Ambient internet of things enhancements

Abstract

Provided are apparatus, method, and device for automatically enhancing Ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT) operations. According to example embodiments, the apparatus may include a reader device that may be configured to: transmit, to a target Ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT) device, a plurality of initial trigger messages; determine whether an acknowledgement (ACK) is received from the target A-IoT device; and in response to determining that the ACK is not received from the target A-IoT device, retransmit, to the target A-IoT device, the plurality of initial trigger messages.

Description

AMBIENT INTERNET OF THINGS ENHANCEMENTSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 680,859, filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on August 8, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to enhancements of ambient internet of things (A- loT) operations in a telecommunications network.BACKGROUND

[0003] The information disclosed in this background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the general background of the disclosure and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that this information forms the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art.

[0004] Ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT) refers to a particular class of Internet of Things (loT) technology, wherein A-IoT devices harvest naturally available energy sources (i.e., ambient energy sources), such as light, heat, kinetic, and the like to power them. In particular, A-IoT devices may harvest the ambient energy sources by receiving said ambient energy sources, transforming said ambient energy sources into a usable energy, and storing the transformed energy for use, rather than relying on finite energy sources such as batteries that need to be replaced or recharged manually.

[0005] The use of ambient energy sources to power the A-IoT devices reduces the dependency of the devices on batteries that need to be replaced or recharged manually, thereby improving flexibility of usage and prolonging lifetime of the A-IoT devices. As such, A-IoT technologies are generally used on short-range wireless connection applications with devices, such as smart home devices, asset tracking, and the like.SUMMARY

[0006] Example embodiments of the present disclosure automatically enhance Ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT) operations. As such, example embodiments of the present disclosure improve reliability, robustness, and efficiency of A-IoT operations by ensuring that a target A-IoT device is able to receive at least one of a plurality of initial trigger messages in light of the energy limitation of the A-IoT device or any failures.

[0007] According to example embodiments, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus may include a reader device that may be configured to: transmit, to a target Ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT) device, a plurality of initial trigger messages; determine whether an acknowledgement (ACK) is received from the target A-IoT device; and in response to determining that the ACK is not received from the target A-IoT device, retransmit, to the target A-IoT device, the plurality of initial trigger messages.

[0008] According to example embodiments, a method is provided. The method may include: transmitting, to a target Ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT) device, a plurality of initial trigger messages; determining whether an acknowledgement (ACK) is received from the target A- loT device; and in response to determining that the ACK is not received from the target A-loT device, retransmitting, to the target A-IoT device, the plurality of initial trigger messages.

[0009] According to example embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium is provided. The non-transitory computer-readable recording medium may have recorded thereon instructions executable by an apparatus to cause the apparatus to perform a method including: transmitting, to a target Ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT) device, a plurality of initial trigger messages; determining whether an acknowledgement (ACK) is received from the target A- loT device; and in response to determining that the ACK is not received from the target A-IoT device, retransmitting, to the target A-IoT device, the plurality of initial trigger messages.

[0010] Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description that follows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may be realized by practice of the presented embodiments of the disclosure.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Features, aspects, and advantages of embodiments of the disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals denote like elements, and wherein:

[0012] FIG. 1A and FIG. IB illustrates a block diagram of an example system configuration for enhancing A-IoT, according to one or more example embodiments;

[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates a flow diagram of an example method for enhancing A-IoT, according to one or more example embodiments;

[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates a flow diagram of an example method for enhancing A-IoT, according to one or more example embodiments;

[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates a flow diagram of an example method for enhancing A-loT, according to one or more example embodiments;

[0016] FIG. 5 illustrates a flow diagram of an example method for enhancing A-IoT, according to one or more example embodiments;

[0017] FIG. 6 illustrates a flow diagram of an example method for determining whether an acknowledgement (ACK) is received from a target A-IoT device, according to one or more example embodiments;

[0018] FIG. 7 illustrates a flow diagram of an example method for enhancing A-IoT, according to one or more example embodiments;

[0019] FIG. 8 illustrates a flow diagram of an example method for enhancing A-IoT, according to one or more example embodiments;

[0020] FIG. 9 illustrates a flow diagram of an example method for receiving an initial trigger message, according to one or more example embodiments;

[0021] FIG. 10 illustrates a flow diagram of an example method for receiving an initial trigger message, according to one or more example embodiments;

[0022] FIG. 11 illustrates a flow diagram of an example method for initiating random access procedure, according to one or more example embodiments;

[0023] FIG. 12 illustrates a diagram of example components of a device for implementing one or more example embodiments; and

[0024] FIG. 13 illustrates a diagram of an example of implementation environment in which systems and / or method, described herein, may be implemented.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The following detailed description of example embodiments refers to the accompanying drawings. The present disclosure provides illustrations and descriptions, but is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the implementations to the precise form disclosed.Modifications and variations are possible in light of the present disclosure or may be acquired from practice of the implementations. Further, one or more features or components of one embodiment may be incorporated into or combined with another embodiment (or one or more features of another embodiment). Additionally, the flowchart and description of operations provided below relate to at least one of the embodiments in the present disclosure. It should be noted that it is possible to make other embodiments that do not exactly match the flowchart and its description. It is understood that in other embodiments one or more operations may be omitted, one or more operations may be added, one or more operations may be performed simultaneously (at least in part). Further, the order of one or more operations may be switched, as long as these modifications may not affect the resulting scope of the present disclosure.

[0026] It will be apparent that systems and / or methods, described herein, may be implemented in different forms of hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. The actual specialized control hardware or software code used to implement these systems and / or methods should not limit their implementations. Thus, the operation and behavior of the systems and / or methods are described herein without reference to specific software code. It is understood that software and hardware may be designed to implement the systems and / or methods based on the description herein.

[0027] Even though particular combinations of features are recited in the claims and / or disclosed in the specification, the particular combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of implementations. In fact, many of these features may be combined in ways not specifically recited in the claims and / or disclosed in the specification. Even if a dependent claim directlydepends on only one claim, the present disclosure may indicate that the dependent claim is dependent on other claims in the claim set.

[0028] No element, act, or instruction used herein should be construed as critical or essential unless explicitly described as such. Also, as used herein, the articles “a” and “an” (in other words, nouns not mentioned in the plural) are intended to include one or more items, and may be used interchangeably with “one or more.” Also, as used herein, the terms “has,” “have,” “having,” “include,” “including,” or the like are intended to be open-ended terms. Further, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “based, at least in part, on” unless explicitly stated otherwise. Furthermore, expressions such as “at least one of [A] and [B],” “[A] and / or [B],” or “at least one of [A] or [B]” are to be understood as including only A, only B, or both A and B. Further still, where only one item is intended, the term “one” or similar language is used.

[0029] Expressions such as “at least one processor,” where configured to implement a plurality of operations, execute a plurality of instructions, etc., are to be understood as a single processor implementing the plurality of operations, etc., or each of plural processors implementing at least some (but not necessarily all) of the plurality of operations, etc.

[0030] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “non-limiting exemplary embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the indicated embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present solution. Thus, the phrases “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment,” “in one non-limiting exemplary embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

[0031] Further, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the present disclosure may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more example embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, in light of the description herein, that the present disclosure can be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0032] The foregoing disclosure provides illustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the implementations to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above disclosure or may be acquired from practice of the implementations.

[0033] Further, example embodiments of the present disclosure may apply to any suitable network elements in any suitable telecommunications system, such as a 4G LTE system, 5G system, a 6G system, and the like, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0034] As described above, A-IoT devices harvest naturally available energy sources (i.e., ambient energy sources), such as light, heat, kinetic, and the like to power them rather than relying on finite energy sources such as batteries that need to be replaced or recharged manually.

[0035] In general, the A-IoT devices may be communicatively coupled to one or more reader device(s), which may be connected to a network and act as a middle point between servers in the network and the A-IoT devices. For example, the reader device may transmit data such as sensor readings from the A-IoT devices to the servers (e.g., temperature readings) and may transmit commands / instructions from the servers to the A-IoT devices (e.g., commands to display temperature readings on a tablet).

[0036] In this regard, energy saving and efficiency are important aspects of A-IoT management, since the ambient energy sources may not always be readily available or may be available for only a certain period of time (e.g., light and heat energy may be available only in the morning).

[0037] For example, the reader device may transmit a trigger message to the A-IoT devices requesting a sensor readings, but the A-IoT devices may not have sufficient energy to receive such trigger message and / or perform operations to measure the sensor readings and provide the same back to the reader device.

[0038] Accordingly, there is a need for a solution to improve efficiency and enhance communication between the reader device and the A-IoT devices in view of the limited ambient energy sources, in order to improve performance and reliability of the A-IoT technology.

[0039] Accordingly, apparatus, system, methods, devices, and the like, provided in the example embodiments of the present disclosure automatically enhance Ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT) operations.

[0040] According to example embodiments, the apparatus, which may include a reader device, may first a plurality of initial trigger messages to a target Ambient Internet of Things (A- loT) device. The reader device may then determine whether an acknowledgement (ACK) is received from the target A-IoT device, and retransmit the plurality of initial trigger messages to the target A-IoT device in response to determining that the ACK is not received from the target A- loT device.

[0041] Ultimately, example embodiments of the present disclosure automatically enhance Ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT) operations, which improve reliability, robustness, andefficiency of A-IoT operations by ensuring that a target A-IoT device is able to receive at least one of a plurality of initial trigger messages in light of the energy limitation of the A-IoT device or any failures.

[0042] It is contemplated that features, advantages, and significances of example embodiments described hereinabove are merely a portion of the present disclosure, and are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0043] Further descriptions of the features, components, configuration, operations, and implementations of the system of the present disclosure, according to one or more embodiments, are provided in the following.Example System Architecture

[0044] FIG. 1A illustrates a block diagram of an example system configuration 100 for enhancing A-IoT operations, according to one or more example embodiments. As illustrated in FIG. 1A, system configuration 100 may include an Ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT) device 120, a reader device 140, and a network 160.

[0045] The A-IoT device 120 may include a physical object, device, system, and the like that is configured to perform one or more operations associated with Internet of Things (loT).

[0046] According to example embodiments, the A-IoT device 120 may include sensors, such as camera, temperature sensor, light sensor, sound sensor, position / location sensor, and any similar device which obtain and measure the state of an environment. According to example embodiments, the A-IoT device 120 may include actuators, such as smart light bulb, display screen, signal emitter, loud speaker, ventilation fan, electronic lock, smart air conditioning unit, and any similar device which may be controlled electrically and provide non-electrical output.

[0047] According to example embodiments, the A-IoT device 120 may utilize and harvest ambient energy source. The ambient energy source may refer to a naturally available energy sources such as light, heat, kinetic, and the like. Here, the A-IoT device 120 may utilize any appropriate technology to utilize and harvest the ambient energy source, such as solar power technology, radio frequency (RF) wave, physical vibration, and the like. Further, the A-IoT device 120 may harvest the ambient energy source by receiving said ambient energy source, transforming said ambient energy source into a usable energy, and storing the transformed energy for use in the loT applications (e.g., receiving / responding messages from / to the reader device 120).

[0048] The reader device 140 may include a physical object, device, system, and the like that is configured to control and manage the A-IoT device 120, as well as facilitate communications and exchange of data, signal, and information between the A-IoT device 120 and the network 160.

[0049] According to example embodiments, the reader device 140 may be configured to transmit a message to the A-IoT device 120. The message may include a request, such as a command request for the A-IoT device 120 to perform a certain action, an inventory request for the A-IoT device 120 to report its status to the reader device 140, and the like. According to example embodiments, the command request may include a random access channel (RACH) request for the A-IoT device 120 to perform random access procedure with the reader device 140. Accordingly, the reader device 140 may receive a response from the A-IoT device 120 based on the request.

[0050] According to example embodiments, the reader device 140 may be configured to transmit a message to the network 160. The message may include data and information associatedwith the A-IoT device 120 and the reader device 140 itself. For example, the reader device 140 may receive temperature readings from a temperature sensor (A-IoT device 120), and then forward the temperature readings to the network 160. Subsequently, the network 160 (e.g., server in the network 160) may forward the temperature readings to a user via his user equipment (not shown) such that the user may be able to view the temperature at his house remotely.

[0051] According to example embodiments, the reader device 140 may be configured to receive a message from the network 160. The message may include an instruction, a command, and the like to be performed by the A-IoT device 120 and / or the reader device 140 itself. For example, a user may wish to remotely turn off an air conditioning unit (A-IoT device 120) at his house. As such, the user may transmit a request to turn off the air conditioning unit from his user equipment (not shown) through the network 160 (e.g., server in the network 160), where the network 160 may then transmit the request to the reader device 140, and where the reader device 140 may subsequently forward the request to the air conditioning unit.

[0052] In another example, the reader device 140 may receive brightness (sunlight) readings from a light sensor (A-IoT device 120), and then forward the brightness readings to the network 160. Subsequently, the network 160 (e.g., server in the network 160) may determine (e.g., based on preconfigured policy) that the brightness in the room exceeds a threshold. Accordingly, the network 160 may transmit a request to turn off all smart light bulbs (A-IoT device 120) in the room to the reader device 140, and where the reader device 140 may subsequently forward the request to all smart light bulbs in the room. In an alternate example, the reader device 140 itself may determine that the brightness in the room exceeds a threshold and transmit a request to turn off all smart light bulbs without involving the network 160.

[0053] According to example embodiments, the reader device 140 may include a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader, near-field communication (NFC) reader, and the like.

[0054] The network 160 may include a telecommunication network, such as a 3GPP network and the like. According to example embodiments, the network 160 may include a server (e.g., a cloud server, a hybrid cloud server, a server cluster, etc.) that may be configured to control and manage the A-IoT device 120 and the reader device 140. Further, the network 160 may be communicatively coupled to the reader device 140 via a base station, such as a Radio Unit (RU) under radio access network (RAN), a Distributed Unit (DU) under radio access network (RAN), a Central Unit (CU) under radio access network (RAN), a gNodeB, and the like.

[0055] It is contemplated that the system architecture may include more / fewer components than illustrated, and / or may be configured in a different manner, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the number of the reader device and the number of A-IoT device can be any.

[0056] More specifically, for example as shown in FIG. IB, the system configuration may include a plurality of A-IoT devices 120A, 120B, 120C that are communicatively coupled to a plurality of reader devices 140A, 140B, 140C.

[0057] In this regard, a particular reader device (e.g., 140A) may transmit a message (e.g., initial trigger message) to a particular A-IoT device (e.g., 120A) (e.g., requesting a specific temperature reading from A-IoT device installed in a specific bed room), or may transmit messages to a number / group of A-IoT devices (e.g., all 120A, 120B, 120C ) (e.g., requesting all temperature reading from A-IoT devices installed at various locations in the house).

[0058] Similarly, a particular A-IoT device (e.g., 120A) may receive a message from a particular reader device (e.g., 140A), or may receive messages from a number of reader devices (e.g., all 140A, MOB, 140C).

[0059] Here, the A-IoT device 120 and / or the reader device 140 may include an apparatus, a system, a platform, a module, or the like, which may be configured to perform one or more operations or actions for enhancing A-IoT operations. Example operations performable by the reader device 140 for enhancing A-IoT operations are described below with reference to FIG. 2 to FIG. 6, while operations performable by the A-IoT device 120 for enhancing A-IoT operations are described below with reference to FIG. 7 to FIG. 11.Example Operations for Enhancing A-IoT Operations by a Reader Device in the Present Disclosure

[0060] In the following, several example operations are performable by the apparatus of one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure are described with reference to FIG.2 to FIG. 6.

[0061] FIG. 2 illustrates a flow diagram of an example method 200 for enhancing A-IoT operations, according to one or more example embodiments. One or more operations in method 200 may be performed by the apparatus of one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure. The apparatus may be configured to enhance A-IoT operations. According to example embodiments, the apparatus may include a reader device.

[0062] As illustrated in FIG. 2, at operation S210, the apparatus may be configured to transmit a plurality of initial trigger messages to a target Ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT) device.

[0063] According to example embodiments, the plurality of initial trigger messages may include a random access channel (RACH) request, which may include a request for the target A- loT device to perform random access procedure. The random access procedure may be performed to initiate communication between the target A-IoT device and the apparatus (e.g., reader device).

[0064] According to example embodiments, the plurality of initial trigger messages may include an inventory request, which may include a request for the target A-IoT device to report its status (e.g., sensor readings).

[0065] According to example embodiments, the plurality of initial trigger messages may be transmitted as a single set (i.e., a set comprising the plurality of initial trigger messages), where individual initial trigger message of the plurality of initial trigger messages within the one set may be transmitted one after another in succession, at a staggered intervals, and the like.

[0066] Further, according to example embodiments, the plurality of initial trigger messages may include the same request (e.g., RACH request, inventory request, etc.) Furthermore, the plurality of initial trigger messages may be transmitted on different frequencies or on the same frequency.

[0067] In particular, for example, a first initial trigger message of the plurality of initial trigger messages may include a RACH request and may be transmitted to the A-IoT device via a first frequency, while a second initial trigger message of the plurality of initial trigger messages may include a RACH request (same request) and may be transmitted to the A-IoT device via a second frequency (different frequency).

[0068] It is understood that, by transmitting the plurality of initial trigger messages on different frequencies, the likelihood that the A-IoT device is unable to receive the initial trigger messages due to due to effects of frequency- specific interferences may be reduced.

[0069] According to example embodiments, each of the plurality of initial trigger messages may include a trigger message origin identification indicating a particular reader device which the initial trigger message originates from (e.g., the apparatus) and a trigger message target identification indicating a particular A-IoT device which the initial trigger message is to be transmitted to (e.g., target A-IoT device).

[0070] According to example embodiments, each of the plurality of initial trigger messages may include the trigger message origin identification and a trigger message target group identification indicating a particular group of A-IoT devices which the initial trigger message is to be transmitted to (a group of target A-IoT devices). In this case, the plurality of initial trigger messages may be transmitted to each of the A-IoT devices in the group of target A-IoT devices.

[0071] According to example embodiments, each of the plurality of initial trigger messages may include the trigger message origin identification without specifying a particular entity / group of entities the initial trigger message is to be transmitted to. In this case, the initial trigger messages may be received and processed by any A-IoT device that receive the message.

[0072] According to example embodiments, each of the plurality of initial trigger messages may include a transaction identification. The transaction identification may be unique for a particular request from a particular reader device. The method then proceeds to operation S220.

[0073] At operation S220, the apparatus may be configured to determine whether an acknowledgement (ACK) is received from the target A-IoT device.

[0074] In particular, after receiving at least one of the plurality of initial trigger messages from the apparatus, the target A-IoT device may transmit the ACK to the apparatus.

[0075] According to example embodiments, the ACK may include an ACK target identification indicating a particular reader device which the ACK is to be transmitted to (e.g., the apparatus) and an ACK origin identification indicating a particular A-IoT device which the ACK originates from (e.g., target A-IoT device).

[0076] According to example embodiments, the apparatus may be configured to determine whether the ACK is received from the target A-IoT device by: receiving at least one ACK; identify an entity that transmitted the received at least one ACK based on an ACK origin identification indicated in the received at least one ACK; determine whether at least one of the received at least one ACK is transmitted from the target A-IoT device based on the identified entity; in response to determining that at least one of the received at least one ACK is transmitted from the target A-IoT device, determine that the ACK is received from the target A-IoT device and discard other ACK from the received at least one ACK that is transmitted from the target A-IoT device; and in response to determining that none of the received at least one ACK is transmitted from the target A-IoT device, determine that the ACK is not received from the target A-IoT device.

[0077] Examples of operations for determining whether the ACK is received from the target A-IoT device are described below with reference to FIG. 6.

[0078] According to example embodiments, the apparatus may determine whether theACK is received from the target A-IoT device within a predefined period of time.

[0079] According to example embodiments, the apparatus may determine that the ACK is not received from the target A-IoT device if the apparatus does not receive any ACK within the predefined period of time.

[0080] In this regard, in response to determining that the ACK is received from the target A-IoT device, the apparatus may determine that at least one of the plurality of initial trigger messages is successfully received by the target A-IoT device, and the method proceeds to end. On the other hand, in response to determining that the ACK is not received from the target A-IoT device, the apparatus may determine that none of the plurality of initial trigger messages is successfully received by the target A-IoT device, and the method proceeds to operation S230.

[0081] At operation S230, the apparatus may be configured to retransmit the plurality of initial trigger messages to the target A-IoT device.

[0082] The plurality of initial trigger messages may be retransmitted to the target A-IoT device, in the similar manner as described above for operation S210.

[0083] The method then returns to operation S220 to determine whether the ACK is received from the target A-IoT device.

[0084] In this regard, according to example embodiments, operations S220 and S230 may be repeatedly performed until the apparatus determines that the ACK is received from the target A-IoT device. According to example embodiments, operations S220 and S230 may be repeatedly performed until a threshold is reached (e.g., time threshold, reattempt counter threshold, etc.)

[0085] Upon performing operation S220 and / or S230, the method 200 may be ended or be terminated. Alternatively, method 200 may return to operation S210, such that the at least one processor may be configured to repeatedly perform, for at least a predetermined amount of time,the transmitting the plurality of initial trigger messages (at operation S210), the determining whether the ACK is received (at operation S220), and / or the retransmitting the plurality of initial trigger messages (at operation S230).

[0086] Accordingly, the above processes may improve reliability, robustness, and efficiency of A-IoT operations by ensuring that the target A-IoT device is able to receive at least one of the plurality of initial trigger messages in light of the energy limitation of the A-IoT device or any failures.

[0087] In particular, through the number of multiple messages of the plurality of initial trigger messages, the likelihood of the A-IoT device to be able to receive at least one of the plurality of initial trigger messages may increase in light of the energy limitation of the A-IoT device. More specifically, by transmitting multiple initial trigger messages, even if the A-IoT device does not have sufficient energy to receive some of the first initial trigger messages, the A-IoT device may have sufficient energy to receive some of the later initial trigger messages once the A-IoT device harvests more energy from the ambient energy sources.

[0088] Further, even if the target A-IoT device is not able to receive any of the plurality of initial trigger messages, the above processes may also provide a retransmission and redundancy mechanism where the plurality of initial trigger messages are retransmitted if no ACK is received, thereby ensuring that the plurality of initial trigger messages are received by the target A-IoT device at some point.

[0089] As such, the above processes may increase reliability and robustness of A-IoT communication, guarantee that devices have sufficient energy to perform operations as requested, and ensure that the initial trigger messages are transmitted effectively.

[0090] FIG. 3 illustrates a flow diagram of an example method 300 for enhancing A-IoT operations, according to one or more example embodiments. One or more operations in method 300 may be performed by the apparatus of one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure. The apparatus may be configured to enhance A-IoT operations. According to example embodiments, the apparatus may include a reader device.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 3, one or more operations in method 300 may be similar to one or more operations in method 200 described above. Accordingly, similar descriptions are omitted for conciseness.

[0092] As illustrated in FIG. 3, at operation S305, the apparatus may be configured to monitor a network condition associated with the apparatus.

[0093] The network condition may include any kind of condition, status, and the like associated with the network. For example, the network condition may include network congestion, interference, and the like at the apparatus (e.g., reader device). The method then proceeds to operation S310.

[0094] At operation S310, the apparatus may be configured to transmit a plurality of initial trigger messages to a target Ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT) device, in the similar manner as described above in relation to operation S210 in method 200. The method then proceeds to operation S320.

[0095] At operation S320, the apparatus may be configured to determine whether an acknowledgement (ACK) is received from the target A-IoT device, in the similar manner as described above in relation to operation S220 in method 200.

[0096] In this regard, in response to determining that the ACK is received from the target A-IoT device, the apparatus may determine that at least one of the plurality of initial trigger messages is successfully received by the target A-IoT device, and the method proceeds to operation S340. On the other hand, in response to determining that the ACK is not received from the target A-IoT device, the apparatus may determine that none of the plurality of initial trigger messages is successfully received by the target A-IoT device, and the method proceeds to operation S330.

[0097] At operation S330, the apparatus may be configured to retransmit the plurality of initial trigger messages to the target A-IoT device, in the similar manner as described above in relation to operation S230 in method 200.

[0098] At operation S340, the apparatus may be configured to transmit a network condition message to the target A-IoT device. The network condition message may include information related to the network condition associated with the apparatus (i.e., determined during operation S3O5).

[0099] In particular, in response to receiving the network condition message, the target A- loT device may utilize the information related to the network condition associated with the apparatus for various operations as described below in relation to FIG. 11.

[0100] It is noted that the apparatus may be configured to continuously monitor the network condition throughout the operations the method 300. Accordingly, for example, if operations S320 and S330 are repeatedly performed for a number of times due to the target A-IoT device lacking sufficient energy to receive the plurality of initial trigger messages and transmit the ACK, once the target A-IoT device has sufficient energy to receive the plurality of initial trigger messages and the ACK is received by the apparatus, the information related to the networkcondition associated with the apparatus included in the network condition message may correspond to the latest network condition, rather than the network condition identified initially.

[0101] FIG. 4 illustrates a flow diagram of an example method 400 for enhancing A-IoT operations, according to one or more example embodiments. One or more operations in method 400 may be performed by the apparatus of one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure. The apparatus may be configured to enhance A-IoT operations. According to example embodiments, the apparatus may include a reader device.

[0102] As shown in FIG. 4, one or more operations in method 400 may be similar to one or more operations in method 200 described above. Accordingly, similar descriptions are omitted for conciseness.

[0103] As illustrated in FIG. 4, at operation S405, the apparatus may be configured to determine a priority of a request comprised in the plurality of initial trigger messages.

[0104] Here, the request may include the RACH request or the inventory request which may be included in the plurality of initial trigger messages as described above in relation to operation S210 in method 200. In this regard, the apparatus may be configured to determine a priority of the RACH request / the inventory request included in the plurality of initial trigger messages.

[0105] The priority may indicate an importance of the request, and may be determined in any form, such as discrete priority level (e.g., priority level 1, priority level 2, etc.). Further, the priority may be determined based on the urgency of the request, current network condition, type of command involved in the request, criticality of a response from the target A-IoT device, and the like. The method then proceeds to operation S410.

[0106] At operation S410, the apparatus may be configured to transmit a plurality of initial trigger messages to a target Ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT) device, in the similar manner as described above in relation to operation S210 in method 200.

[0107] Here, according to example embodiments, the plurality of initial trigger messages may include the priority of the request. The method then proceeds to operation S420.

[0108] At operation S420, the apparatus may be configured to determine whether an acknowledgement (ACK) is received from the target A-IoT device, in the similar manner as described above in relation to operation S220 in method 200.

[0109] In this regard, in response to determining that the ACK is received from the target A-IoT device, the apparatus may determine that at least one of the plurality of initial trigger messages is successfully received by the target A-IoT device, and the method proceeds to end. On the other hand, in response to determining that the ACK is not received from the target A-IoT device, the apparatus may determine that none of the plurality of initial trigger messages is successfully received by the target A-IoT device, and the method proceeds to operation S430.

[0110] At operation S430, the apparatus may be configured to retransmit the plurality of initial trigger messages to the target A-IoT device, in the similar manner as described above in relation to operation S230 in method 200.

[0111] In this regard, in response to receiving the plurality of initial trigger messages, the target A-IoT device may utilize the priority included in the plurality of initial trigger messages for various operations as described below in relation to FIG. 8.

[0112] FIG. 5 illustrates a flow diagram of an example method 500 for enhancing A-IoT operations, according to one or more example embodiments. One or more operations in method500 may be performed by the apparatus of one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure. The apparatus may be configured to enhance A-IoT operations. According to example embodiments, the apparatus may include a reader device.

[0113] As shown in FIG. 5, one or more operations in method 500 may be similar to one or more operations in method 200 described above. Accordingly, similar descriptions are omitted for conciseness.

[0114] As illustrated in FIG. 5, at operation S510, the apparatus may be configured to transmit a plurality of initial trigger messages to a plurality of target Ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT) devices, in the similar manner as described above in relation to operation S210 in method 200.

[0115] In particular, according to example embodiments, the apparatus may transmit a plurality of sets of the plurality of initial trigger messages, where each set may contain the plurality of initial trigger messages and may be transmitted to a particular A-IoT device of the plurality of A-IoT devices.

[0116] For example, the apparatus may wish to request all A-IoT devices in the room to report their status. Accordingly, the apparatus may transmit the plurality of initial trigger messages including the inventory request to each of the A-IoT devices in the room. The method then proceeds to operation S520.

[0117] At operation S520, the apparatus may be configured to determine whether an acknowledgement (ACK) is received from all of the plurality of target A-IoT devices.

[0118] The apparatus may determine whether the ACK is received from all of the plurality of target A-IoT devices by determining, for each of the plurality of target A-IoT devices, whetherthe ACK is received, in the similar manner as described above in relation to operation S220 in method 200.

[0119] In this regard, in response to determining that the ACK is received from all of the plurality of target A-IoT devices, the apparatus may determine that at least one of the plurality of initial trigger messages is successfully received by all of the plurality of target A-IoT devices, and the method proceeds to end. On the other hand, in response to determining that the ACK is not received from all of the plurality of target A-IoT devices, the apparatus may determine that none of the plurality of initial trigger messages is successfully received by at least one of the plurality of target A-IoT devices, and the method proceeds to operation S525.

[0120] At operation S525, the apparatus may be configured to identify a missing A-IoT device from the plurality of target A-IoT devices. The missing A-IoT device may refer to an A- loT device that did not transmit the ACK.

[0121] According to example embodiments, the apparatus may maintain a list specifying the plurality of target A-IoT devices which the plurality of initial trigger messages are transmitted to. In this regard, since the ACK may include the ACK origin identification (indicating the particular A-IoT device which the ACK originates from), the apparatus may identify which of the plurality of target A-IoT devices transmitted the ACK based on the ACK origin identification, and compare the identified target A-IoT device against the list in order to identify which of the plurality of target A-IoT devices did not transmit the ACK.

[0122] It is understood that, if the apparatus does not receive any ACK, the apparatus may identify all of the plurality of target A-IoT devices as the missing A-IoT device. The method then proceeds to operation S530.

[0123] At operation S530, the apparatus may be configured to retransmit the plurality of initial trigger messages to the identified missing A-IoT device, in the similar manner as described above in relation to operation S230 in method 200.

[0124] Accordingly, the above processes enable a reader device to identify and recognize if any particular A-IoT device of a plurality of A-IoT devices encounter any issues (e.g., insufficient energy) and did not receive any of the initial trigger messages, as well as enable the reader device to appropriately retransmit the initial trigger messages to only the particular A-IoT device that did not receive any of the initial trigger messages, thereby improving efficiency and reliability.

[0125] FIG. 6 illustrates a flow diagram of an example method 600 for determining whether an acknowledgement (ACK) is received from a target A-IoT device, according to one or more example embodiments. One or more operations of method 600 may be part of operation S220 in method 200, and may be performed by the apparatus of one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0126] As illustrated in FIG. 6, at operation S610, the apparatus may be configured to receive at least one ACK.

[0127] It is noted that, at this point, the apparatus may not recognize an entity that transmitted the at least one ACK. The method then proceeds to operation S620.

[0128] At operation S620, the apparatus may be configured to identify an entity that transmitted the received at least one ACK based on an ACK origin identification indicated in the received at least one ACK.

[0129] In particular, as described above in relation to operation S220 in method 200, the ACK may include an ACK origin identification indicating a particular A-IoT device which the ACK originates from.

[0130] In this regard, if the apparatus receives a plurality of ACKs during operation S610, the apparatus may determine the entities that transmitted the received plurality of ACKs based on the ACK origin identification indicated in the respective one of the received plurality of ACKs. The method then proceeds to operation S630.

[0131] At operation S630, the apparatus may be configured to determine whether at least one of the received at least one ACK is transmitted from the target A-IoT device (i.e., the particular A-IoT device which the plurality of initial trigger messages are to be transmitted to during operation S210 in method 200) based on the identified entity.

[0132] For example, referring to the example in FIG. IB, during operation S210, the apparatus may transmit the plurality of initial trigger messages to A-IoT device A (target A-IoT device). Then, during operation S610, the apparatus may receive two ACKs, but the apparatus may not know which A-IoT device transmitted said two ACKs, and whether said two ACKs include an ACK transmitted from the A-IoT device A (target A-IoT device).

[0133] Accordingly, during operation S620, the apparatus may identify the entities that transmitted the two ACKs as the A-IoT device A and A-IoT device B. Subsequently, during operation S630, the apparatus may determine that at least one of the received two ACKs is transmitted from the target A-IoT device (A-IoT device A).

[0134] On the other hand, during operation S620, the apparatus may identify the entities that transmitted the two ACKs as the A-IoT device B and A-IoT device C. Subsequently, duringoperation S630, the apparatus may determine that none of the received two ACKs is transmitted from the target A-IoT device (A-IoT device A).

[0135] In view of the above, in response to determining that at least one of the received at least one ACK is transmitted from the target A-IoT device, the method proceeds to operation S640. On the other hand, in response to determining that none of the received at least one ACK is transmitted from the target A-IoT device, the method proceeds to operation S660.

[0136] At operation S640, the apparatus may determine that the ACK is received from the target A-IoT device. The method then proceeds to operation S650.

[0137] At operation S650, the apparatus may discard other ACK from the received at least one ACK that is transmitted from the target A-IoT device.

[0138] For example, during operation S610, the apparatus may receive three ACKs: ACK1, ACK2, and ACK3, where the apparatus may identify that A-IoT device A is the entity that transmitted ACK1, A-IoT device A is the entity that transmitted ACK2, and A-IoT device C is the entity that transmitted ACK3.

[0139] In this regard, during operation S650, the apparatus may discard ACK2 which is transmitted from the same entity as ACK1 (i.e., redundant ACK).

[0140] At operation S660, the apparatus may determine that the ACK is not received from the target A-IoT device.

[0141] Accordingly, the above processes may enable a reader device to recognize and identify whether the received ACK is received from the specific entity that the plurality of initial trigger messages are transmitted to (i.e., target A-IoT device), as well as to respond to only one ofthose ACK for the target A-IoT device, thereby improving efficiency and energy usage of the reader device.

[0142] According to example embodiments, one or more operations in methods 200 to 600 may be modified and combined with one another. For example, operations in method 300 and 400 may be combined together, where the priority of a request may be determined and adjusted based on the monitored network condition in real-time.Example Operations for Enhancing A-IoT Operations by an A-IoT Device in the Present Disclosure

[0143] In the following, several example operations are performable by the apparatus of one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure are described with reference to FIG.7 to FIG. 11.

[0144] FIG. 7 illustrates a flow diagram of an example method 700 for enhancing A-IoT operations, according to one or more example embodiments. One or more operations in method 700 may be performed by the apparatus of one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure. The apparatus may be configured to enhance A-IoT operations.

[0145] According to example embodiments, the apparatus may include an Ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT) device. According to example embodiments, one or more operations in method 700 (as well as method 900 to method 1100) may be performed from the perspective of the A-IoT device (i.e., target A-IoT device) in response to one or more operations in method 200 to method 600 performed from the perspective of the reader device.

[0146] As illustrated in FIG. 7, at operation S710, the apparatus may be configured to receive an initial trigger message from a reader device.

[0147] The initial trigger message may be one of a plurality of initial trigger messages transmitted by the reader device. Further, the initial trigger message may include a request, which may include the RACH request or the inventory request.

[0148] In this regard, according to example embodiments, the apparatus may also be configured to identify which request is included in the received initial trigger message.

[0149] According to example embodiments, the apparatus may be configured to receive the initial trigger message by: receiving a plurality of initial trigger messages; identifying entities that transmitted the plurality of initial trigger messages; identifying redundant initial trigger message based on the identified entities; and discarding the identified redundant initial trigger message such that one initial trigger message is received from a particular entity.

[0150] According to example embodiments, the apparatus may be configured to receive the initial trigger message by: receiving at least one initial trigger message; identifying redundant initial trigger message based on a transaction identification indicated in the received at least one initial trigger message; and discarding the identified redundant initial trigger message such that one initial trigger message is received for a particular transaction identification.

[0151] Examples of operations for receiving the initial trigger message are described below with reference to FIG. 9 and FIG. 10.

[0152] Here, as described above in relation to operation S210 in method 200, the initial trigger message may include the trigger message target identification indicating a particular A-IoT device which the initial trigger message is to be transmitted to. In this regard, according to example embodiments, the apparatus may identify the trigger message target identification from the initial trigger message, and determine whether the identified trigger message target identificationmatches the identification of itself. Accordingly, in response to determining that the identified trigger message target identification matches the identification of itself, the apparatus may determine that the initial trigger message is intended to be transmitted to itself, and the method may continue and proceed to operation S720. On the other hand, in response to determining that the identified trigger message target identification does not match the identification of itself, the apparatus may determine that the initial trigger message is intended to be transmitted to other A- loT device rather than itself, and the method may end.

[0153] The method then proceeds to operation S720.

[0154] At operation S720, the apparatus may be configured to determine whether a target Ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT) device has sufficient energy to perform an operation in accordance with the request.

[0155] For example, if the request corresponds to the RACH request, the apparatus may determine whether the target A-IoT device (i.e., apparatus) has sufficient energy to perform random access procedure with the reader device. In another example, if the request corresponds to the inventory request, the apparatus may determine whether the target A-IoT device (i.e., apparatus) has sufficient energy to obtain information related to the status and transmit the information back to the reader device.

[0156] According to example embodiments, the apparatus may determine whether the target A-IoT device has sufficient energy to perform the operation in accordance with the request based on a predefined threshold. For example, the apparatus may have predefined minimum energy required to perform the random access procedure with the reader device (predefined threshold). In this regard, the apparatus may compare the current energy level of the target A-IoT device againstthe minimum energy required to perform the random access procedure with the reader device, in order to determine whether the target A-IoT device has sufficient energy to perform random access procedure with the reader device.

[0157] In this regard, in response to determining that the target A-IoT device has sufficient energy to perform the operation, the apparatus may determine that the target A-IoT device can perform the operation in accordance with the request, and the method proceeds to operation S730. On the other hand, in response to determining that the target A-IoT device does not have sufficient energy to perform the operation, the apparatus may determine that the target A-IoT device cannot perform the operation in accordance with the request, and the method proceeds to operation S750.

[0158] At operation S730, the apparatus may be configured to transmit an acknowledgement (ACK) to the reader device.

[0159] According to example embodiments, the ACK may include an ACK target identification indicating a particular reader device which the ACK is to be transmitted to (e.g., reader device) and an ACK origin identification indicating a particular A-IoT device which the ACK originates from (e.g., the apparatus). The method then proceeds to operation S740.

[0160] At operation S740, the apparatus may be configured to perform the operation in accordance with the request.

[0161] According to example embodiments, if the request corresponds to the RACH request, the operation in accordance with the request may include initiating random access procedure with the reader.

[0162] Examples of operations for initiating random access procedure are described below with reference to FIG. 11.

[0163] According to example embodiments, if the request corresponds to the inventory request, the operation in accordance with the request may include obtain information related to the status of the target A-IoT device and transmit the obtained information to the reader device.

[0164] At operation S750, the apparatus may be configured to wait until the target A-IoT device has sufficient energy to perform the operation in accordance with the request.

[0165] The method then returns to operation S720 to determine whether the target A-IoT device has sufficient energy to perform the operation in accordance with the request.

[0166] In this regard, according to example embodiments, operation S720 and S750 may be repeatedly performed until the apparatus determines that the target A-IoT device has sufficient energy to perform the operation in accordance with the request. According to example embodiments, operation S720 and S750 may be repeatedly performed until a threshold is reached (e.g., time threshold, etc.)

[0167] Upon performing operation S740 and / or S750, the method 700 may be ended or be terminated. Alternatively, method 700 may return to operation S710, such that the at least one processor may be configured to repeatedly perform, for at least a predetermined amount of time, the receiving the initial trigger message (at operation S710), the determining whether the target A- loT device has sufficient energy (at operation S720), the transmitting the ACK (at operation S730), the performing the operation (at operation S740), and / or the waiting (at operation S750).

[0168] Accordingly, the above processes may provide a mechanism for an A-IoT device to determine and check whether it has sufficient energy to perform the operations in accordance with the request in the received initial trigger message (such as the random access procedure) before actually performing the operations.

[0169] FIG. 8 illustrates a flow diagram of an example method 800 for enhancing A-IoT operations, according to one or more example embodiments. One or more operations in method800 may be performed by the apparatus of one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure. The apparatus may be configured to enhance A-IoT operations. According to example embodiments, the apparatus may include an Ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT) device.

[0170] As shown in FIG. 8, one or more operations in method 800 may be similar to one or more operations in method 700 described above. Accordingly, similar descriptions are omitted for conciseness.

[0171] As illustrated in FIG. 8, at operation S810, the apparatus may be configured to receive a plurality of sets of a plurality of initial trigger messages from a plurality of reader devices, in the similar manner as described above in relation to operation S210 in method 200.

[0172] In particular, according to example embodiments, a plurality of reader devices may each transmit a set of a plurality of initial trigger messages to the apparatus, where at least one of the plurality of initial trigger messages within a set transmitted by each of the plurality of reader devices may be received by the apparatus.

[0173] Further, the plurality of sets of the plurality of initial trigger messages transmitted by the plurality of reader devices may include a plurality of requests and a plurality of priorities.

[0174] For example, a first reader device may transmit a first set of a plurality of initial trigger messages, where the plurality of initial trigger messages in the first set may include a first request and a first priority. Similarly, a second reader device may transmit a second set of a plurality of initial trigger messages, where the plurality of initial trigger messages in the second set may include a second request and a second priority. In this regard, at least one of the pluralityof initial trigger messages in the first set (transmitted from the first reader device) and at least one of the plurality of initial trigger messages in the second set (transmitted from the second reader device) may be received by the apparatus.

[0175] The plurality of requests may include the RACH request and / or the inventory request, as described above in relation to operation S210 in method 200.

[0176] The plurality of priorities may indicate an importance of the respective request from the respective reader device, in the similar manner as described above in relation to operation S405 in method 400.

[0177] In this regard, according to example embodiments, the apparatus may also be configured to identify which request and what priority are included in each of the plurality of sets of the plurality of initial trigger messages transmitted by each of the plurality of reader devices. The method then proceeds to operation S815.

[0178] At operation S815, the apparatus may be configured to determine an order to process the plurality of requests (associated with the plurality of sets of the plurality of initial trigger messages).

[0179] According to example embodiments, the order to process the plurality of requests may be determined based on the plurality of priorities.

[0180] For example, the first priority associated with the first request may correspond to priority level 1 (highest), while the first priority associated with the first request may correspond to priority level 5 (lowest). Accordingly, the apparatus may determine the order to process the first request associated with the first set of the plurality of initial trigger messages and then process the second request associated with the second set of the plurality of initial trigger messages.

[0181] In this regard, the following operations S820, S830, S840, and S850 may be performed based on the determined order (e.g., operations S820, S830, S840, and S850 may be performed with the first request first, then followed by the second request). The method then proceeds to operation S820.

[0182] At operation S820, the apparatus may be configured to determine whether a target Ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT) device has sufficient energy to perform an operation in accordance with the request, in the similar manner as described above in relation to operation S720.

[0183] Here, the request may correspond to the first request based on the determined order.

[0184] In this regard, in response to determining that the target A-IoT device has sufficient energy to perform the operation, the apparatus may determine that the target A-IoT device can perform the operation in accordance with the request, and the method proceeds to operation S830. On the other hand, in response to determining that the target A-IoT device does not have sufficient energy to perform the operation, the apparatus may determine that the target A-IoT device cannot perform the operation in accordance with the request, and the method proceeds to operation S850.

[0185] At operation S830, the apparatus may be configured to transmit an acknowledgement (ACK) to the reader device, in the similar manner as described above in relation to operation S730 in method 700.

[0186] Here, the reader device may correspond to the first reader device associated with the first request based on the determined order. The method then proceeds to operation S840.

[0187] At operation S840, the apparatus may be configured to perform the operation in accordance with the request, in the similar manner as described above in relation to operation S740 in method 700.

[0188] Here, the request may correspond to the first request based on the determined order.

[0189] At operation S850, the apparatus may be configured to wait until the target A-IoT device has sufficient energy to perform the operation in accordance with the request.

[0190] Here, the request may correspond to the first request based on the determined order.

[0191] The method then returns to operation S820 to determine whether the target A-IoT device has sufficient energy to perform the operation in accordance with the request.

[0192] In this regard, according to example embodiments, operations S820 and S850 may be repeatedly performed until the apparatus determines that the target A-IoT device has sufficient energy to perform the operation in accordance with the request. According to example embodiments, operations S820 and S850 may be repeatedly performed until a threshold is reached (e.g., time threshold, etc.)

[0193] In this regard, after operation S840, at operation S860, the apparatus may be configured to determine whether there is a remaining request in the determined order.

[0194] For example, the apparatus may determine that the second request is still remaining in the order.

[0195] Accordingly, in response to determining that there is a remaining request in the determined order, the apparatus may return to operation S820, S830, S840, and S850 where said operations may be performed with the next request in the order (e.g., second order).

[0196] On the other hand, in response to determining that there is no remaining request in the determined order, the method may end.

[0197] Accordingly, the above processes may enable a reader device (which specifies the priority) and an A-IoT device to efficiently manage and prioritize critical A-IoT operations and requests, ensuring timely and appropriate response is performed.

[0198] In particular, the inclusion of priority in the initial trigger message may enable differentiation between routine inventory checks and urgent commands that need immediate attention, thereby optimizing network resources and response time.

[0199] FIG. 9 illustrates a flow diagram of an example method 900 for receiving an initial trigger message, according to one or more example embodiments. One or more operations of method 900 may be part of operation S710 in method 700, and may be performed by the apparatus of one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0200] As illustrated in FIG. 9, at operation S910, the apparatus may be configured to receive a plurality of initial trigger messages.

[0201] It is noted that, at this point, the apparatus may not recognize the entities that transmitted the plurality of initial trigger messages. Further, the apparatus may also not recognize whether the received plurality of initial trigger messages are part of the same set from the same entity / reader device, or different sets from different entities / reader devices. The method then proceeds to operation S920.

[0202] At operation S920, the apparatus may be configured to identify entities that transmitted the plurality of initial trigger messages based on a trigger message origin identification indicated in each of the received plurality of initial trigger messages.

[0203] In particular, as described above in relation to operation S210 in method 200, each of the plurality of initial trigger messages may include a trigger message origin identificationindicating a particular reader device which the initial trigger message originates from. The method then proceeds to operation S930.

[0204] At operation S930, the apparatus may be configured to identify redundant initial trigger message based on the identified entities.

[0205] The redundant initial trigger message may refer to an initial trigger message that is redundant with (same as) another initial trigger message has already been received by the apparatus from the same entity.

[0206] For example, referring to the example in FIG. IB, during operation S210 in method 200, the reader device A, reader device B, and reader device C may each transmit a set of plurality of initial trigger messages to A-IoT Device A (i.e., apparatus). Here, one of the plurality of initial trigger messages transmitted by reader device A may be received by the A-IoT Device A (first message), one of the plurality of initial trigger messages transmitted by reader device B may be received by the A-IoT Device A (second message), and two of the plurality of initial trigger messages transmitted by reader device C may be received by the A-IoT Device A (third and fourth messages). In other words, the plurality of initial trigger messages received by the apparatus during operation S910 may correspond to the first, second, third, and fourth messages above.

[0207] Then, during operation S920, the apparatus may identify reader device A as the entity that transmitted the first message, reader device B as the entity that transmitted the second message, and reader device C as the entity that transmitted the third and fourth messages. Accordingly, since the third and fourth messages are identified to be transmitted from the same entity, the fourth message may be identified as the redundant initial trigger message during operation S930.

[0208] According to example embodiments, the redundant initial trigger message may be further identified based on access occurrence. The method then proceeds to operation S940.

[0209] At operation S940, the apparatus may be configured to discard the identified redundant initial trigger message.

[0210] The identified redundant initial trigger message may be discarded such that one initial trigger message is received from a particular entity. For example, the fourth message may be discarded, such that one initial trigger message is received from each of the reader device A (first message), reader device B (second message), and reader device C (third message).

[0211] In this regard, according to example embodiments, operations S720, S730, S740, and S750 described above in relation to method 700 may be performed for each of the initial trigger message is received from a particular entity (e.g., operations S720, S730, S740, and S750 may be performed for the first message, then the second message, and then the third message).

[0212] It is understood that, if there are no redundant initial trigger message identified during operation S930, operations S940 may be skipped.

[0213] Accordingly, the above processes may enable an A-IoT device to recognize and identify the specific distinct entities that transmitted the plurality of initial trigger messages, and to respond to only one of those plurality of initial trigger for each specific distinct entity, thereby improving efficiency and energy usage of the A-IoT device.

[0214] The above processes may be beneficial for A-IoT devices that are deployed in areas with overlapping coverage from multiple reader devices, which may receive multiple initial trigger messages from different or the same reader devices.

[0215] FIG. 10 illustrates a flow diagram of an example method 1000 for receiving an initial trigger message, according to one or more example embodiments. One or more operations of method 1000 may be part of operation S710 in method 700, and may be performed by the apparatus of one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0216] As illustrated in FIG. 10, at operation S1010, the apparatus may be configured to receive at least one initial trigger message.

[0217] It is noted that, at this point, the apparatus may not recognize the entity that transmitted the at least one initial trigger message. The method then proceeds to operation SI 020.

[0218] At operation S1020, the apparatus may be configured to identify redundant initial trigger message based on a transaction identification indicated in the received at least one initial trigger message.

[0219] The redundant initial trigger message may refer to an initial trigger message that is redundant with (same as) another initial trigger message has already been received by the apparatus from the same entity.

[0220] In this regard, as described above in relation to operation S210 in method 200, each of the plurality of initial trigger messages may include a transaction identification which may be unique for a particular request from a particular reader device.

[0221] Here, according to example embodiments, the apparatus may store and record the transaction identification of all initial trigger messages received.

[0222] In this regard, the apparatus may determine whether any of the received at least one initial trigger message has already been received in the past by comparing the transaction identification included in each of the received at least one initial trigger message with the storedtransaction identification. In response to determining that a particular initial trigger message from the received at least one initial trigger message has a transaction identification that matches the stored transaction identification, the apparatus may identify said particular initial trigger message as the redundant initial trigger message.

[0223] For example, referring to the example in FIG. IB, during operation S210 in method 200, the reader device A may transmit a set of plurality of initial trigger messages including a particular request to a group of A-IoT devices including A-IoT Device A and A-IoT Device B. Here, A-IoT Device A may successfully receive at least one of the plurality of initial trigger messages and accordingly perform the operations in accordance with the request. Further, the A- loT Device A may also record the transaction identification of the plurality of initial trigger messages. However, A-IoT Device B may not successfully receive at least one of the plurality of initial trigger messages and accordingly perform the operations in accordance with the request (e.g., due to poor network condition, low energy, etc.) In this regard, the reader device A may again transmit the same set of plurality of initial trigger messages including the same request to A- loT Device A and A-IoT Device B, where this time, both A-IoT Device A and A-IoT Device B are able to successfully receive at least one of the plurality of initial trigger messages.

[0224] From the perspective of the A-IoT Device A, during operation SI 010, A-IoT Device A may receive at least one of the plurality of initial trigger messages from the reader device A for the second time, and may identify the transaction identification of the received at least one of the plurality of initial trigger messages. Then during operation SI 020, A-IoT Device A may determine that the received at least one of the plurality of initial trigger messages has a transaction identification that matches the stored transaction identification. Accordingly, A-IoT Device A mayidentify the received at least one of the plurality of initial trigger messages as the redundant initial trigger message.

[0225] On the other hand, from the perspective of A-IoT Device B, since A-IoT Device B was not able to receive the plurality of initial trigger messages from the reader device A during the first time, A-IoT Device B did not store the transaction identification. Accordingly, during operation SI 020, A-IoT Device B may determine that the received at least one of the plurality of initial trigger messages has a transaction identification that does not match any of the stored transaction identification. Accordingly, A-IoT Device B may not identify any redundant initial trigger message. The method then proceeds to operation S1030.

[0226] At operation SI 030, the apparatus may be configured to discard the identified redundant initial trigger message.

[0227] The identified redundant initial trigger message may be discarded such that one initial trigger message is received for a particular transaction identification.

[0228] For example, with A-IoT Device A, the received at least one of the plurality of initial trigger messages received the second time (the redundant initial trigger message) may be discarded.

[0229] It is understood that, if there are no redundant initial trigger message identified during operation SI 020, operations SI 030 may be skipped.

[0230] Accordingly, the above processes may enable an A-IoT device to recognize avoid responding to redundant initial trigger message that has already been received in the past, thereby improving energy efficiency. The above processes also ensure that an A-IoT device that failed toreceive an initial trigger message previously (e g., due to poor connection, low energy, etc.) can still receive and response to the same retransmitted initial trigger message.

[0231] FIG. 11 illustrates a flow diagram of an example method 1100 for initiating random access procedure, according to one or more example embodiments. One or more operations of method 1100 may be part of operation S740 in method 700, and may be performed by the apparatus of one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure. Further, one or more operations in method 1100 may be performed in the embodiment where the initial trigger message received during operation S710 in method 700 includes a RACH request.

[0232] As illustrated in FIG. 11, at operation SI 110, the apparatus may be configured to configure random access attempts.

[0233] According to example embodiments, the random access attempts may be configured based on at least one of: a network condition associated with the reader device and a priority of the RACH request.

[0234] In particular, according to example embodiments, the apparatus may receive a network condition message that may include information related to the network condition associated with the reader device from the reader device, in the similar manner as described above in relation to operation S340 in method 300.

[0235] Further, according to example embodiments, the apparatus may receive an initial trigger message that may include a RACH request and a priority of the RACH request, in the similar manner as described above in relation to operation S410 in method 400 and operation S810 in method 800.

[0236] According to example embodiments, configuring the random access attempts may include specifying back-off time, selecting access occasions, and the like. For example, the apparatus may increase back-off time based on high congestion level of the network. In another example, the apparatus may select various access occasions for performing random access procedure in response to failures. The method then proceeds to operation SI 120.

[0237] At operation SI 120, the apparatus may be configured to perform random access procedure.

[0238] The random access procedure may be performed based on the configured random access attempts.

[0239] It is understood that the random access procedure may be performed in accordance with any methods, techniques, standards and the like defined in any one or more technical specification (e.g., 3GPP technical specification).

[0240] Accordingly, the above processes may allow an A-IoT device to configure the random access attempts and adapt its behavior based on real-time network conditions, such as interference and congestions, which can largely impact the success of the random access procedure.Various Aspects of Embodiments

[0241] In view of the above, example embodiments of the present disclosure improve reliability, robustness, and efficiency of A-IoT operations by ensuring that a target A-IoT device is able to receive at least one of a plurality of the initial trigger messages in light of the energy limitation of the A-IoT device or any failures.

[0242] The foregoing disclosure provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the implementations to the precise form disclosed. Modifications andvariations are possible in light of the above disclosure or may be acquired from practice of the implementations.

[0243] Some embodiments may relate to a system, a method, and / or a computer readable medium at any possible technical detail level of integration. Further, one or more of the above components described above may be implemented as instructions stored on a computer readable medium and executable by at least one processor (and / or may include at least one processor). The computer readable medium may include a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium (or media) having computer readable program instructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out operations.

[0244] The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that can retain and store instructions for use by an instruction execution device. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but is not limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of the computer readable storage medium includes the following: a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such as punch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructions recorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. A computer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construed as being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freely propagating electromagnetic waves,electromagnetic waves propagating through a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulses passing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmitted through a wire.

[0245] Computer readable program instructions described herein can be downloaded to respective computing / processing devices from a computer readable storage medium or to an external computer or external storage device via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network and / or a wireless network. The network may comprise copper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wireless transmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and / or edge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in each computing / processing device receives computer readable program instructions from the network and forwards the computer readable program instructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium within the respective computing / processing device.

[0246] Computer readable program code / instructions for carrying out operations may be assembler instructions, instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state-setting data, configuration data for integrated circuitry, or either source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++, or the like, and procedural programming languages, such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages. The computer readable program instructions may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a standalone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a widearea network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider). In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example, programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or programmable logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer readable program instructions by utilizing state information of the computer readable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry, in order to perform aspects or operations.

[0247] These computer readable program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can direct a computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and / or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the computer readable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises an article of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects of the function / act specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks.

[0248] The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computer implemented process, such that the instructions which execute on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks.

[0249] The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer readable media according to various embodiments. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a microservice(s) module, segment, or portion of instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). The method, computer system, and computer readable medium may include additional blocks, fewer blocks, different blocks, or differently arranged blocks than those depicted in the Figures. In some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted in the Figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed concurrently or substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

[0250] It will be apparent that systems and / or methods, described herein, may be implemented in different forms of hardware, firmware, or a combination of hardware and software. The actual specialized control hardware or software code used to implement these systems and / or methods is not limiting of the implementations. Thus, the operation and behavior of the systems and / or methods were described herein without reference to specific software code-it being understood that software and hardware may be designed to implement the systems and / or methods based on the description herein.

[0251] One or more components of the system of the example embodiments (e.g., reader device, A-IoT device, etc.), as well as the operations associated therewith (e.g., one or more operations in FIG. 2 to FIG. 11, etc.), may be implemented in one or more systems, devices, or hardware components, such as one or more servers, and the like. In the following, descriptions of a device in which the systems or components of the example embodiments may be implemented are provided. It is contemplated that one or more operations or methods described above with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 11 may be performed by the device. For instance, the one or more operations or methods may be performed by at least one processor of the device upon executing machine-readable instructions or computer-readable instructions stored in a memory or a storage component of the device.

[0252] FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of a device 1200 for implementing one or more example embodiments. As shown in FIG. 12, the device 1200 includes a processor 1210, a memory 1220, a storage component 1230, an input component 1240, an output component 1250, a communication interface 1260, and a bus 1270.

[0253] The processor 1210, as used herein, means any type of computational circuit that may comprise hardware elements and software elements. The processor 1210 may be embodied as a multi-core processor, a single core processor, or a combination of one or more multi-core processors and one or more single core processors, a distributed processing system, or the like. The processor 1210 may be a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an accelerated processing unit (APU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or another type of processing component.

[0254] Memory 1220 includes a non-transitory computer readable medium. Memory 1220 includes a random-access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), and / or another type of dynamic or static storage device (e.g., a flash memory, a magnetic memory, and / or an optical memory) that stores information and / or instructions for use by processor 1210. The memory 1220 comprises machine-readable instructions which are executable by the processor 1210. These machine-readable instructions when executed by the processor 1210 causes the processor 1210 to perform one or more method steps of an embodiment described herein.

[0255] Storage component 1230 stores information and / or software related to the operation and use of the device 1200. For example, storage component 1230 may include a hard disk (e.g., a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optic disk, and / or a solid-state disk), a compact disc (CD), a digital versatile disc (DVD), a floppy disk, a cartridge, a magnetic tape, and / or another type of non-transitory computer-readable medium, along with a corresponding drive.

[0256] Input component 1240 is configured to receive information, such as user input. For example, the input component 1240 may include, but not be limited to, a touch screen display, a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, a button, a switch, and / or a microphone. Additionally, or alternatively, the input component 1240 may include a sensor for sensing information (e.g., a global positioning system (GPS), an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and / or an actuator).

[0257] Output component 1250 is configured to provide output information from the device 1200. For example, the output component 1250 may be, but not limited to, a display, a speaker, an instruction device to an external device, and / or one or more light-emitting diodes(LEDs).

[0258] Communication interface 1260 is an interface that provides a communication connection to other devices, such as external devices and internal devices. The connection by the communication interface 1260 can be a wired connection, a wireless connection, or a combination of wired and wireless connections, and can be a direct connection or an indirect connection via a communication network that exists between the device 1200 and other devices. In other words, the standard of the communication interface 1260 is not limited.

[0259] The bus 1270 acts as an interconnect between the processor 1210, the memory 1220, the storage component 1230, the input component 1240, the output component 1250, and the communication interface 1260 of the device 1200. The bus 1270 may include a wired interconnection or a wireless interconnection.

[0260] The number and arrangement of components shown in FIG. 12 are provided as an example. In practice, device 1200 may include additional components, fewer components, different components, or differently arranged components than those shown in FIG. 12. Additionally, or alternatively, a set of components (e.g., one or more components) of device 1200 may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of components of device 1200. Further, one or more method steps described in any of the embodiments may be performed utilizing a plurality of device 1200 in communication with one another.

[0261] Further, according to example embodiments, the device 1200 may include one or more elements from the system architecture described above in relation to FIG. 1A and FIG. IB. For example, the device 1200 may include the reader device or the A-IoT device.

[0262] In the present disclosure, specific tasks may be performed using AI / ML (Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning) models. An AI / ML model is a model generated using one or moreAl technologies, one or more ML algorithm or both, and generates output data based on input data. This output data is used to perform tasks. Tasks performed using AI / ML models include those generally referred to as intellectual tasks, such as classification, prediction, natural language processing, etc.

[0263] Although Al and ML are explained separately, ML is a technology included in Al. In ML, instead of being explicitly programmed for a specific task, systems can improve their performance over time by identifying patterns and making inferences from training data. Typically, the generation of ML models includes data collection, model training, and model inference. Data collection involves gathering and preprocessing data to be used for training and inference. Model training involves developing and validating models using the collected data. Model inference involves applying the trained models to new data to generate new output data and perform tasks.

[0264] Machine learning includes various types of learning methods such as supervised learning, unsupervised learning, reinforcement learning, semi-supervised learning, self-supervised learning, transductive learning, transfer learning, meta learning, and the like. These types of learning methods can be appropriately selected according to the embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, the application of types not mentioned in this description is not precluded. Additionally, the structure of ML models may vary depending on the embodiments and learning methods, and is not limited to the methods disclosed. Furthermore, ML includes deep learning, which uses models that include neural networks. Deep learning models may include, for example, deep neural networks (DNNs), convolutional neural networks (CNNs), etc.

[0265] It should be noted that the AI / ML models presented hereinafter are examples and are not limited to the illustrated AI / ML models. They can be modified or altered by using differentAl or ML algorithms. The configuration of the neural network is not limited to the configuration disclosed in the present disclosure and can be modified.

[0266] FIG. 13 is a diagram of an example of implementation environment 1300 in which systems and / or method, described herein, may be implemented. The implementation environment 1300 includes a UE (User equipment) 1310, a service environment 1320, and a network 1330. The service environment 1320 include one or more sub-environments 1321. To illustrate this, FIG. 13 shows, for convenience, examples of a 1st sub-environment 1321-1, a 2nd sub-environment 1321- 2, and an N-th sub-environment 1321-N (where N is any natural number).

[0267] The UE 1310 is connected to the network 1330, and the network 1330 is connected to the service environment 1320. The connections may be wired, wireless, or a combination of both wired and wireless. The UE 1310 and the service environment 1320 are connected via the network 1330.

[0268] The UE 1310 is a device that communicates with the service environment 1320. The UE 1310 receives information from the service environment 1320 and / or sends information to the service environment 1320. Also, the UE 1310 may generate and / or store information to be transmitted, as necessary. Also, the UE 1310 may store and / or process information that is received, as necessary.

[0269] The example figure 13 refers to the “UE”. However, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that general terms such as “user device,” “terminal,” “terminal device,” “communication device,” and “communication terminal” can be used interchangeably with the term “UE.”

[0270] For example, the UE 1310 may include a computing device (e.g., a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a handheld computer, a smart speaker, a server, etc.), a mobile phone (e.g., a smart phone, a radiotelephone, etc.), a wearable device (e.g., a pair of smart glasses or a smart watch), or a similar device.

[0271] The service environment 1320 is an environment that communicates with the UE 1310 to provide one or more services. The service environment 1320 receives information from the UE 1310 and / or sends information to the UE 1310. Also, the service environment 1320 may generate and / or store information to be transmitted, as necessary. Also, the service environment 1320 may store and / or process information that is received, as necessary. For example, the service environment 1320 may provide computing resources as one of the services. It should be noted that the service is not limited to being provided to the UE; it may also be provided to devices other than the UE. For example, based on communication from the UE, the service may perform processes such as anomaly detection or traffic analysis and notify the results to a predetermined destination.

[0272] The example figure 13 refers to the “service environment”. The term "service environment" is used to refer to the broader context within which services operate. For example, cloud environments, platforms, computing systems, network systems, and cloud systems generally represent the environments in which services are conducted, and these are included within the "service environment." However, the "service environment" is not limited to these examples. Additionally, the specific types of environments within the "service environment" are not restricted. For instance, cloud environments and cloud systems can be categorized as private cloud, public cloud, hybrid cloud, or multi-cloud, all of which are included within the "service environment.”

[0273] The one or more services provided by the service environment 1320 is not specifically limited and can be adjusted according to the embodiments. For example, the services may include a service that provides information to the UE 1310, a service that stores information from the UE 1310, or a service that performs processing based on information from the UE 1310 and returns the results of the processing.

[0274] In an embodiment, the Service Environments 1320 may also provide computing resources as the service. The computing resources can be hardware resources and / or software resources. For example, applications, processors, memory, and storage can be included in the provided computing resources. Each computing resource can communicate with other computing resources via wired connections, wireless connections, or a combination of wired and wireless connections.

[0275] The provided computing resources can be actual resources (also referred to as physical resources) and / or virtual resources. Furthermore, means of virtualization for virtual resources can be selected as appropriate. That is, in this disclosure, the use of adjectives such as "Virtual" or "Virtualized" to describe names does not imply that they are virtualized by a specific means of virtualization. For example, “virtual machine” refers to software that operates like an actual computer, realized through means of virtualization, and it is not intended to exclude those realized by specific means of virtualization such as Hypervisors or Containers. Conversely, when means of virtualization such as Hypervisors or containers are mentioned in this disclosure, it is merely cited as a general method of implementation. It should also be interpreted that embodiments implemented with other virtualization means are also disclosed. Also, the services may also be provided using resources virtualized by different means.

[0276] The service environment 1320 includes one or more devices, such as servers and network devices, which provide services or perform processes. The placement of these devices within the service environment 1320 can be determined as appropriate. Additionally, if the service environment 1320 includes one or more sub-environments 1321, the placement of devices can be determined based on predetermined policies for each sub-environment 1321. For example, devices related to the first service may be placed in the 1st sub-environment 1321-1, and devices related to the second service may be placed in the 2nd sub-environment 1321-2. In another example, devices expected to have a higher load than a predetermined threshold may be placed in the 1st sub-environment 1321-1, while devices expected to have a lower load than the predetermined threshold may be placed in the 2nd sub-environment 1321-2. In this way, specific devices can be placed in specific sub-environments 1321. Conversely, each sub-environment 1321 can be specialized for a particular purpose.

[0277] In an embodiment, all processes executed in a single service may run within a single service environment, or in multiple service environments. Multiple processes executed in a single service could be provided by different service environments.

[0278] The network 1330 is a network that exchanges information between the UE 1310 and the service environment 1320. The network 1330 includes one or more wired and / or wireless networks.

[0279] For example, the network 1330 may include a cellular network (e.g., a fifth generation (5G) network, a long-term evolution (LTE) network, a third generation (3G) network, a code division multiple access (CDMA) network, etc.), a public land mobile network (PLMN), a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), atelephone network (e.g., the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN)), a private network, an ad hoc network, an intranet, the Internet, a fiber optic-based network, or the like, a non-terrestrial network (NTN), and / or a combination of these or other types of networks.

[0280] The network 1330 can be a part of a network. For example, in a 5G network that includes a RAN, a transport network, and a core network, the network 1330 can be at least one of the RAN, the transport network, or the core network. For example, the service environment 1320 could be in the core network, in which case the network 1330 could correspond to a network that is a combination of a RAN and a transport network and is part of the 5G network.

[0281] The number and arrangement of devices and networks shown in FIG. 13 are provided as an example. It should be understood that any changes that may be implemented by those skilled in the art, such as the addition or rearrangement of well-known devices or networks at the time of implementation, are included in this disclosure.

[0282] Various further respective aspects and features of embodiments of the present disclosure may be defined by the following items:Item [1]: An apparatus that may include a reader device that may be configured to: transmit, to a target Ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT) device, a plurality of initial trigger messages; determine whether an acknowledgement (ACK) is received from the target A- loT device; and in response to determining that the ACK is not received from the target A- loT device, retransmit, to the target A-IoT device, the plurality of initial trigger messages.Item [2]: The apparatus according to item [1], wherein the apparatus may be further configured to: monitor a network condition associated with the apparatus; and in response to determining that the ACK is received from the target A-IoT device, transmit, to the targetA-IoT device, a network condition message including information related to the network condition associated with the apparatus.Item [3]: The apparatus according to one of items [l]-[2], wherein the apparatus may be further configured to determine a priority of a request comprised in the plurality of initial trigger messages; and wherein the plurality of initial trigger messages may further include the priority of the request.Item [4]: The apparatus according to one of items [l]-[3], wherein the plurality of initial trigger messages may be transmitted on different frequencies.Item [5]: The apparatus according to one of items [l]-[4], wherein each of the plurality of initial trigger messages may include a trigger message origin identification indicating a particular reader device which the initial trigger message originates from and a trigger message target identification indicating a particular A-IoT device which the initial trigger message is to be transmitted to.Item [6]: The apparatus according to one of items [l]-[5], wherein the apparatus may be configured to determine whether the ACK is received from the target A-IoT device by: receiving at least one ACK; identifying an entity that transmitted the received at least one ACK based on an ACK origin identification indicated in the received at least one ACK; determining whether at least one of the received at least one ACK is transmitted from the target A-IoT device based on the identified entity; in response to determining that at least one of the received at least one ACK is transmitted from the target A-IoT device, determining that the ACK is received from the target A-IoT device and discarding other ACK from the received at least one ACK that is transmitted from the target A-IoT device;and in response to determining that none of the received at least one ACK is transmitted from the target A-IoT device, determining that the ACK is not received from the target A- loT device.Item [7]: The apparatus according to one of items [l]-[6], wherein the apparatus may be configured to: transmit, to a plurality of target A-IoT devices, the plurality of initial trigger messages; determine whether an ACK is received from all of the plurality of target A-IoT devices; and in response to determining that the ACK is not received from all of the target A-IoT device, identify a missing A-IoT device from the plurality of target A-IoT devices and retransmit, to the identified missing A-IoT device, the plurality of initial trigger messages.Item [8]: The apparatus according to one of items [l]-[7], wherein the plurality of initial trigger messages may include a random access channel (RACH) request for the target A-IoT device to perform random access procedure.Item [9]: The apparatus according to one of items [l]-[8], wherein the plurality of initial trigger messages may include an inventory request for the target A-IoT device to report its status.Item

[0010] : A method that may include: transmitting, to a target Ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT) device, a plurality of initial trigger messages; determining whether an acknowledgement (ACK) is received from the target A-IoT device; and in response to determining that the ACK is not received from the target A-IoT device, retransmitting, to the target A-IoT device, the plurality of initial trigger messages.Item

[0011] : The method according to item

[0010] , wherein the method may further include: monitoring a network condition associated with the apparatus; and in response to determining that the ACK is received from the target A-IoT device, transmitting, to the target A-IoT device, a network condition message including information related to the network condition associated with the apparatus.Item

[0012] : The method according to one of items

[0010] -[l 1], wherein the method may further include determining a priority of a request comprised in the plurality of initial trigger messages; and wherein the plurality of initial trigger messages may further include the priority of the request.Item

[0013] : The method according to one of items

[0010] -

[0012] , wherein the plurality of initial trigger messages may be transmitted on different frequencies.Item

[0014] : The method according to one of items

[0010] -

[0013] , wherein each of the plurality of initial trigger messages may include a trigger message origin identification indicating a particular reader device which the initial trigger message originates from and a trigger message target identification indicating a particular A-IoT device which the initial trigger message is to be transmitted to.Item

[0015] : Themethod accordingto one ofitems

[0010] -

[0014] , wherein the determining whether the ACK is received from the target A-IoT device may include: receiving at least one ACK; identifying an entity that transmitted the received at least one ACK based on an ACK origin identification indicated in the received at least one ACK; determining whether at least one of the received at least one ACK is transmitted from the target A-IoT device based on the identified entity; in response to determining that at least one of the receivedat least one ACK is transmitted from the target A-IoT device, determining that the ACK is received from the target A-IoT device and discarding other ACK from the received at least one ACK that is transmitted from the target A-IoT device; and in response to determining that none of the received at least one ACK is transmitted from the target A-IoT device, determining that the ACK is not received from the target A-IoT device.Item

[0016] : The method according to one of items

[0010] -

[0015] , wherein the method may include: transmitting, to a plurality of target A-IoT devices, the plurality of initial trigger messages; determining whether an ACK is received from all of the plurality of target A-IoT devices; and in response to determining that the ACK is not received from all of the target A-IoT device, identifying a missing A-IoT device from the plurality of target A-IoT devices and retransmitting, to the identified missing A-IoT device, the plurality of initial trigger messages.Item

[0017] : The method according to one of items

[0010] -[l 6], wherein the plurality of initial trigger messages may include a random access channel (RACH) request for the target A-IoT device to perform random access procedure.Item

[0018] : The method according to one of items

[0010] -

[0017] , wherein the plurality of initial trigger messages may include an inventory request for the target A-IoT device to report its status.Item

[0019] : A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium that may have recorded thereon instructions executable by an apparatus to cause the apparatus to perform a method including: transmitting, to a target Ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT) device, a plurality of initial trigger messages; determining whether an acknowledgement (ACK) isreceived from the target A-IoT device; and in response to determining that the ACK is not received from the target A-IoT device, retransmitting, to the target A-IoT device, the plurality of initial trigger messages.Item

[0020] : The non-transitory computer-readable recording medium according to item

[0019] , wherein the method may further include: monitoring a network condition associated with the apparatus; and in response to determining that the ACK is received from the target A-IoT device, transmitting, to the target A-IoT device, a network condition message including information related to the network condition associated with the apparatus.

[0283] It is understood that numerous modifications and variations of the present disclosure are possible in light of the above teachings. It will be apparent that within the scope of the appended clauses, the present disclosures may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.Additional Disclosure

[0284] 3GPP TSG-RAN WG2 #126 R2-XXXX

[0285] Aug 2024

[0286] Source: Rakuten Mobile

[0287] Title: Discussion on A-IOT Paging related aspects

[0288] Document for: Discussion and decision

[0289] Agenda Item: 8.2.3

[0290] Introduction

[0291] This contribution is to discuss and provide our views on issues about the initial trigger message.

[0292] Discussion

[0293] RAN2#125bis

[0294] Agreements

[0295] 1. Legacy paging message for device will not be supported.

[0296] 2. Legacy paging occasion and legacy DRX for the device is not supported.This doesn’t preclude solutions that address device monitoring (taking into account discussions from RANI as well).

[0297] 3. RAN2 assumes that the device will not support tracking / RAN area update procedure.

[0298] 4. For the case of reaching single or group of devices, an identifier may be required to identify the device / group of devices in the trigger message. FFS pending the details from SA2

[0299] RAN2#126

[0300] Agreements

[0301] 1 RAN2 will study the following cases for AIoT paging message:

[0302] a message containing an ID of a single A-IoT device.

[0303] a message containing a group ID that maps to multiple A-IoT devices.

[0304] a message that does not contain an ID, i.e., addressed for all devices that can receive the AIoT message.

[0305] a message containing multiple IDs of A-IoT devices. Need to confirm the need for this use case based on SA2 discussion.

[0306] What device ID and group ID and scenarios is depending on SA2 discussion.

[0307] 2 AIoT paging message indicate information from which the device can determine resources to be used for response (D2R message). FFS how (e.g. implicit / explicit / configured / preconfigured) and what resources (dedicated and / or shared) are provided to the device taking into account RANI discussion.

[0308] 3 From RAN2 perspective, we assume the device can receive as long as there is enough energy. We will wait for RANI further progress on device monitoring details.

[0309] 2.1. Guaranteeing Reception of Initial Trigger Messages

[0310] Ensuring that target devices receive the initial trigger message is essential for reliable communication. This involves guaranteeing that devices have sufficient energy and that the initial trigger messages are transmitted effectively.

[0311] Observation 1 : A-IOT devices may not always have sufficient energy to receive initial trigger messages on the first attempt. Therefore, robust redundancy and retransmission mechanisms are necessary to ensure message reception.

[0312] Proposal 1 :

[0313] Redundancy and Retransmission: Implement redundancy and retransmission mechanisms for initial trigger messages. These mechanisms ensure that devices receive the messages reliably, even if they were not fully charged initially.

[0314] / / Detailed Procedures:

[0315] Stage 2 Enhancements:

[0316] Redundancy Mechanisms:

[0317] Specification: Define protocols for including redundancy in the initial trigger messages to increase the probability of reception. This can include sending multiple copies of the trigger message in quick succession or using different frequencies.

[0318] Procedure:

[0319] Message Duplication: The reader sends multiple copies of the initial trigger message at slightly staggered intervals.

[0320] Frequency Diversity: The reader transmits the initial trigger messages on different frequencies to mitigate the effects of frequency- specific interference.

[0321] Retransmission Mechanisms:

[0322] Specification: Implement retransmission protocols to resend the initial trigger message if an acknowledgment (ACK) is not received within a specified timeframe.

[0323] Procedure:

[0324] Initial Transmission: The reader sends the initial trigger message.

[0325] ACK Monitoring: The reader waits for an acknowledgment from the target devices.

[0326] Retransmission: If no ACK is received, the reader retransmits the initial trigger message after a predefined interval.

[0327] Stage 3 Enhancements:

[0328] Feedback and ACK Handling:

[0329] Specification: Develop detailed protocols for handling acknowledgments from devices and determining when retransmissions are necessary.

[0330] Procedure:

[0331] ACK Reception: The reader processes incoming ACKs from devices.

[0332] ACK Aggregation: The reader aggregates ACKs to determine if all target devices have received the message.

[0333] Conditional Retransmission: If some devices did not send ACKs, the reader retransmits the initial trigger message to those devices.

[0334] 2.2. Device Behavior Upon Detecting Initial Trigger Messages

[0335] While it is established that devices should initiate the A-IOT random access procedure if their device ID matches the target identity in the initial trigger message, further refinement is needed. Specifically, consideration of energy levels before initiating random access, handling priority levels in mixed scenarios, and adaptive response strategies based on persistent failures need to be defined.

[0336] Observation 2: Devices start the random access procedure upon detecting a matching ID in the initial trigger message without considering their current energy levels. There is a need for protocols that allow devices to assess their energy levels and decide whether to proceed with the random access procedure or wait until they have sufficient energy.

[0337] Proposal 2: Based on RANI discussion RAN2 specify the possibility for the devices to assess their energy levels before initiating the random access procedure. Devices should only proceed if they have sufficient energy to complete the process.

[0338] Observation 3: Network conditions, such as congestion and interference, can impact the success of the random access procedure. Devices should adapt their behavior according to the failures.

[0339] Proposal 3: Adaptive response for devices to modify their behavior based on failures, such as adjusting back-off times or selecting alternative access occasions need to be specified and discussed in RAN2.

[0340] / / Detailed Procedures:

[0341] Stage 2 Enhancements:

[0342] Energy Assessment Before Random Access:

[0343] Specification: Implement protocols that require devices to assess their energy levels before initiating the random access procedure. Devices should only proceed if they have sufficient energy to complete the process.

[0344] Procedure:

[0345] Energy Level Check: Upon detecting the initial trigger message, the device checks its current energy level.

[0346] Threshold Comparison: The device compares its energy level against a predefined threshold.

[0347] Decision Making: If the energy level is sufficient, the device initiates the random access procedure. If not, the device waits until it has enough energy.

[0348] Priority Handling in Mixed Scenarios:

[0349] Specification: Include priority levels in the initial trigger message and define protocols for devices to handle these priorities appropriately.

[0350] Procedure:

[0351] Priority Level Inclusion: The reader includes priority levels in the initial trigger message for each operation.

[0352] Priority Interpretation: Devices interpret the priority levels and determine the urgency of the command.

[0353] Action Based on Priority: Devices prioritize commands over inventory updates as necessary and proceed with the random access procedure based on the assigned priority.

[0354] Stage 3 Enhancements:

[0355] Adaptive Response Strategies:

[0356] Specification: Develop adaptive response strategies for devices to modify their behavior based on real-time network conditions, such as adjusting back-off times or selecting alternative access occasions.

[0357] Procedure:

[0358] Network Feedback Reception: Devices receive feedback on network conditions from the reader.

[0359] Behavior Adjustment: Based on the feedback, devices adjust their random access attempts (e g., increased back-off time in congested networks).

[0360] Alternative Access Selection: Devices select alternative access occasions if initial attempts fail due to network conditions.

[0361] 2.3. Priority Handling for Command Procedures.

[0362] From RAN2 126, it was agreed that the content of initial trigger messages should be tailored to the specific procedure, whether inventory or command. The inclusion of only necessary information helps streamline communication and optimize network efficiency.

[0363] Observation 4: For command procedures, Priority handling is crucial because it allows the network to efficiently manage and prioritize critical A-IOT devices, ensuring timelyand appropriate responses. Including priority levels in initial message from reader helps differentiate between routine inventory checks and urgent commands that need immediate attention, thereby optimizing network resources and response times.

[0364] Proposal 4:

[0365] Inventory Procedures: Include only the identity information of the target devices in the initial trigger message.

[0366] Command Procedures: May Include priority levels in the initial trigger message, if applicable.

[0367] / / Detailed Procedures:

[0368] Stage 2 Enhancements:

[0369] Priority Levels in Initial Trigger Messages:

[0370] Specification: Define protocols for including priority levels in the initial trigger messages to indicate the urgency and importance of the commands.

[0371] Procedure:

[0372] Message Construction: The reader constructs the initial trigger message, including device IDs and priority levels.

[0373] Priority Assignment: Assign priority levels based on the type of command and the criticality of the response required.

[0374] Handling Commands with Priority Levels:

[0375] Specification: Implement protocols for devices to interpret priority levels and manage their responses accordingly.

[0376] Procedure:

[0377] Message Reception: Devices receive the initial trigger message.

[0378] Priority Interpretation: Devices interpret the priority levels included in the message.

[0379] Response Execution: Devices prioritize their responses based on the assigned priority levels, ensuring urgent commands are addressed promptly.

[0380] Stage 3 Enhancements:

[0381] Dynamic Priority Adjustment:

[0382] Specification: Develop mechanisms to dynamically adjust priority levels based on real-time network conditions and device status.

[0383] Procedure:

[0384] Network Condition Assessment: The reader continuously monitors network conditions and adjusts priority levels as needed.

[0385] Dynamic Messaging: The reader updates and retransmits messages with adjusted priority levels if network conditions change.

[0386] • Inventory Procedures:

[0387] Specification: Include only the identity information of the target devices in the initial trigger message.

[0388] Procedure:

[0389] Reader sends an initial trigger message containing the device IDs of the target devices.

[0390] Target devices respond with their status or presence information.

[0391] • Command Procedures:

[0392] Specification: Include priority levels and command information in the initial trigger message for command procedures, if applicable.

[0393] Procedure:

[0394] Reader sends an initial trigger message containing the device IDs of the target devices, along with priority levels and the command.

[0395] Target devices interpret the priority levels and command, responding accordingly.

[0396] Devices with higher priority levels respond immediately, while others may schedule their responses based on the priority.

[0397] 2.4. Handling Overlapping Paging from Multiple Readers

[0398] Devices deployed in areas with overlapping coverage from multiple readers may receive multiple initial trigger messages for the same service. This can lead to redundant responses from the same device, causing unnecessary network traffic and potential interference.

[0399] Observation 5: This issue of overlapping paging messages can be addressed by implementing mechanisms to either allow the device to recognize and respond to only one message or to handle duplicate responses at the network level. Additionally,

[0400] Proposal 5: RAN2 discuss and specify device behavior if it can recognizes duplicate paging messages and responds to only one. Duplicates can be handled through a unique Identifier per pagging / access occurrence.

[0401] Proposal 6: RAN2 need to handle mechanism of duplicate access especially in case of Group ID based pagging as chances of redundant access will be much higher.

[0402] 2.5. Handling Redundancy in Group ID Based Paging.

[0403] Observation 5: When group messages are used, some devices may not respond due to RF conditions, lack of energy, or other reasons. If the reader pages again, all devices may respond, causing redundancy and waste of resources. A transaction ID can help mitigate this by ensuring only the devices that need to complete their transactions respond.

[0404] Proposal 6: RAN2 need to handle mechanism of duplicate access especially in case of Group ID based pagging as chances of redundant access will be much higher.

[0405] • Context: When group messages are used, devices that did not complete their transactions due to RF conditions, lack of energy, or other reasons may need to respond again upon re-paging. However, other devices that have already responded may also respond, leading to redundancy.

[0406] • Current Understanding: There is no mechanism to differentiate between devices that need to re-respond and those that have already completed their transactions.

[0407] • Gap: A transaction ID included in the paging message can help ensure only the necessary devices respond.

[0408] Stage 2 Enhancements:

[0409] Device-Level Duplicate Message Recognition:

[0410] Specification: Implement a mechanism where the device recognizes duplicate paging messages and responds to only one.

[0411] Procedure:

[0412] Message Reception: Device receives multiple paging messages.

[0413] UID Comparison: Device identifies these as duplicates based on a unique identifier (UID).

[0414] Selection Criteria: Device selects one message to respond to and ignores others.

[0415] Transaction ID for Group Messages:

[0416] Specification: Include a transaction ID in the initial trigger message for group messages to ensure only the necessary devices respond.

[0417] Procedure:

[0418] Message Construction: The reader includes a transaction ID in the initial trigger message.

[0419] ID Verification: Devices that receive the message check the transaction ID.

[0420] Selective Response: Devices that have not completed their transactions respond, while others ignore the message.

[0421] Stage 3 Enhancements:

[0422] Network-Level Duplicate Response Handling:

[0423] Specification: Develop network protocols to identify and handle multiple responses from the same device.

[0424] Procedure:

[0425] Response Aggregation: Network receives multiple responses from the same device.

[0426] Duplicate Identification: Network identifies these responses as duplicates.

[0427] Response Filtering: Network processes only one response and discards the others.

[0428] Adaptive Group ID Paging:

[0429] Specification: Implement adaptive mechanisms for group ID paging to manage responses efficiently.

[0430] Procedure:

[0431] Dynamic Grouping: Reader dynamically adjusts the grouping of devices based on previous responses and transaction IDs.

[0432] Priority Re-Paging: Reader re-pages only the devices that did not respond in the initial attempt using the transaction ID.

[0433] Summary and proposal

[0434] Proposal 1 : Implement redundancy and retransmission mechanisms for initial trigger messages. These mechanisms ensure that devices receive the messages reliably, even if they were not fully charged initially.

[0435] References

[0436] [1] Chair notes, RAN2#125bis.

[0437] [2] Chair notes, RAN2# 126

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus comprising: a reader device configured to: transmit, to a target Ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT) device, a plurality of initial trigger messages; determine whether an acknowledgement (ACK) is received from the target A- loT device; and in response to determining that the ACK is not received from the target A-IoT device, retransmit, to the target A-IoT device, the plurality of initial trigger messages.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is further configured to: monitor a network condition associated with the apparatus; and in response to determining that the ACK is received from the target A-IoT device, transmit, to the target A-IoT device, a network condition message including information related to the network condition associated with the apparatus.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is further configured to determine a priority of a request comprised in the plurality of initial trigger messages; and wherein the plurality of initial trigger messages further include the priority of the request.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of initial trigger messages are transmitted on different frequencies.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of initial trigger messages include a trigger message origin identification indicating a particular reader device which the initial trigger message originates from and a trigger message target identification indicating a particular A-IoT device which the initial trigger message is to be transmitted to.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured to determine whether the ACK is received from the target A-IoT device by: receiving at least one ACK; identifying an entity that transmitted the received at least one ACK based on an ACK origin identification indicated in the received at least one ACK; determining whether at least one of the received at least one ACK is transmitted from the target A-IoT device based on the identified entity; in response to determining that at least one of the received at least one ACK is transmitted from the target A-IoT device, determining that the ACK is received from the target A-IoT device and discarding other ACK from the received at least one ACK that is transmitted from the target A-IoT device; andin response to determining that none of the received at least one ACK is transmitted from the target A-IoT device, determining that the ACK is not received from the target A- loT device.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured to: transmit, to a plurality of target A-IoT devices, the plurality of initial trigger messages; determine whether an ACK is received from all of the plurality of target A-IoT devices; and in response to determining that the ACK is not received from all of the target A-IoT device, identify a missing A-IoT device from the plurality of target A-IoT devices and retransmit, to the identified missing A-IoT device, the plurality of initial trigger messages.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of initial trigger messages comprises a random access channel (RACH) request for the target A-IoT device to perform random access procedure.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of initial trigger messages comprises an inventory request for the target A-IoT device to report its status.

10. A method comprising: transmitting, to a target Ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT) device, a plurality of initial trigger messages;determining whether an acknowledgement (ACK) is received from the target A-IoT device; and in response to determining that the ACK is not received from the target A-IoT device, retransmitting, to the target A-IoT device, the plurality of initial trigger messages.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the method further comprises : monitoring a network condition associated with the apparatus; and in response to determining that the ACK is received from the target A-IoT device, transmitting, to the target A-IoT device, a network condition message including information related to the network condition associated with the apparatus.

12. The method according to claim 10, wherein the method further comprises determining a priority of a request comprised in the plurality of initial trigger messages; and wherein the plurality of initial trigger messages further include the priority of the request.

13. The method according to claim 10, wherein the plurality of initial trigger messages are transmitted on different frequencies.

14. The method according to claim 10, wherein each of the plurality of initial trigger messages include a trigger message origin identification indicating a particular reader device which the initial trigger message originates from and a trigger message target identificationindicating a particular A-IoT device which the initial trigger message is to be transmitted to.

15. The method according to claim 10, wherein the determining whether the ACK is received from the target A-IoT device comprises: receiving at least one ACK; identifying an entity that transmitted the received at least one ACK based on an ACK origin identification indicated in the received at least one ACK; determining whether at least one of the received at least one ACK is transmitted from the target A-IoT device based on the identified entity; in response to determining that at least one of the received at least one ACK is transmitted from the target A-IoT device, determining that the ACK is received from the target A-IoT device and discarding other ACK from the received at least one ACK that is transmitted from the target A-IoT device; and in response to determining that none of the received at least one ACK is transmitted from the target A-IoT device, determining that the ACK is not received from the target A- loT device.

16. The method according to claim 10, wherein the method further comprises: transmitting, to a plurality of target A-IoT devices, the plurality of initial trigger messages; determining whether an ACK is received from all of the plurality of target A-IoTdevices; and in response to determining that the ACK is not received from all of the target A-IoT device, identifying a missing A-IoT device from the plurality of target A-IoT devices and retransmitting, to the identified missing A-IoT device, the plurality of initial trigger messages.

17. The method according to claim 10, wherein the plurality of initial trigger messages comprises a random access channel (RACH) request for the target A-IoT device to perform random access procedure.

18. The method according to claim 10, wherein the plurality of initial trigger messages comprises an inventory request for the target A-IoT device to report its status.

19. A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon instructions executable by an apparatus to cause the apparatus to perform a method comprising: transmitting, to a target Ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT) device, a plurality of initial trigger messages; determining whether an acknowledgement (ACK) is received from the target A-IoT device; and in response to determining that the ACK is not received from the target A-IoT device, retransmitting, to the target A-IoT device, the plurality of initial trigger messages.

0. The non-transitory computer-readable recording medium according to claim 19, wherein the method further comprises : monitoring a network condition associated with the apparatus; and in response to determining that the ACK is received from the target A-IoT device, transmitting, to the target A-IoT device, a network condition message including information related to the network condition associated with the apparatus.

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