FIGs. 9 and 10 collectively illustrate a mechanism in an AIoT communication system for enabling and disabling the RF transmission capability of an AIoT device under the control of a network node. The mechanism begins with a registration and security establishment process between the AIoT device and the network node, during which both parties are pre-provisioned with an RF transmission stop code and may perform mutual authentication to establish shared security keys for protecting subsequent communications. When the network intends to temporarily or permanently disable the AIoT device’s RF transmission capability, it sends a temporary disable request containing two stop codes. Upon receiving the request, the AIoT device decrypts and verifies the integrity of the message using the shared keys and compares the first stop code with the stored one. If they match, the device temporarily disables its RF transmission and updates the stored code with the second code; if the two codes are identical, the device permanently disables the RF transmission capability. Conversely, when the network intends to re-enable a previously disabled AIoT device, it sends an Enable Request containing two stop codes. If the first code matches the stored one, the device enables its RF transmission capability and updates the stored code with the second code. This mechanism allows dynamic control over massive numbers of AIoT devices based on network conditions, while remaining compatible with the low-power, low-resource nature of AIoT hardware, thereby providing a secure, flexible, and lightweight remote control solution.

[0082] Commercial interests for some embodiments are as follows. 1. Solve issues in the prior art. 2. Solve other issues. 3. Enable flexible temporary or permanent disabling of AIoT device transmission. 4. Enhance network security and performance. 5. Provide a good communication performance. 6. Provide high reliability. 7. Some embodiments of the present disclosure are used by chipset vendors, video system development vendors, automakers including cars, trains, trucks, buses, bicycles, moto-bikes, helmets, and etc., drones (unmanned aerial vehicles), smartphone makers, communication devices for public safety use, AR / VR / MR device maker for example gaming, conference / seminar, education purposes. Some embodiments of the present disclosure are a combination of “techniques / processes” that can be adopted in video standards to create an end product. Some embodiments of the present disclosure propose technical mechanisms. The at least one proposed solution, method, system, and apparatus of some embodiments of the present disclosure may be used for current and / or new / future standards regarding communication systems such as an AIoT device, a network node (UE / BS), and / or a communication system. Compatible products follow at least one proposed solution, method, system, and apparatus of some embodiments of the present disclosure. The proposed solution, method, system, and apparatus are widely used in an AIoT device, a network node (UE / BS), and / or a communication system. With the implementation of the at least one proposed solution, method, system, and apparatus of some embodiments of the present disclosure, at least one modification to communication methods and apparatus are considered for standardizing.

[0083] FIG. 11 is an example of a computing device 1300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Any suitable computing device can be used for performing the operations described herein. For example, FIG. 11 illustrates an example of the computing device 1300 that can implement apparatuses and methods of the above embodiments of FIGs. 1 to 10, using any suitably configured hardware and / or software. In some embodiments, the computing device 1300 can include a processor 1412 that is communicatively coupled to a memory 1414 and that executes computer-executable program code and / or accesses information stored in the memory 1414. The processor 1412 may include a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (“ASIC”), a state machine, or other processing device. The processor 1412 can include any of a number of processing devices, including one. Such a processor can include or may be in communication with a computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by the processor 1412, cause the processor to perform the operations described herein.

[0084] The memory 1414 can include any suitable non-transitory computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium can include any electronic, optical, magnetic, or other storage device capable of providing a processor with computer-readable instructions or other program code. Non-limiting examples of a computer-readable medium include a magnetic disk, a memorychip, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a configured processor, optical storage, magnetic tape or other magnetic storage, or any other medium from which a computer processor can read instructions. The instructions may include processor-specific instructions generated by a compiler and / or an interpreter from code written in any suitable computer-programming language, including, for example, C, C++, C#, visual basic, java, python, perl, javascript, and actionscript.

[0085] The computing device 1300 can also include a bus 1416. The bus 1416 can communicatively couple one or more components of the computing device 1300. The computing device 1300 can also include a number of external or internal devices such as input or output devices. For example, the computing device 1300 is illustrated with an input / output (“I / O”) interface 1418 that can receive input from one or more input devices 1420 or provide output to one or more output devices 1422. The one or more input devices 1420 and one or more output devices 1422 can be communicatively coupled to the I / O interface 1418. The communicative coupling can be implemented via any suitable manner (e.g., a connection via a printed circuit board, connection via a cable, communication via wireless transmissions, etc.). Non-limiting examples of input devices 1420 include a touch screen (e g., one or more cameras for imaging a touch area or pressure sensors for detecting pressure changes caused by a touch), a mouse, a keyboard, or any other device that can be used to generate input events in response to physical actions by a user of a computing device. Non-limiting examples of output devices 1422 include a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen, an external monitor, a speaker, or any other device that can be used to display or otherwise present outputs generated by a computing device.

[0086] The computing device 1300 can execute program code that configures the processor 1412 to perform one or more of the operations described above with respect to methods of the above embodiments of FIGs. 1 to 10. The program code may be resident in the memory 1414 or any suitable computer-readable medium and may be executed by the processor 1412 or any other suitable processor.

[0087] The computing device 1300 can also include at least one network interface device 1424. The network interface device 1424 can include any device or group of devices suitable for establishing a wired or wireless data connection to one or more data networks 1428. Non limiting examples of the network interface device 1424 include an Ethernet network adapter, a modem, and / or the like. The computing device 1300 can transmit messages as electronic or optical signals via the network interface device 1424.

[0088] FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an example of a communication system 1400 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Embodiments described herein may be implemented into the communication system 1400 using any suitably configured hardware and / or software. FIG. 12 illustrates the communication system 1400 including a radio frequency (RF) circuitry 1510, a baseband circuitry 1520, an application circuitry 1530, a memory / storage 1540, a display 1550, acamera 1560, a sensor 1570, and an input / output (I / O) interface 1580, coupled with each other at least as illustrated.

[0089] The application circuitry 1530 may include a circuitry such as, but not limited to, one or more single-core or multi-core processors. The processors may include any combination of general -purpose processors and dedicated processors, such as graphics processors, application processors. The processors may be coupled with the memory / storage and configured to execute instructions stored in the memory / storage to enable various applications and / or operating systems running on the system. The communication system 1400 can execute program code that configures the application circuitry 1530 to perform one or more of the operations described above with respect to methods of the above embodiments of FIGs. 1 to 10. The program code may be resident in the application circuitry 1530 or any suitable computer-readable medium and may be executed by the application circuitry 1530 or any other suitable processor.

[0090] The baseband circuitry 1520 may include circuitry such as, but not limited to, one or more single-core or multi-core processors. The processors may include a baseband processor. The baseband circuitry may handle various radio control functions that may enable communication with one or more radio networks via the RF circuitry. The radio control functions may include, but are not limited to, signal modulation, encoding, decoding, radio frequency shifting, etc. In some embodiments, the baseband circuitry may provide for communication compatible with one or more radio technologies. For example, in some embodiments, the baseband circuitry may support communication with an evolved universal terrestrial radio access network (EUTRAN) and / or other wireless metropolitan area networks (WMAN), a wireless local area network (WLAN), a wireless personal area network (WPAN). Embodiments in which the baseband circuitry is configured to support radio communications of more than one wireless protocol may be referred to as multimode baseband circuitry.

[0091] In various embodiments, the baseband circuitry 1520 may include circuitry to operate with signals that are not strictly considered as being in a baseband frequency. For example, in some embodiments, baseband circuitry may include circuitry to operate with signals having an intermediate frequency, which is between a baseband frequency and a radio frequency. The RF circuitry 1510 may enable communication with wireless networks using modulated electromagnetic radiation through a non-solid medium. In various embodiments, the RF circuitry may include switches, filters, amplifiers, etc. to facilitate the communication with the wireless network. In various embodiments, the RF circuitry 1510 may include circuitry to operate with signals that are not strictly considered as being in a radio frequency. For example, in some embodiments, RF circuitry may include circuitry to operate with signals having an intermediate frequency, which is between a baseband frequency and a radio frequency.

[0092] In various embodiments, the transmitter circuitry, control circuitry, or receiver circuitry discussed above with respect to apparatuses and methods of the above embodiments of FIGs. 1 to10 may be embodied in whole or in part in one or more of the RF circuitry, the baseband circuitry, and / or the application circuitry. As used herein, “circuitry” may refer to, be part of, or include an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or group), and / or a memory (shared, dedicated, or group) that execute one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, and / or other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality. In some embodiments, the electronic device circuitry may be implemented in, or functions associated with the circuitry may be implemented by, one or more software or firmware modules. In some embodiments, some or all of the constituent components of the baseband circuitry, the application circuitry, and / or the memory / storage may be implemented together on a system on a chip (SOC). The memory / storage 1540 may be used to load and store data and / or instructions, for example, for system. The memory / storage for one embodiment may include any combination of suitable volatile memory, such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM)), and / or non-volatile memory, such as flash memory.

[0093] In various embodiments, the I / O interface 1580 may include one or more user interfaces designed to enable user interaction with the system and / or peripheral component interfaces designed to enable peripheral component interaction with the system. User interfaces may include, but are not limited to a physical keyboard or keypad, a touchpad, a speaker, a microphone, etc. Peripheral component interfaces may include, but are not limited to, a non-volatile memory port, a universal serial bus (USB) port, an audio jack, and a power supply interface. In various embodiments, the sensor 1570 may include one or more sensing devices to determine environmental conditions and / or location information related to the system. In some embodiments, the sensors may include, but are not limited to, a gyro sensor, an accelerometer, a proximity sensor, an ambient light sensor, and a positioning unit. The positioning unit may also be part of, or interact with, the baseband circuitry and / or RF circuitry to communicate with components of a positioning network, e.g., a global positioning system (GPS) satellite.

[0094] In various embodiments, the display 1550 may include a display, such as a liquid crystal display and a touch screen display. In various embodiments, the communication system 1400 may be a mobile computing device such as, but not limited to, a laptop computing device, a tablet computing device, a netbook, an ultrabook, a smartphone, an AR / VR glasses, etc. In various embodiments, system may have more or less components, and / or different architectures. Where appropriate, methods described herein may be implemented as a computer program. The computer program may be stored on a storage medium, such as a non-transitory storage medium.

[0095] A person having ordinary skill in the art understands that each of the units, algorithm, and steps described and disclosed in the embodiments of the present disclosure are realized using electronic hardware or combinations of software for computers and electronic hardware. Whether the functions run in hardware or software depends on the condition of application and design requirement for a technical plan. A person having ordinary skill in the art can use different waysto realize the function for each specific application while such realizations should not go beyond the scope of the present disclosure. It is understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art that he / she can refer to the working processes of the system, device, and unit in the above-mentioned embodiment since the working processes of the above-mentioned system, device, and unit are basically the same. For easy description and simplicity, these working processes will not be detailed.

[0096] It is understood that the disclosed system, device, and method in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be realized with other ways. The above-mentioned embodiments are exemplary only. The division of the units is merely based on logical functions while other divisions exist in realization. It is possible that a plurality of units or components are combined or integrated in another system. It is also possible that some characteristics are omitted or skipped. On the other hand, the displayed or discussed mutual coupling, direct coupling, or communicative coupling operate through some ports, devices, or units whether indirectly or communicatively by ways of electrical, mechanical, or other kinds of forms.

[0097] The units as separating components for explanation are or are not physically separated. The units for display are or are not physical units, that is, located in one place or distributed on a plurality of network units. Some or all of the units are used according to the purposes of the embodiments. Moreover, each of the functional units in each of the embodiments can be integrated in one processing unit, physically independent, or integrated in one processing unit with two or more than two units.

[0098] If the software function unit is realized and used and sold as a product, it can be stored in a readable storage medium in a computer. Based on this understanding, the technical plan proposed by the present disclosure can be essentially or partially realized as the form of a software product. Or, one part of the technical plan beneficial to the conventional technology can be realized as the form of a software product. The software product in the computer is stored in a storage medium, including a plurality of commands for a computational device (such as a personal computer, a server, or a network device) to run all or some of the steps disclosed by the embodiments of the present disclosure. The storage medium includes a USB disk, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a floppy disk, or other kinds of media capable of storing program codes.

[0099] While the present disclosure has been described in connection with what is considered the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments but is intended to cover various arrangements made without departing from the scope of the broadest interpretation of the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A wireless communication method performed by an ambient intemet-of-things (AIoT) device, comprising: receiving a first code and a second code from a network node; determining whether the first code and the second code are identical; in response to the first code and the second code being identical, permanently disabling a transmission function of the AIoT device; and in response to the first code and the second code being different, performing a state-based update of the transmission function of the AIoT device.

2. The wireless communication method of claim 1, wherein performing the state-based update of the transmission function of the AIoT device comprises: determining a current state of the transmission function of the AIoT device, wherein the current state is enabled or temporarily disabled; and verifying the first code against a previously stored code.

3. The wireless communication method of claim 2, wherein in response to verifying that the first code matches the previously stored code and the current state is enabled, temporarily disabling the transmission function of the AIoT device.

4. The wireless communication method of claim 2 or 3, wherein in response to verifying that the first code matches the previously stored code and the current state is temporarily disabled, enabling the transmission function of the AIoT device.

5. The wireless communication method of any one of claims 3 or 4, further comprising: replacing the previously stored code with the second code.

6. The wireless communication method of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the AIoT device is capable of receiving wireless signals from the network node while the transmission function of the AIoT device is temporarily disabled.

7. The wireless communication method of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the transmission function of the AIoT device comprises a radio frequency (RF) transmission capability of the AIoT device, the RF transmission capability comprises an ability of the AIoT device to transmit wireless signals when triggered by the network node or by a local condition.

8. The wireless communication method of any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising using previously established security keys to verify integrity or authenticity of the first code and the second code.

9. The wireless communication method of any one of claims 1 to 8, the network node comprisesan intermediate user equipment (UE) or a base station (BS).

10. A wireless communication method performed by a network node, comprising: transmitting, to an ambient intemet-of-things (AIoT) device, a first code and a second code; determining whether the first code and the second code are identical; in response to the first code and the second code being identical, requesting the AIoT device to permanently disable a transmission function of the AIoT device; and in response to the first code and the second code being different, requesting the AIoT device to perform a state-based update of the transmission function of the AIoT device.

11. The wireless communication method of claim 10, wherein requesting the AIoT device to perform the state-based update of the transmission function of the AIoT device comprises: requesting the AIoT device to determine a current state of the transmission function of the AIoT device, wherein the current state is enabled or temporarily disabled; and requesting the AIoT device to verify the first code against a previously stored code.

12. The wireless communication method of claim 11 , wherein in response to verifying that the first code matches the previously stored code and the current state is enabled, requesting the AIoT device to temporarily disable the transmission function of the AIoT device.

13. The wireless communication method of claim 11 or 12, wherein in response to verifying that the first code matches the previously stored code and the current state is temporarily disabled, requesting the AIoT device to enable the transmission function of the AIoT device.

14. The wireless communication method of any one of claims 12 or 13, further comprising: requesting the AIoT device to replace the previously stored code with the second code.

15. The wireless communication method of any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the network node transmits the first code and the second code while the AIoT device remains capable of receiving wireless signals despite having the transmission function of the AIoT device temporarily disabled.

16. The wireless communication method of any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein the transmission function of the AIoT device comprises a radio frequency (RF) transmission capability of the AIoT device, the RF transmission capability comprises an ability of the AIoT device to transmit wireless signals when triggered by the network node or by a local condition.

17. The wireless communication method of any one of claims 10 to 16, further comprising requesting the AIoT device to use previously established security keys to verify integrity or authenticity of the first code and the second code.

18. The wireless communication method of any one of claims 10 to 17, the network node comprises an intermediate user equipment (UE) or a base station (BS).

19. An ambient internet-of-things (AIoT) device, comprising:a receiver configured to receive a first code and a second code from a network node; and an executor configured to determine whether the first code and the second code are identical; wherein in response to the first code and the second code being identical, the executor is configured to permanently disable a transmission function of the AIoT device, and in response to the first code and the second code being different, the executor is configured to perform a state-based update of the transmission function of the AIoT device.

20. A network node, comprising: a transmitter configured to transmit, to an ambient internet-of-things (AIoT) device, a first code and a second code; and an executor configured to determine whether the first code and the second code are identical; wherein in response to the first code and the second code being identical, the executor requests the AIoT device to permanently disable a transmission function of the AIoT device, and in response to the first code and the second code being different, the executor requests the AIoT device to perform a state-based update of the transmission function of the AIoT device.

21. An ambient internet-of-things (AIoT) device, comprising: a memory; a transceiver; and a processor coupled to the memory and the transceiver; wherein the AIoT device is configured to perform the wireless communication method of any one of claims 1 to 9.

22. A network node, comprising: a memory; a transceiver; and a processor coupled to the memory and the transceiver; wherein the network node is configured to perform the wireless communication method of any one of claims 10 to 18.

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