CONFIGURING A CARRIER WAVE FOR ENERGY HARVESTING AT AN IoT DEVICE

Abstract

A method for configuring a carrier wave, the carrier wave for reception at one or more user equipment, UE, and the one or more UE configured for energy harvesting from the received carrier wave. The method comprises receiving, at a reader from each UE of the one or more UE, data indicating a status of energy harvesting at the UE. Then, modifying at a transmitter of the carrier wave, the carrier wave configuration based on the data indicating the status of energy harvesting at the one or more UE. The modification to the carrier wave adjusts the rate of energy transmission by the carrier wave towards the one or more UE and so adjusts the energy available for harvesting by the one or more UE.

Description

[0001] CONFIGURING A CARRIER WAVE FOR ENERGY HARVESTING AT AN loT DEVICE

[0002] Field of the Disclosure

[0003] A method and system for configuring a carrier wave, the carrier wave for reception at one or more user equipment, LIE, and the one or more LIE configured for energy harvesting from the received carrier wave. The method requires receipt of data characterising the status of energy harvesting at the UE, and then, based on this data, modifying the configuration of the carrier wave from which the UE harvests energy. The method can be used to dynamically adjust the rate of energy transmission by the carrier wave towards the one or more UE and so the energy available for harvesting by the one or more UE, to improve efficiency of the overall system and to better meet the response requirements of communications between a reader and a UE at different times.

[0004] Background to the Disclosure

[0005] RFID tags can be used to identify objects upon interrogation by an RFID reader. For instance, a RFID tag will respond with a message, usually including a unique identifier, upon interrogation. Data in the response message is used to identify objects attached to the RFID tags, such as warehouse inventory, retail stock or items to be protected from theft. Passive RFID tags have no power source of their own and instead harvest energy from the RF interrogation signal (sent by a reader) by use of a transformer coil.

[0006] 3GPP, Release 19 describes Ambient loT (A-loT). In Release 18, a study item was performed in 3GPP 38.848. A-loT devices (which may also be described as user equipment, UE) refers to a class of internet connected devices primarily powered by harvesting energy from a viable ambient source (for example, carrier signals at telecommunications frequencies, which are a stable RF energy source). A-loT devices provide services similar to those provided by RFID tags but based on a 3GPP interface. The 3GPP-based system is superior in terms of coverage and function, compared to an RFID system.

[0007] Primary services provided by A-loT are inventory control and command. These services include automated warehousing, medical instrument inventory management, logistics tracking, automotive manufacturing, real-time inventory management (e.g., airport and shipping ports), fresh food supply chains, electronic shelf labels, online modification of medical instruments, greenhouse activation and deactivation, elderly healthcare and alerts, and electronic shelf labelling (alerts and feedback). Within such an enhanced system, it

[0008] 16871118.VHR.VHR becomes more important to monitor, control and manage power and system resources of A- loT tags.

[0009] In particular, there is a requirement for efficient rates of harvesting energy within A- loT devices. However, the energy requirements of the A-loT devices may change, and so the most efficient rate of energy harvesting may change. For instance, the required frequency of responses from an A-loT device to a reader within the system may differ at different times of day or during certain time periods, thereby requiring more (or less) energy to be harvested by the A-loT device during those time periods.

[0010] In view of this, improved control of energy harvesting at an A-loT device is desired.

[0011] Summary of the Disclosure

[0012] The present disclosure describes a method for configuration of a carrier wave in order to control or manage energy harvesting at one or more user equipment, UE. A reader can receive data characterising the status of energy harvesting at a UE, and then in view of the status, the configuration of a carrier wave broadcast by a transmitter to the UE can be adapted (for instance, by modifying the band width and / or power level) in order to control the amount of energy transmitted towards the UE via the carrier wave and thereby change the rate of energy harvesting at the UE. For instance, increasing the power of the carrier wave increases the amount of energy carried to the UE per unit time, and consequently can cause the energy harvesting (and the energy storing process) at the UE to speed up. Overall, the described method enables more energy efficient carrier wave transmissions within the system.

[0013] In a first aspect, there is described a method for configuring a carrier wave, the carrier wave for reception at one or more user equipment, UE, and the one or more UE configured for energy harvesting from the received carrier wave, the method comprising: receiving, at a reader from each UE of the one or more UE, data indicating a status of energy harvesting at the UE; modifying, at a transmitter of the carrier wave, the carrier wave configuration based on the data indicating the status of energy harvesting at the one or more UE, to adjust the rate of energy transmission by the carrier wave towards the one or more UE and so adjust the energy available for harvesting by the one or more UE.

[0014] The method describes configuring a carrier wave for control or management of the energy harvesting at, or energy transfer to, the UE. Changing the carrier wave configuration (including changing the band width and / or power) can result in a change (increase or

[0015] 16871118.VHR.VHR decrease) to the rate of energy transmission by the carrier wave towards the one or more UE and so the energy harvesting rate at each UE. The method describes receiving data characterising energy harvesting at a UE, in order to then inform the best configuration for the carrier wave. In particular, the carrier wave configuration can be modified to improve responsiveness of UE within the system (by providing energy more quickly, and so allowing faster ‘recharging’), as well as to improve energy efficiency of the system (by avoiding providing excess energy, that is not required by the UE).

[0016] The reader may be a logical node or a specific device. The reader may be part of the core network, or part of a network base station, or may be a separate entity (including being a UE). The transmitter (or transceiver, being an entity for transmitting and receiving) may also be a base station or other network entity, or another suitable broadcast device. The reader and transmitter are in communication and may be separate entities or part of the same entity. The one or more UE may each be a tag or other A-loT device.

[0017] Modifying the carrier wave configuration may comprise the steps of determining an appropriate modification to the carrier wave configuration and then implementing the modification (at the transmitter). Modifying the carrier wave configuration may comprise increasing or decreasing the power and / or the bandwidth of the carrier wave. In other words, the carrier wave configuration can be modified in such a way as to change the amount of energy transferred (the rate of energy transmission) via the carrier wave per unit time. Transferring a greater amount of energy per unit time makes more energy available for harvesting at the UE, and so can consequently increase the rate of energy harvesting at the UE. Similarly, reducing the energy available for harvesting at the UE (by reducing the amount of energy per unit time carried to the UE via the carrier wave) can result in a decrease in the rate of energy harvesting at the UE.

[0018] Data indicating the status of energy harvesting at the UE may comprise data suitable for determining a present or instantaneous rate of energy harvesting at each of the one or more UE data or, in turn, data for determining whether a present rate of energy harvesting at the UE is appropriate. For instance, the data may characterise a present rate of energy harvesting at the UE, to allow for comparison with a required or preferred energy harvesting rate, to determine if the present rate of energy harvesting is appropriate. An energy harvesting rate by the UE may be considered appropriate if the rate is neither too low (so being insufficient to allow provision of the required responses without excessive delay) nor too high (so only a small proportion of the energy harvested is actually needed and used by the UE to provide the required responses). The preferred energy harvesting rate may be known or determined by the reader, in view of knowledge of the type of UE with which it

[0019] 16871118.VHR.VHR communicates and how much energy said type of UE consumes for particular messages in a particular deployment.

[0020] Data indicating the status of energy harvesting at the UE may comprise one or more of the following parameters: a present rate of charging at the UE; a number of bits or bytes that can be transmitted by the UE at the present level of charge; a present energy level or charge level of the UE; a received power of the carrier wave at the UE; a time period required to reach a predefined charge level of the UE at the present rate of charging; a time period required to reach a predefined charge level of the UE at a specified rate of charging; an indication of a request for an increase or a decrease in received bandwidth of the carrier wave; an indication of a request for an increase or a decrease in rate of charging at the UE. In other words, the data may be any parameters that characterise the status and / or rate of energy harvesting at a UE. The data includes sufficient information to calculate the rate of energy harvesting at a UE, and / or to identify a required rate of energy harvesting at the UE. The predefined charge level may be a UE-specific level of charge required to perform a certain function (for instance, send a single response), and may be less than a full (100%) charge level.

[0021] Modifying, at a transmitter of the carrier wave, the carrier wave configuration based on the data indicating the status of energy harvesting at the one or more UE may comprise: determining, based on the data indicating the status of energy harvesting at the one or more UE, a rate of energy harvesting at the one or more UE; comparing the rate of energy harvesting at the one or more UE to a preferred range of rates of energy harvesting at the one or more UE to determine if the present rate of energy harvesting at the one or more UE is appropriate; wherein if it is determined that the present rate of energy harvesting is not appropriate, then: identifying a modification to the carrier wave configuration to adjust the rate of energy transmission by the carrier wave towards the one or more UE to enable a rate of energy harvesting at the one or more UE within the preferred range of rates of energy harvesting; and applying, at the transmitter of the carrier wave, the modification to the carrier wave configuration. In other words, the present rate of energy harvesting at the UE is compared to a range of values, typically within a certain percentage of a predetermined required energy harvesting rate needed to fulfil the requirements of the system. Then the present rate of energy harvesting at the UE is considered appropriate if it falls within this range. If the present rate of energy harvesting at the UE is outside of the range, then the present rate of energy harvesting at the UE is considered inappropriate (or not appropriate), being either too high or too low. If the present rate of energy harvesting at the UE is considered inappropriate, then the carrier wave configuration can be modified accordingly.

[0022] 16871118.VHR.VHR Here, identifying a modification to the carrier wave configuration to enable a rate of energy harvesting at the one or more UE within the preferred range of rates of energy harvesting may comprise determining a modification to the carrier wave configuration to provide the predetermined rate of energy harvesting at the one or more UE, where the predetermined rate of energy harvesting is within the preferred range of rates of energy harvesting. In some cases, the preferred range of rates of energy harvesting may be provided as margins either side of a predetermined rate of energy harvesting. The predetermined rate of energy harvesting (or preferred range of rates of energy harvesting) may be calculated at the reader or other node of the system, in view of the number and nature of upcoming interrogations from the reader device. Alternatively, the predetermined rate of energy harvesting (or preferred range of rates of energy harvesting) may be specified upon configuration of the system. It will be understood that the modification to the carrier wave can be implemented for the carrier wave on which said upcoming interrogations are transmitted.

[0023] If it is determined that the rate of energy harvesting is appropriate, then the method may further comprise: comparing the rate of energy harvesting at the one or more UE to a rate of energy transmission by the carrier wave towards the one or more UE, to determine if excess energy is being transmitted by the carrier wave towards the one or more UE; wherein if excess energy is being transmitted by the carrier wave towards the one or more UE, then: identifying a modification to the carrier wave configuration to reduce the rate of energy transmission by the carrier wave towards the UE whilst maintaining a rate of energy harvesting at the one or more UE within the preferred range of rates of energy harvesting; and applying, at the transmitter of the carrier wave, the modification to the carrier wave configuration. In particular, it is possible that the carrier wave carries to the UE a larger amount of energy per unit time than it is possible for the UE to harvest (in view of the mechanical constraints of the energy harvester at the UE. In this case, the energy harvesting rate at the UE may be considered appropriate, but the rate of energy transmission by the carrier wave towards the one or more UE may be higher than it needs to be. In these cases, it may be possible to modify the carrier wave to reduce the rate of energy transmission by the carrier wave towards the one or more UE whilst still enabling a rate of energy harvesting at the UE that is within the preferred range. Reducing the rate of energy transmission by the carrier wave towards the one or more UE in this scenario is beneficial, to improve the overall efficiency of the system.

[0024] One or more UE may comprise a plurality of UEs, and modifying the carrier wave configuration based on the data indicating the status of energy harvesting at the one or more

[0025] 16871118.VHR.VHR LIE may comprise modifying the carrier wave configuration based on a trend identified in the data indicating the status of energy harvesting at the plurality of UEs. The trend may be a requirement for a particular change in the carrier wave configuration (for instance, increase or decrease in the power and / or bandwidth of the carrier wave) across the plurality of UEs to reach an appropriate rate of energy harvesting at a majority of UE. Identifying the trend in the data indicating the status of energy harvesting at the plurality of UEs may use machine learning techniques.

[0026] One or more UE may comprise a plurality of UEs, and modifying the carrier wave configuration based on the data indicating the status of energy harvesting at the one or more UE may comprise: determining an optimal modification of the carrier wave configuration, the optimal modification of the carrier wave configuration being optimised to adjust the rate of energy transmission by the carrier wave towards the plurality of UEs so as to maximise the proportion of the plurality of UEs at which a rate of energy harvesting is within the preferred range of rates of energy harvesting; and applying, at the transmitter of the carrier wave, the determined optimal modification to the carrier wave configuration. The optimisation may be a joint optimisation across the various UE of the plurality of the UE, such that the modification of the carrier wave configuration is a modification that provides the overall best outcome for the rate of energy harvesting across the plurality of UEs. The determined modification optimises the energy harvesting rate for the plurality of UEs as a whole, without necessarily being a modification that results in the best possible energy harvesting rate at any one of the UE of the plurality of UEs. Determining the optimal modification of the carrier wave configuration may use machine learning techniques.

[0027] One or more UE may comprise a plurality of UEs, and modifying the carrier wave configuration based on the data indicating the status of energy harvesting at the one or more UE may comprise: determining, for each UE of the plurality of UEs and based on the data indicating the status of energy harvesting at the UE, a rate of energy harvesting; comparing, for each UE of the plurality of UEs, the rate of energy harvesting to a preferred range of rates of energy harvesting at the UE to determine if the present rate of energy harvesting at the UE is appropriate; wherein for each UE of the plurality of UEs that it is determined that the rate of energy harvesting at the UE is not appropriate, then identifying a modification to the carrier wave configuration to adjust the rate of energy transmission by the carrier wave towards the plurality of UEs to enable a rate of energy harvesting at the plurality of UEs within the preferred range of rates of energy harvesting; evaluating, across the plurality of UEs, a set of modifications, the set comprising each identified modification to the carrier wave configuration, the evaluating to identify a principal modification amongst the set of the

[0028] 16871118.VHR.VHR modifications; and applying, at the transmitter of the carrier wave, the principal modification to the carrier wave configuration. The principal modification may by identified in view of, for instance, a trend of modifications in the set of modifications, the modification for which there is most demand, an average of the required modifications, or a modification selected by another predefined criteria. The aim of the principal modification is to provide a modification to the carrier wave which provides the greatest benefit to the overall system.

[0029] The principal modification to the carrier wave configuration may be the modification for which there is demand by: more than a predetermined threshold proportion of the plurality of UEs; or one or more specified UE of the plurality of UEs. For example, the principal modification may be a modification required by 50% or more, or 30% or more of the UE devices of the plurality of devices. Alternatively, certain pre-specified UE may take precedence, such that a modification required by the pre-specified UE is the principal modification.

[0030] Prior to the step of receiving data indicating the status of energy harvesting at the UE by a reader, the method may further comprise: sending a request, by the reader device to the one or more UE, for the data indicating the status of energy harvesting at the UE; and wherein each of the one or more UE responds to the request by transmitting a message including the data indicating the status of energy harvesting at the UE. In other words, the reader may request the data indicating the status of energy harvesting at the UE, in advance of a change in the interrogative behaviour of the reader. This allows the carrier wave configuration to be modified in advance of the change in the interrogative behaviour of the reader, to ensure that sufficient energy is transferred to the UE by use of the modified carrier wave for said interrogations.

[0031] The one or more UE may be one or more ambient internet-of-things (A-loT) devices. A-loT devices are addressable, low-cost, self-powered sensor nodes or devices connected into a wireless network. They are configured to harvest energy from a received carrier wave. They may respond to an interrogation by a reader by sending data including unique identifiers and / or sensor readings.

[0032] The transmitter of the carrier wave may be a component of a telecommunications network, and the carrier wave may be for communication over the telecommunications network. The carrier wave may be a continuous wave transmission for communications over the telecommunications network, wherein the continuous wave may be a radio frequency wave, and wherein the continuous wave may be for 4G, 5G or 6G communications.

[0033] The transmitter of the carrier wave may be comprised within the reader or may be a base station within the telecommunications network.

[0034] 16871118.VHR.VHR In a second aspect, there is described a system for configuring a carrier wave, the carrier wave received at one or more user equipment, LIE, the one or more LIE configured for energy harvesting from a received carrier wave, the system comprising: a reader in communication with the one or more LIE, the reader configured to receive a message from each of the one or more UE including data indicating a status of energy harvesting at the UE; a transmitter configured to transmit the carrier wave to the one or more UE; and a controller configured to determine a modification of the carrier wave configuration based on the data received by the reader indicating a status of energy harvesting at the one or more UE, the modification for adjusting the rate of energy transmission by the carrier wave towards the UE and so adjusting the energy available for harvesting by the one or more UE, and the controller further configured to initiate said modification to the carrier wave configuration for the carrier wave transmitted by the transmitter.

[0035] Description of features and advantages of the method described elsewhere in this disclosure, equally apply to corresponding features of the system. It will be understood that the system, and in particular the controller, are configured to carry out the method steps described above. The controller may be part of the same physical component as the reader and / or the transmitter.

[0036] The system may further comprise the one or more UE, each UE configured for energy harvesting from the received carrier wave and further configured to transmit to the reader the message that includes data indicating a status of energy harvesting at the UE.

[0037] The reader, transmitter and controller may be components of a telecommunications network, and the carrier wave may be for communication over the telecommunications network.

[0038] The controller configured to determine a modification of the carrier wave configuration based on the data received by the reader indicating a status of energy harvesting at the one or more UE may comprise the controller configured to: determine, based on the data indicating the status of energy harvesting at the one or more UE, a rate of energy harvesting at the one or more UE; compare the rate of energy harvesting at the one or more UE to a preferred range of rates of energy harvesting at the one or more UE to determine if the rate of energy harvesting at the one or more UE is appropriate; wherein if it is determined that the rate of energy harvesting is not appropriate, then: identify a modification to the carrier wave configuration to adjust the rate of energy transmission by the carrier wave towards the one or more UE to enable a rate of energy harvesting at the one or more UE within the preferred range of rates of energy harvesting.

[0039] 16871118.VHR.VHR One or more UE may comprise a plurality of UEs, and controller configured to determine a modification of the carrier wave configuration based on the data received by the reader indicating a status of energy harvesting at the one or more UE may comprise the controller configured to: determine an optimal modification of the carrier wave configuration, the optimal modification of the carrier wave configuration being optimised to adjust the rate of energy transmission by the carrier wave towards the plurality of UEs so as to maximise a proportion of the plurality of UEs at which a rate of energy harvesting is within the preferred range of rates of energy harvesting. Finally, the controller may be further configured to initiate said optimal modification to the carrier wave configuration for carrier waves transmitted by the transmitter.

[0040] One or more UE may comprise a plurality of UEs, and controller configured to determine a modification of the carrier wave configuration based on the data received by the reader indicating a status of energy harvesting at the one or more UE may comprise the controller configured to: determine, for each UE of the plurality of UEs and based on the data indicating the status of energy harvesting at the UE, a rate of energy harvesting; compare for each UE of the plurality of UEs, the rate of energy harvesting to a preferred range of rates of energy harvesting at the UE to determine if the rate of energy harvesting at the UE is appropriate; wherein for each UE of the plurality of UEs that it is determined that the rate of energy harvesting at the UE is not appropriate, then identify a modification to the carrier wave configuration to adjust the rate of energy transmission by the carrier wave towards the one or more UE to enable a rate of energy harvesting at the one or more UE within the preferred range of rates of energy harvesting; evaluate, across the plurality of UEs, a set of modifications, the set comprising each identified modification to the carrier wave configuration, the evaluation to identify a principal modification amongst the set of the modifications; and apply, at the transmitter of the carrier wave, the principal modification to the carrier wave configuration. Finally, the controller may be further configured to initiate said principal modification to the carrier wave configuration for carrier waves transmitted by the transmitter.

[0041] The reader may be further configured so that, prior to the reader receiving data indicating the status of energy harvesting at the UE by a reader, the reader sends a request to the one or more UE, for the data indicating the status of energy harvesting at the UE, wherein each of the one or more UE responds to the request by transmitting a message including the data indicating the status of energy harvesting at the UE.

[0042] In a third aspect, there is a user equipment, UE, comprising: an energy harvester, for harvesting energy from a carrier wave received at the UE;

[0043] 16871118.VHR.VHR an energy store configured to receive energy from the energy harvester and power the UE using the stored energy; a processor; and memory storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the UE to: transmit to a reader a message including data indicating a status of energy harvesting at the UE. The data indicating a status of energy harvesting at the UE may be data that characterises or allows determination of the rate of energy harvesting at the UE. The energy harvester may be a radio frequency inductor for harvesting energy from a received carrier wave.

[0044] The computer-executable instructions may further cause the UE to transmit the message that includes data indicating a status of energy harvesting at the UE upon receipt of a request from the reader.

[0045] Brief Description of the Figures

[0046] The disclosure may be put into practice in various ways, some of which will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0047] FIGURE 1 shows a schematic diagram of a system for configuring a carrier wave for transmission to one or more user equipment, UE;

[0048] FIGURE 2 shows a flow diagram for a method for configuring a carrier wave;

[0049] FIGURE 3 shows a flow diagram of a particular example of the method of FIGURE 2;

[0050] FIGURE 4 shows a flow diagram of a further example of the method of FIGURE 2;

[0051] FIGURE 5 shows a flow diagram of a still further example of the method of FIGURE 2.

[0052] It will be understood that like features are labelled using like reference numerals. The figures are not to scale.

[0053] Detailed Description of Specific Examples

[0054] FIGURE 1 shows a schematic diagram of a system 100 for configuring a carrier wave, the carrier wave for transmission to one or more user equipment (UE) within a telecommunications network. The UE may be also described as a tag or device. In one example, the UE are Ambient Internet-of-Things (A-loT) devices. Said A-loT devices can be

[0055] 16871118.VHR.VHR used to, for example, report a unique identifier (e.g., for the purposes of inventory, or stock location), or report a measured value from a sensor at the UE (e.g., for the purposes of monitoring at the UE location).

[0056] The system comprises a plurality of UEs 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d in communication with a reader entity (logical node or physical device) 20. The reader 20 is in communication with and may take commands from a core network or other external entity of a telecommunications network. The core network (not shown in FIGURE 1 ) can communicate with, manage, send and receive commands and data to a plurality of reader devices even though only one reader device 20 is shown in FIGURE 1 .

[0057] The system further comprises a transmitter 30. The transmitter (which may be a transceiver) transmits or broadcasts a carrier wave, which may be a continuous wave for communications over the telecommunication network. The carrier wave has a radio frequency (RF), such as is suitable for use in 4G, 5G or 6G telecommunication networks, for instance.

[0058] It should be noted that the reader 20 and the transmitter 30 may be considered logical nodes, and may be comprised within the same entity, or a different entity. The transmitter may be a base station within the core network, and / or the reader may itself be a UE or may otherwise contain components and functionality to communicate with the core network (e.g., using a cellular network). In one example, the transmitter and reader are implemented at an edge node of a cellular network having a multi-access edge computing architecture.

[0059] A controller may be provided in the system (although the controller is not shown in FIGURE 1 ) either within the reader and / or transmitter, or as a separate entity. The controller may control functions of the reader and transmitter. The controller may be configured to perform the method discussed elsewhere in this disclosure.

[0060] The one or more UE 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d are passively powered and typically do not contain a primary battery (e.g., a high-capacity battery that drains and then requires periodic replacement or active recharging from an external power source) to provide long term power (e.g., greater than a few minutes to an hour). Instead, the UE harvests energy from the carrier wave broadcast by the transmitter and used to carry telecommunications within the network. The energy is harvested passively, analogous to a passive RFID tag, using a relatively simple energy harvesting component such as a coil or antenna, thermocouple, mechanical energy harvester, or another suitable component. The harvested energy then may be used to temporarily power the UE 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d and / or may be stored for a short period of time (e.g., one to two seconds up to around 10 minutes) by one or more

[0061] 16871118.VHR.VHR capacitors and / or inductors in the energy harvesting circuitry, or by a low-capacity secondary battery (e.g., capacity of 1 -10 mWh).

[0062] The electrical energy harvested by the one or more UE 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d may be used to respond to one or more interrogations from the reader 20. For example, upon interrogation by the reader device, the UE may respond with a value measured at a sensor at the UE (e.g. a temperature measurement). However, if insufficient energy is available at the UE 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, then the UE may be unable to respond to the interrogation, or there may be a delay in the response until the UE’s energy store has been replenished sufficiently by harvesting energy from the received carrier wave.

[0063] Each UE 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d may harvest and store more energy than required for a single response, but typically cannot store large amounts of energy relative to that required for a single response. For the purposes of efficiency, the UE ideally will harvest and store approximately the amount of energy required to respond to an expected number of interrogations by a reader, but without storing or receiving much energy in excess of this amount. Nevertheless, the number of interrogations by the reader may vary depending on the utility of the UE and the circumstances of the environment around it (e.g., time of day, or day of the week, for instance). Furthermore, some responses may require more energy than others. For example, an interrogation that requires a response including a sensor reading may require transmission of more bits of data and so use more energy to transmit than a simpler response (e.g., of the type to acknowledge a command). Therefore, the amount of energy required by a UE within a given time period can change, for instance at different times of day, or during its period of use. The amount of energy required by a UE may translate to a preferred or required rate of energy harvesting at the UE, in order to obtain the amount of energy needed within a given time period.

[0064] In prior art methods, the rate of energy harvesting at the UE from the carrier wave is assumed to be approximately constant. During periods of energy intensive use by the UE (for example, to account for consecutive interrogations by the reader, or to allow sending of a response including a larger number of bits of information), there has been an acceptance that a response may be delayed (or omitted entirely) whilst the UE harvests sufficient energy (at the constant rate of energy harvesting) to send its response. The present invention looks to solve this problem.

[0065] The inventors of the present invention have recognised that the rate of energy harvesting by the UE from the carrier wave (i.e., the amount of energy harvested per unit time) can be adapted by modifying the carrier wave configuration appropriately. For instance, the power and / or bandwidth of the carrier wave broadcast by the transmitter can be adapted

[0066] 16871118.VHR.VHR to allow an increase or decrease in the rate of energy transmission by the carrier wave towards the one or more UE, subsequently causing a change to the rate of energy harvesting from the carrier wave at the UE by making more or less energy available to the one or more UE for harvesting. This allows the carrier wave to be modified so that the UE can respond to interrogations by the reader in a timely and effective manner, but also allows the carrier wave to be modified to avoid provision of excess energy in the carrier wave compared to the needs of the UE.

[0067] FIGURE 2 shows a flow diagram of a method for configuring a carrier wave transmitted to one or more user equipment, UE. The method can be implemented at the system described above with reference to FIGURE 1 .

[0068] According to the method, the reader 20 receives data from each UE 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d (step 230). The data indicates a status of energy harvesting at each UE. In prior, optional steps, the method may include sending a request for said data from the reader to the UE (step 210), and the UE transmitting the data in a message (step 220).

[0069] The data indicating a status of energy harvesting at each UE includes parameters characterising the energy harvesting rate and / or energy levels at the UE. The data is sufficient to allow for determination whether a present rate of energy harvesting at the UE is appropriate or adequate. For instance, the data may indicate one or more of the following parameters: a present rate of charging at the UE; a number of bits or bytes that can be transmitted by the UE at the present level of charge; a present energy level or charge level of the UE; a received power of the carrier wave at the UE; a time period required to reach a specified charge level of the UE at the present rate of charging; a time period required to reach a specified charge level of the UE at a specified rate of charging; an indication of a request for an increase or a decrease in received bandwidth of the carrier wave; an indication of a request for an increase or a decrease in rate of charging at the UE. In other words, the data may be any parameter with allows establishment of the present rate of charging and / or the amount of stored energy at the UE. This can then be used (either by the UE itself with a result reported as part of said data, or at the reader or another network entity) to identify if the current rate of energy harvesting by the UE is appropriate to meet the present or upcoming requirements for provision of responses between the UE and the reader. The rate of energy harvesting by the UE may be considered appropriate if it is neither too low (being insufficient to allow provision of the required responses without excessive delay) nor too high (so only a small proportion of the energy harvested is actually used by the UE to provide the required responses).

[0070] 16871118.VHR.VHR In the next step (step 240) of the method of FIGURE 2, the carrier wave configuration at the transmitter 30 is modified based on the data indicating the status of energy harvesting at the one or more UE 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d. In particular, the carrier wave configuration is modified or changed in order to adjust the rate of energy transmission by the carrier wave (i.e., the energy carried by the carrier wave) towards the one or more UE, and in turn adjust the energy available for harvesting by the one or more UE. This may change the rate of energy harvesting at the one or more UE from the carrier wave because more or less energy is harvested per unit time when more or less energy is made available at the UE. The modification of the carrier wave configuration may be such that is causes an increase or a decrease in the rate of energy harvesting at the one or more UE, with the modification to be made being determined based on the data indicating the status of energy harvesting received at the reader. For example, modifying the carrier wave configuration may comprise increasing or decreasing the power and / or the bandwidth of the carrier wave which will then increase or decrease the rate of energy transfer towards the UE via the carrier wave.

[0071] FIGURE 3 illustrates the method discussed with reference to FIGURE 2, but provides further details for the step 240 of modifying the carrier wave configuration based on the data indicating the status of energy harvesting at the one or more UE. In the example shown in FIGURE 3, modifying the carrier wave configuration based on the data indicating the status of energy harvesting at the one or more UE comprises four parts.

[0072] In a first part 320, the method determines a rate of energy harvesting at each UE based on the data indicating the status of energy harvesting received from said UE. The rate of energy harvesting at the UE may be considered as the amount of energy obtained by the UE from the carrier wave per unit time.

[0073] In a next part 330, the method compares the rate of energy harvesting at the one or more UE to a preferred range of rates of energy harvesting at the one or more UE. The comparison is made to determine if the rate of energy harvesting at the one or more UE is appropriate. The preferred range of rates for the energy harvesting represents an ideal or preferred rate for energy harvesting at a UE, with small acceptable margins to meet the UE’s energy requirements. For instance, a given UE may have a preferred rate for energy harvesting, but a rate within a range of ±5% (or even within ±10%) of this preferred rate would also be acceptable. Therefore, any rate of energy harvesting at the UE within the preferred range of rates of energy harvesting would be considered appropriate. Whether the energy harvesting is appropriate considers whether the rate of energy harvested by the UE is too high or too low considering the expected or predicted energy use of the UE for providing required responses to the reader. For instance, the determination may take place prior to a

[0074] 16871118.VHR.VHR specific interrogation by the reader (requiring a certain energy level at the UE), and the determination may identify whether the energy level at the UE and the rate at which the UE is presently harvesting energy from the carrier wave is sufficient to be able to respond to the upcoming interrogation by the reader.

[0075] In a third part 340, if it is determined that the present rate of energy harvesting is not appropriate (i.e. not within the preferred range of rates for the energy harvesting), then a modification to the carrier wave configuration is identified. The modification identified is one that would adjust the rate of energy transmission by the carrier wave towards the one or more UE so as to enable a rate of energy harvesting at the one or more UE within the preferred range of rates of energy harvesting. In other words, the carrier wave configuration is modified to result in an appropriate rate (or an advantageous rate) of energy harvesting at the one or more UE. For instance, a modification to the carrier wave configuration (such as a change to the power and / or bandwidth of the carrier wave) may be identified to cause an increase or decrease in the rate of energy harvesting at the UE, as required.

[0076] Then, in a fourth part 340, the determined modification to the carrier wave configuration is applied. For instance, the modification is implemented at the transmitter, to change the configuration of the carrier wave (for example, changing the bandwidth or power of the carrier wave) broadcast by the transmitter towards the UE. Consequently, when the modified carrier wave is received at the UE, the rate of energy carried to the UE is changed, and the rate of energy harvesting can be adjusted. For instance, the rate of energy harvesting can be adjusted to cause an increase or decrease in the energy harvested per unit time, in order to meet the energy requirements for response to expected interrogations from the reader but without excessive energy waste or inefficiency.

[0077] To consider a particular example, it may be determined that the system is acting inefficiently, because the UE is presently harvesting energy at a rate that is higher than required to provide responses to the UE. As such, much of the energy transferred or carried by the carrier wave goes unused by the UE. In this case, the power of the carrier wave can be decreased, thereby improving the efficiency of the transmitted wave and so the system overall. The power of the carrier wave can be decreased to a level that is still sufficient for the UE to harvest enough energy for response to the reader, but without providing much surplus energy.

[0078] In another example, it may be determined that there is an insufficient rate of energy harvesting at the UE to respond to the expected average number of interrogations from the reader within a period of time. In this case, the power of the carrier wave can be increased, to cause the rate of energy transferred to (and then harvested by) the UE to increase. In this

[0079] 16871118.VHR.VHR way, the modified configuration of the carrier wave can provide sufficient energy to the UE to enable response to each interrogation by the reader. As such, the described method dynamically modifies the carrier wave configuration to improve the overall system, in particular improving efficiency and / or responsiveness.

[0080] Typically, a single reader and transmitter will be associated with a plurality of UEs (as shown in FIGURE 1 ). In this case, the specific modification to the carrier wave configuration determined for different UE of the plurality of UEs may differ. In some scenarios, the modification may even be divergent (in other words, an increase in power may be appropriate for one UE, whereas a decrease in power may be appropriate for another UE). In this case, determining a modification of the carrier wave configuration involves identifying the modification to the carrier wave configuration that best satisfies the requirements across the whole plurality of UEs. Two different ways for identification of such a modification to the carrier wave configuration are described below.

[0081] Referring to FIGURE 4, the step 240 of modifying the carrier wave configuration based on the data indicating the status of energy harvesting at the one or more UE comprises two parts. In a first part 420, an optimal modification may be determined. The optimal modification may be one that optimises the energy harvesting across the plurality of UEs as a whole (i.e., optimises energy harvesting over the whole system), based on consideration of the data indicating the status of energy harvesting at each UE of the plurality of UEs. In particular, the modification is optimised to adjust the rate of energy transmission by the carrier wave towards the plurality of UEs, to maximise a proportion of the plurality of UEs at which a rate of energy harvesting is within the preferred range of rates of energy harvesting. In other words, the determination jointly optimises for the modification of carrier wave configuration for each of the UE across the plurality of UEs. In a second part 430, the optimal modification is applied to modify the configuration of the carrier wave transmitted by the transmitter.

[0082] As will be understood by the skilled person, joint optimisation is a process which acts to optimise the outcome for the overall system, rather than to maximise one aspect at the expense of another. The goal is mutual enhancement of the system, rather than to find the best possible result for a single UE within the system. Therefore, in the present example the optimisation may result in, for instance, the power of the carrier wave being increased by a small amount, even if some of the UE within the system would benefit form a decrease in the power of the carrier wave, or some other UE in the system would benefit from a larger increase in the power of the carrier wave. It will be understood that, in some cases, said joint optimisation may weight the modification determined for certain UE more heavily than other

[0083] 16871118.VHR.VHR UE (for instance, if the former UE are considered to provide responses to the reader of ‘greater importance’, and so should be prioritized, than compared to the latter UE).

[0084] As an alternative to the steps described in FIGURE 4, the step 240 of modifying the carrier wave configuration based on the data indicating the status of energy harvesting at each UE of a plurality UE comprises five parts as shown in FIGURE 5. Once again, FIGURE 5 considers a system 100 in which data indicating a status of energy harvesting are received at the reader from a plurality of UEs (step 230).

[0085] In a first part 520 of step 240, for each UE of the plurality of UEs, a present rate of energy harvesting is determined. Then, in a second part 530, the present rate of energy harvesting is compared to a preferred range of rates of energy harvesting at said UE. If the present rate of energy harvesting falls within the preferred range of rates of energy harvesting at said UE, then the present rate of energy harvesting is deemed appropriate. As discussed above, assessment of an appropriate rate of energy harvesting considers the amount of energy required within a given time period to respond to the expected interrogation(s) by the reader within that time period. The determination may consider whether the rate of energy harvesting is too high or too low. The preferred range of rates of energy harvesting at said UE may be pre-defined, and may be a preferred rate of energy harvesting, R, at a given UE (at least, for a certain upcoming time period) with a specified margin either side (so, for instance, a rate of R ±10%, or R ±5%, or R ±1 % may be considered the preferred range of rates of energy harvesting for a given UE).

[0086] In a third part 540, if it is determined that the present rate of energy harvesting at a given is not appropriate, then a modification to the carrier wave configuration is identified for that UE, wherein the rate of energy transmission by the carrier wave towards the one or more UE is adjusted so as to enable a rate of energy harvesting at the one or more UE within the preferred range of rates of energy harvesting. For instance, it may be identified that increasing the power of the carrier wave to a certain value would make more energy available to the UE for harvesting, and thereby provide an increased rate of energy harvesting at the given UE that is more appropriate or advantageous to fulfil the utility of the UE.

[0087] In a fourth part 550, there is an evaluation of the set of modifications identified across the plurality of UEs, wherein the set of modifications comprises each of the modifications identified for a UE in the second part 530. In other words, the set of modifications comprises each of the identified modifications to the carrier wave configuration that would result in an appropriate rate of energy harvesting at each UE of the plurality of UEs (being a rate of energy harvesting within the preferred range). The evaluation of the set of modifications results in the identification of a principal modification to the carrier wave configuration. In a

[0088] 16871118.VHR.VHR fifth part 560, the principal modification can be applied to the carrier wave configuration at the transmitter.

[0089] The principal modification is a modification to the carrier wave configuration identified according to certain criteria. In one example, the principal modification is a modification to the carrier wave configuration that is identified (in the third part 540) by more than a predetermined threshold proportion of the plurality of UEs. The predetermined threshold proportion could be selected according to the utility or application of the various UE, but could be for instance more than 50%, or more than 30%. In one scenario therefore, the principal modification could be an increase to the bandwidth of the carrier wave because it was identified that a resultant higher rate of energy harvesting would be appropriate for (or beneficial for) more than 50% of the plurality of UEs.

[0090] In an alternative example, the principal modification is a modification of the carrier wave configuration that was identified as providing an appropriate energy harvesting rate at one or more specified UE of the plurality of UEs. For instance, certain UE may be given priority. As such, if a UE has been predefined or specified as being of particular importance, and that UE is identified (at part 540) as requiring a particular modification to the carrier wave configuration, then the carrier wave configuration is modified to match the requirements of that specified UE (even if this does not align with the requirements of some other UE, or even the requirements of the majority of UE).

[0091] With reference to the above disclosure, it will be understood that machine learning could be used for determining a modification to the carrier wave configuration. In particular, optimisation of a carrier wave configuration across the plurality of UEs may employ machine learning techniques. In this case, the carrier wave configuration is jointly optimised across the plurality of UEs, to maximise a proportion of the plurality of UEs at which a rate of energy harvesting is within the preferred range of rates of energy harvesting for each given UE.

[0092] In the system 100, the transmitter could be a transceiver (i.e., for both transmitting and receiving). For instance, the transmitter may be part of a base station in the telecommunications network. The base station comprising the transmitter may be at a macro node or micro node of the network, for instance. The transmitter could form part of the core network. The reader and the transmitter may be part of the same network entity.

[0093] Where a controller is discussed within the present disclosure, it will be understood that said controller may take the form of a processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the reader and / or transmitter to undertake certain steps such as those outlined within this disclosure.

[0094] 16871118.VHR.VHR Although examples according to the disclosure have been described with reference to specific illustrative examples, other approaches according to the disclosure may be used. Certain features may be omitted or substituted, for example as indicated herein. Each feature disclosed in this specification, unless stated otherwise, may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose. Thus, unless stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[0095] In this detailed description of the various examples and / or embodiments, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the examples and / or embodiments disclosed. One skilled in the art will appreciate, however, that these various examples and / or embodiments may be practiced with or without these specific details. Furthermore, one skilled in the art can readily appreciate that the specific sequences in which methods are presented and performed are illustrative and it is contemplated that the sequences can be varied and still remain within the scope of the various examples and / or embodiments disclosed herein.

[0096] As used herein, including in the claims, unless the context indicates otherwise, singular forms of terms are to be construed as including the plural form and vice versa. For instance, unless the context indicates otherwise, a singular reference herein including in the claims, such as "a" or "an" means "one or more". Throughout the description and claims of this disclosure, the words "comprise", "including", "having" and "contain" and variations of the words, for example "comprising" and "comprises" or similar, mean "including but not limited to", and are not intended to (and do not) exclude other components. Also, the use of “or” is inclusive, such that the phrase “A or B” is true when “A” is true, “B” is true, or both “A” and “B” are true.

[0097] The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language ("for instance", "such as", "for example" and like language) provided herein, is intended merely to better illustrate the disclosure and does not indicate a limitation on the scope of the disclosure unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the disclosure.

[0098] The terms “first” and “second” may be reversed without changing the scope of the disclosure. That is, the terms are relative such that an element termed a “first” element or position may instead be termed a “second” element or position, and an element termed a “second” element or position may instead be considered a “first” element or position.

[0099] Any steps described in this specification may be performed in any order or simultaneously unless stated or the context requires otherwise. Moreover, where a step is

[0100] 16871118.VHR.VHR described as being performed after another step, this does not preclude intervening steps being performed.

[0101] It is also to be understood that, for any given component, example or embodiment described herein, any of the possible candidates or alternatives listed for that component may generally be used individually or in combination with one another, unless implicitly or explicitly understood or stated otherwise. It will be understood that any list of such candidates or alternatives is merely illustrative and not limiting, unless implicitly or explicitly understood or stated otherwise.

[0102] 16871118.VHR.VHR

Claims

CLAIMS:1 . A method for configuring a carrier wave, the carrier wave for reception at one or more user equipment, LIE, and the one or more LIE configured for energy harvesting from the received carrier wave, the method comprising: receiving, at a reader from each UE of the one or more UE, data indicating a status of energy harvesting at the UE; modifying, at a transmitter of the carrier wave, the carrier wave configuration based on the data indicating the status of energy harvesting at the one or more UE, to adjust the rate of energy transmission by the carrier wave towards the one or more UE and so adjust the energy available for harvesting by the one or more UE.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein modifying the carrier wave configuration comprises increasing or decreasing the power and / or the bandwidth of the carrier wave.

3. The method of any preceding claim, wherein modifying, at a transmitter of the carrier wave, the carrier wave configuration based on the data indicating the status of energy harvesting at the one or more UE comprises: determining, based on the data indicating the status of energy harvesting at the one or more UE, a rate of energy harvesting at the one or more UE; comparing the rate of energy harvesting at the one or more UE to a preferred range of rates of energy harvesting at the one or more UE to determine if the rate of energy harvesting at the one or more UE is appropriate; wherein if it is determined that the rate of energy harvesting is not appropriate, then: identifying a modification to the carrier wave configuration to adjust the rate of energy transmission by the carrier wave towards the one or more UE to enable a rate of energy harvesting at the one or more UE within the preferred range of rates of energy harvesting; and applying, at the transmitter of the carrier wave, the modification to the carrier wave configuration.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein if it is determined that the rate of energy harvesting is appropriate, then:16871118.VHR.VHRcomparing the rate of energy harvesting at the one or more UE to a rate of energy transmission by the carrier wave towards the one or more UE, to determine if excess energy is being transmitted by the carrier wave towards the one or more UE; wherein if excess energy is being transmitted by the carrier wave towards the one or more UE, then: identifying a modification to the carrier wave configuration to reduce the rate of energy transmission by the carrier wave towards the UE whilst maintaining a rate of energy harvesting at the one or more UE within the preferred range of rates of energy harvesting; and applying, at the transmitter of the carrier wave, the modification to the carrier wave configuration.

5. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the data indicating the status of energy harvesting at each UE comprises data for determining a rate of energy harvesting at each UE of the one or more UE.

6. The method of any preceding claim, wherein data indicating the status of energy harvesting at the UE comprises one or more of the following parameters: a present rate of charging at the UE; a number of bits or bytes that can be transmitted by the UE at the present level of charge; a present energy level or charge level of the UE; a received power of the carrier wave at the UE; a time period required to reach a predefined charge level of the UE at the present rate of charging; a time period required to reach a predefined charge level of the UE at a specified rate of charging; an indication of a request for an increase or a decrease in received bandwidth of the carrier wave; an indication of a request for an increase or a decrease in rate of charging at the UE.

7. The method of any preceding claim, wherein one or more UE comprises a plurality of UEs, and wherein modifying the carrier wave configuration based on the data indicating the status of energy harvesting at the one or more UE comprises modifying the carrier wave16871118.VHR.VHRconfiguration based on a trend identified in the data indicating the status of energy harvesting at the plurality of UEs.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein identifying the trend in the data indicating the status of energy harvesting at the plurality of UEs uses machine learning techniques.

9. The method of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein one or more UE comprises a plurality of UEs, and wherein modifying the carrier wave configuration based on the data indicating the status of energy harvesting at the one or more UE comprises: determining an optimal modification of the carrier wave configuration, the optimal modification of the carrier wave configuration being optimised to adjust the rate of energy transmission by the carrier wave towards the plurality of UEs so as to maximise a proportion of the plurality of UEs at which a rate of energy harvesting is within the preferred range of rates of energy harvesting; and applying, at the transmitter of the carrier wave, the determined optimal modification to the carrier wave configuration.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein determining an optimal modification of the carrier wave configuration uses machine learning techniques.11 . The method of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein one or more UE comprises a plurality of UEs, and wherein modifying the carrier wave configuration based on the data indicating the status of energy harvesting at the one or more UE comprises: determining, for each UE of the plurality of UEs and based on the data indicating the status of energy harvesting at the UE, a rate of energy harvesting; comparing, for each UE of the plurality of UEs, the rate of energy harvesting to a preferred range of rates of energy harvesting at the UE to determine if the rate of energy harvesting at the UE is appropriate; wherein for each UE of the plurality of UEs that it is determined that the rate of energy harvesting at the UE is not appropriate, then identifying a modification to the carrier wave configuration to adjust the rate of energy transmission by the carrier wave towards the plurality of UEs to enable a rate of energy harvesting at the plurality of UEs within the preferred range of rates of energy harvesting;16871118.VHR.VHRevaluating, across the plurality of UEs, a set of modifications, the set comprising each identified modification to the carrier wave configuration, the evaluating to identify a principal modification amongst the set of the modifications; and applying, at the transmitter of the carrier wave, the principal modification to the carrier wave configuration.

12. The method of claim 11 , wherein the principal modification to the carrier wave configuration is the modification for which there is demand by: more than a predetermined threshold proportion of the plurality of UEs; or one or more specified UE of the plurality of UEs.

13. The method according to any previous claim, wherein the one or more UE are one or more ambient internet-of-things (A-loT) devices.

14. The method of any preceding claim, wherein prior to the step of receiving data indicating the status of energy harvesting at the UE by a reader, the method further comprises: sending a request, by the reader to the one or more UE, for the data indicating the status of energy harvesting at the UE; and wherein each of the one or more UE responds to the request by transmitting a message including the data indicating the status of energy harvesting at the UE.

15. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the transmitter of the carrier wave is a component of a telecommunications network, and the carrier wave is for communication over the telecommunications network.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the carrier wave is a radio frequency continuous wave transmission for communications over the telecommunications network17. The method of claim 16, wherein the continuous wave is for 4G, 5G or 6G communications.

18. The method of any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the transmitter of the carrier wave is comprised within the reader and / or is a base station within the telecommunications network.16871118.VHR.VHR19. A system for configuring a carrier wave, the carrier wave received at one or more user equipment, LIE, the one or more LIE configured for energy harvesting from a received carrier wave, the system comprising: a reader in communication with the one or more LIE, the reader configured to receive a message from each of the one or more UE including data indicating a status of energy harvesting at the UE; a transmitter configured to transmit the carrier wave to the one or more UE; and a controller configured to determine a modification of the carrier wave configuration based on the data received by the reader indicating a status of energy harvesting at the one or more UE, the modification for adjusting the rate of energy transmission by the carrier wave towards the UE and so adjusting the energy available for harvesting by the one or more UE, and the controller further configured to initiate said modification to the carrier wave configuration for the carrier wave transmitted by the transmitter.

20. The system of claim 19, further comprising the one or more UE, each UE configured for energy harvesting from the received carrier wave and further configured to transmit to the reader the message including data indicating a status of energy harvesting at the UE.21 . The system of claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the reader, transmitter and controller are components of a telecommunications network, and the carrier wave is for communication over the telecommunications network.

22. A user equipment, UE, comprising: an energy harvester; an energy store configured to receive energy from the energy harvester and power the UE using the stored energy; a processor; and memory storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the UE to: transmit to a reader a message including data indicating a status of energy harvesting at the UE.

23. The UE of claim 22, wherein the energy harvester is a radio frequency inductor for harvesting energy from a received carrier wave.16871118.VHR.VHR24. The LIE of claim 22 or 23, wherein the computer-executable instructions further cause the UE to transmit the message that includes data indicating a status of energy harvesting at the UE upon receipt of a request from the reader.16871118.VHR.VHR

Images