System and apparatus for proximity determination in a network and a method in association thereto

Abstract

System (100), apparatus (102) and a method (300) for proximity determination in a network are disclosed. The method (300) includes configuring a proximity determination message associable with a proximity determination operation; communicating the proximity determination message; determining a proximity of a user device; and obtaining proximity information and user device information based on the proximity determination.

Description

202405997 1SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR PROXIMITY DETERMINATION IN A NETWORK AND A METHOD IN ASSOCIATION THERETOField Of Invention

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to one or both of a system and an apparatus for proximity determination in a network in association with, for example, a User Equipment (UE) usable for communication. The present disclosure further relates a method which can be associated with the system and / or the apparatus.Background

[0002] Generally, energy efficiency would be helpful or desired in communication networks. An example of a communication network would be a 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) 5G (fifth generation) New Radio (NR) standard-based telecommunications network.

[0003] Typically, conventional techniques for proximity determination can be utilized to assist in facilitating energy efficiency. The present disclosure contemplates that conventional techniques may not facilitate energy efficiency in an optimal manner. For example, conventional techniques may not address the issue of determining proximity for energy efficiency when an Ambient Internet-of-Things (A-loT) device is far from a base station reader.

[0004] The present disclosure contemplates that it would be helpful to address (or at least mitigate) one or more issues in relation to conventional techniques for facilitating energy efficiency.Summary of the Invention

[0005] In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for proximity determination in a network comprising configuring a proximity determination message associable with a proximity determination operation; communicating the proximity determination message; determining a proximity of a202405997 2 user device; and obtaining proximity information and user device information based on the proximity determination.

[0006] Advantageously, the method as described herein can determine a proximity of an Ambient Internet-of-Things (A-loT) device to a node different from the initial reader or Next generation Node B (gNB). This can help in subsequent use of that node as an intermediate node reader thereafter and may expand the proximity determination capabilities of the gNB reader by making use of intermediate User Equipment(s) (UE(s)).

[0007] In an embodiment, the proximity determination message comprises at least one of: a proximity determination type, a user device information type and / or a user device identification.

[0008] In an embodiment, the proximity determination message further comprises at least one of: a timer value, a frame number and / or resource allocation associable with communication of a Reader to Device (R2D) message and a Device to Reader (D2R) message, wherein the timer value and the frame number are associable with determining the proximity of the user device.

[0009] In an embodiment, communicating the proximity determination message comprises communicating via at least one of: a static Radio Resource Control (RRC) message, a dynamic MAC Control Element (MAC-CE) indication and / or a dynamic Downlink control information (DCI) indication.

[0010] In an embodiment, each of the dynamic MAC-CE indication and the dynamic DCI indication comprises a 1 -bit indication including a DCI field.

[0011] In an embodiment, communicating the proximity determination message comprises communicating via at least one of: a 1-bit indication and / or a multi-bit indication.202405997 3

[0012] In an embodiment, determining a proximity of a user device comprises transmitting a Reader to Device (R2D) message to the user device; and receiving a Device to Reader (D2R) message in response to the R2D message, the D2R message including user device information.

[0013] In an embodiment, the method further comprises communicating an uplink (UL) grant associable with proximity determination of the user device and communicating the proximity information and the user device information in response to the proximity determination message.

[0014] In an embodiment, the method further comprises configuring a plurality of operations for the user device based on the user device information.

[0015] In an embodiment, the user device comprises an Ambient Internet-of-Things (A-loT) device.

[0016] In an embodiment, there is provided a computer program (not shown) which can include instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer (not shown), cause the computer to carry out the method of the first aspect.

[0017] In an embodiment, there is provided a computer readable storage medium having data stored therein representing software executable by a computer, the software including instructions, when executed by the computer, to carry out the method of the first aspect.

[0018] In accordance with a second aspect of the disclosure, there is provided an apparatus for proximity determination in a network comprising: a first module configured to receive at least one input signal associated with a proximity determination message having a proximity determination operation; a second module configured to at least one of process and facilitate the method of the first aspect to generate at least one output signal; and a third module configured to communicate at least one output signal, wherein the output signal corresponds to a control signal for determining a proximity of the user device.202405997 4

[0019] In an embodiment, the apparatus can correspond to a User Equipment (UE) which can communicate with a device corresponding to a base station. The base station can, for example, correspond to a Next generation Node B (gNB) which can be configured to communicate one or more signals (e.g., input signal(s)) to the UE.

[0020] In an embodiment, there is provided a system comprising one or more apparatuses and one or more devices. The apparatus(es) and the device(s) can, for example, be capable of being coupled via wired coupling and / or wireless coupling.

[0021] Advantageously, the system can determine proximity in A-loT when an A-loT device is unable to receive proximity determination R2D message(s) from a gNB reader. The system can also determine proximity if the A-loT device can receive R2D message(s), but its response D2R messages is unable to successfully reach the gNB (or gNB reader). The system may also provide mechanisms in which intermediate UEs may be used to enhance the proximity determination capabilities of the gNB reader.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] Embodiments of the disclosure are described hereinafter with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0023] Fig. 1A shows a schematic diagram illustrating a system for proximity determination in a network which can include at least one apparatus, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0024] Fig. 1 B to Fig. 1 H show example scenarios in association with the system of Fig. 1 A, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0025] Fig. 2 shows a schematic diagram illustrating the apparatus of Fig. 1A in further detail, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.202405997 5

[0026] Fig. 3 shows a method in association with the system of Fig. 1A, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0027] Fig. 4A to Fig. 4E show schematic diagrams illustrating example scenarios in association with the method of Fig. 3, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0028] Fig. 5A to Fig. 5E show schematic diagrams illustrating further example scenarios in association with the method of Fig. 3, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.Detailed Description

[0029] The present specification discloses apparatus and / or device for performing the operations of the methods. Such apparatus and / or device may be specially constructed for the required purposes, or may comprise a computer or other device selectively activated or reconfigured by a computer program stored in the computer. The algorithms and displays presented herein are not inherently related to any particular computer or other apparatus. Various machines may be used with programs in accordance with the teachings herein. Alternatively, the construction of more specialized apparatus to perform the required method steps may be appropriate. The structure of a computer will appear from the description below.

[0030] In addition, the present specification also implicitly discloses a computer program, in that it would be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the individual steps of the method described herein may be put into effect by computer code. The computer program is not intended to be limited to any particular programming language and implementation thereof. It will be appreciated that a variety of programming languages and coding thereof may be used to implement the teachings of the disclosure contained herein. Moreover, the computer program is not intended to be limited to any particular control flow. There are many other variants of the computer program, which can use different control flows without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure.202405997 6

[0031] Furthermore, one or more of the steps of the computer program may be performed in parallel rather than sequentially. Such a computer program may be stored on any computer readable medium. The computer readable medium may include storage devices such as magnetic or optical disks, memory chips, or other storage devices suitable for interfacing with a computer. The computer readable medium may also include a hard-wired medium such as exemplified in the Internet system, or wireless medium such as exemplified in the mobile telephone system. The computer program when loaded and executed on such a computer effectively results in an apparatus and / or a device that implements the steps of the preferred method.

[0032] The detailed description set forth below, with reference to annexed drawings, is intended as a description of various configurations and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the concepts described herein may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the various concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts may be practiced without these specific details. In particular, although terminology from 3GPP 5G NR may be used in this disclosure to exemplify embodiments herein, this should not be seen as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0033] Generally, all terms used herein are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the relevant technical field, unless a different meaning is clearly given and / or is implied from the context in which it is used. All references to a / an / the element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc. are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of the element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise. The steps of any methods disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless a step is explicitly described as following or preceding another step and / or where it is implicit that a step must follow or precede another step. Any feature of any of the embodiments disclosed herein may be applied to any other embodiment, wherever appropriate. Likewise, any advantage of any of the embodiments may apply to any other embodiments, and vice versa. Other objectives, features and advantages of the enclosed embodiments will be apparent from the following description.202405997 7

[0034] In some embodiments, the non-limiting term User Equipment (UE) or wireless device or user device may be used and may refer to any type of wireless device communicating with a network node and / or with another UE in a cellular or mobile communication system. Examples of UE are target device, device-to-device (D2D) UE, machine type UE or UE capable of machine to machine (M2M) communication, PDA, PAD, Tablet, mobile terminals, smart phone, laptop embedded equipped (LEE), laptop mounted equipment (LME), USB dongles, UE category Ml, UE category M2, ProSe UE, V2V UE, V2X UE, etc.

[0035] In some embodiments, a more general term “network node” may be used and may correspond to any type of radio network node or any network node, which communicates with a User Equipment (directly or via another node) and / or with another network node. Examples of network nodes are NodeB, MeNB, ENB, a network node belonging to MCG or SCG, base station (BS), multi-standard radio (MSR) radio node such as MSR BS, eNodeB, gNodeB, network controller, radio network controller (RNC), base station controller (BSC), relay, donor node controlling relay, base transceiver station (BTS), access point (AP), transmission points, transmission nodes, RRU, RRH, nodes in distributed antenna system (DAS), core network node (e.g. Mobile Switching Center (MSC), Mobility Management Entity (MME), etc), Operations & Maintenance (O&M), Operations Support System (OSS), Self Optimized Network (SON), positioning node (e.g. Evolved- Serving Mobile Location Centre (E-SMLC)), Minimization of Drive Tests (MDT), test equipment (physical node or software), etc.

[0036] Additionally, terminologies such as base station / gNodeB and UE should be considered non-limiting and do in particular not imply a certain hierarchical relation between the two; in general, “gNodeB” could be considered as device 1 and “UE” could be considered as device 2 and these two devices communicate with each other over some radio channel. And in the following the transmitter or receiver could be either gNodeB (gNB), or UE.202405997 8

[0037] The present disclosure generally contemplates the facilitation of, for example, network (e.g., in association with 3GPP based standard / specification etc.) and / or user equipment (UE) efficiency (e.g., energy / power efficiency), in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0038] The present disclosure contemplates that proximity determination may be required to determine if an Internet-of-Things (loT) device or an Ambient Internet-of- Things (A-loT) device (or user device) is near or far to a reader (e.g. a base station reader). In an example, the device may be far from a gNB reader (or a base station reader), but close to an intermediate User Equipment (UE) in the same cell. In this example scenario, it may be necessary to carry out proximity determination to identify to which reader the device is near to. The present disclosure also contemplates that the A-loT device can be a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag or the like, in an example implementation.

[0039] The present disclosure thus contemplates the possibility of defining methods that consists of indication(s) by the gNB (or base station) to intermediate UEs in the cell to conduct proximity determination. The gNB (or base station) may also indicate the resources to be used by the intermediate UEs to conduct the proximity determination. Using the indication, the intermediate UEs can perform their own proximity determination or collect and send information from any received Device to Reader (D2R) messages to the gNB (or base station).

[0040] The present disclosure further contemplates the possibility of an example scenario whereby the gNB (or base station) is the reader trying to determine A-loT devices (or user devices) in its proximity, some devices (e.g. A-loT devices) may not be in the gNB’s proximity but still proximal to an intermediate UE served by the same gNB. The present disclosure contemplates that current techniques do not provide methods for the gNB to identify that the device (e.g. A-loT device) is proximal to an intermediate UE, even though the device is not proximal to the gNB.

[0041] The present disclosure also contemplates that such identification can be useful since the gNB can assign the intermediate UE to perform inventory or other202405997 9 operations on the proximal A-loT devices and gather the relevant data related to the devices from the intermediate UE, even though the devices themselves are far from the gNB. Hence, the present disclosure contemplates the possibility of a systematic method for proximity determination to handle or manage such a scenario.

[0042] In the above manner, power and energy consumption efficiency can be possibly facilitated, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0043] The foregoing will be discussed in further detail with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 5 hereinafter.

[0044] Referring to Fig. 1A, a system 100 for proximity in a network is shown, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The system 100 can, for example, be suitable for facilitating energy / power efficiency in a network, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0045] As shown, the system 100 can include one or more apparatuses 102, at least one device 104 and, optionally, a communication network 106, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0046] The apparatus(es) 102 can be coupled to the device(s) 104. Specifically, the apparatus(es) 102 can, for example, be coupled to the device(s) 104 via the communication network 106, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0047] In one embodiment, the apparatus(es) 102 can be coupled to the communication network 106 and the device(s) 104 can be coupled to the communication network 106. Coupling can be by manner of one or both of wired coupling and wireless coupling. The apparatus(es) 102 can, in general, be configured to communicate with the device(s) 104 via the communication network 106, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0048] The apparatus(es) 102 can, for example, be associated with / correspond to / include one or more user equipment (UE) which can carry one or more computers,202405997 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. For example, an apparatus 102 can correspond to a UE carrying at least one computer (e.g., an electronic device / module having computing capabilities such as an electronic mobile device which can be carried into a vehicle or an electronic module which can be installed in a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure) which can be configured to perform one or more processing tasks in association with adaptive / dynamic / gradual control, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. In a more specific example, the apparatus(es) 102 can, in one embodiment, include one or more processors (not shown) which can be configured to perform one or more processing tasks in association with dynamic / adaptive / gradual control, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. In one embodiment, the apparatus(es) 102 can, for example, be configured to receive one or more input signals and perform at least one processing task based on the input signal(s) in a manner to generate one or more output signals. The input signal(s) can, for example, be communicated from the device(s) 104 and received by the apparatus(es) 102, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. As a possible option, the output signal(s) can, for example, be communicated from the apparatus(es) 102, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. The apparatus(es) 102 will be discussed later in further detail with reference to Fig. 2, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0049] The device(s) 104 can, for example, be associated with / correspond to at least one base station (e.g., at least one gNB). Moreover, the device(s) 104 can, for example, be configured to carry / be associated with / include one or more computers (e.g., an electronic device / module having computing capabilities) which can, for example, be configured to perform one or more processing tasks in association with the base station. The device(s) 104 can be configured to generate one or more input signals which can be communicated to the apparatus(es) 102, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. This will be discussed later in further detail in the context of an example scenario, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0050] The communication network 106 can, for example, correspond to an Internet communication network, a cellular-based communication network, a wired-based communication network, a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) based202405997 11 communication network, a wireless-based communication network, or any combination thereof. Communication (e.g., between the apparatuses 102 and / or between the apparatus(es) 102 and the device(s) 104) via the communication network 106 can be by manner of one or both of wired communication and wireless communication.

[0051] Earlier mentioned, the apparatus(es) 102 can, for example, be configured to receive at least one input signal and perform at least one processing task in association with dynamic / adaptive / gradual control on the input signal(s) in a manner so as to generate at least one output signal. Moreover, the device(s) 104 can, for example, be configured to generate (and communicate) the input signal(s) to the apparatus(es) 102, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. This will be discussed, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, in the context of an example scenario with reference to Fig. 1 B to Fig. 1 H, hereinafter.

[0052] Fig. 1 B and Fig. 1 C show example scenarios for Ambient loT (A-loT) in 3GPP in relation to, for example, Rel-18: RAN study item (outcome TR 38.848), Rel-19: RAN1-led study item and / or RAN2-led study item, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. Specifically, Fig. 1 B shows a Topology 1 scenario of communication between a base station and an A-loT device while Fig. 1 C shows a Topology 2 scenario of communication between a base station, an intermediate node (or an intermediate UE) and an A-loT device.

[0053] In the example scenarios, the present disclosure contemplates that harmonized air interface design with minimized differences for Ambient loT can be studied in order to enable approximately 1 pW peak power consumption together with energy storage and having neither downlink (DL) nor uplink (UL) amplification in the device. In addition, UL transmission backscattered on a carrier wave can be provided externally, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. In another embodiment, the study of harmonized air interface design with minimized differences for Ambient loT can also provide a less than or equal to a few hundred pW peak power consumption together with energy storage and having both DL and / or UL amplification in the device. The UL transmission may also be generated internally or202405997 12 backscattered. Further, coverage target can be a maximum of 10-50m with the device indoors and for Topologies 1 and 2 (as shown in Fig. 1 B and Fig. 1 C) with no Radio Resource Control (RRC) states, no mobility, no Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ), no Automatic Repeat Request (ARQ).

[0054] The present disclosure contemplates the possibility of deployment scenario 1 (micro- or pico-cell) with Topology 1 and deployment scenario 2 (macro- or micro-cell) with Topology 2. The present disclosure further contemplates the possibility of FR1 licensed spectrum in Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) Spectrum deployment in- band to NR, in guard-band to LTE / NR and in standalone band(s). In addition, there can also be traffic types DO-DTT, DT, focus on rUC1 (indoor inventory) and rllC4 (indoor command) including transmission from Ambient loT to occur at least in UL spectrum.

[0055] The present disclosure yet contemplates that evaluation assumptions can be achieved in the study of A-loT. In an example evaluation assumption, design targets can be concluded in RAN design targets of TR 38.848 [RAN1], Examples of aspects of design aspects include applicable maximum distance target values(s), refining the definition of latency suitable for use in RAN and 2D distribution of devices. In an example implementation, the A-loT device can be a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag or the like. In another evaluation assumption example, further evaluation assumptions of deployment scenarios for coverage and coexistence evaluations [RAN1 , RAN4] can be defined. In a further example of evaluation assumption, basic blocks or components of possible Ambient loT device architectures can be identified, taking into account state of the art implementations of low-power low-complexity devices which meet the RAN design target for power consumption and complexity. In yet another example of evaluation assumption, link budget calculation for coverage can be defined, including whether or how to model carrier wave from node(s) inside or outside the connectivity topology. Assessment performance of the design targets can be within the study of feasibility and necessity of proposals in the following objectives, e.g. by inspection of reference implementations in the field, simulations, analytically, strive to minimize evaluation cases in RANI .202405997 13

[0056] The present disclosure yet further contemplates that necessary and feasible solutions for Ambient loT can be studied, including decisions on which functions, procedures, etc. are needed and not needed, and ensuring at least the required functionalities in TR 38.848. The present disclosure contemplates that the study of positioning in Rel-19 is RAN3-led and can be limited to functionalities which would have no, or minimal, specification impact (this does not imply any decision relating to Wl creation). The feasibility and required functionalities for proximity determination can also be studied, e.g. coordination with SA3 is required for privacy aspects.

[0057] In an example embodiment, RAN1-led Ambient loT DL and UL can include but not limited to frame structure, synchronization and timing, random access, numerologies, bandwidths, multiple access, waveforms and modulations, channel coding, downlink channel / signal aspects, uplink channel / signal aspects, scheduling and timing relationships and the study of necessary characteristics of carrier-wave waveform for a carrier wave provided externally to the Ambient loT device, including interference handling at Ambient loT UL receiver, and at NR base station. There may be no difference in physical layer design between Topology 2 and Topology 1 .

[0058] In an example embodiment, RAN2-led can include the study and decision of which functions are needed for an Ambient loT compact protocol stack and lightweight signalling procedure to enable DO-DTT and DT data transmission and study those functions. Example functions can include Paging, Random access, Data transmission, including necessary radio resource control aspects, respecting the limitation in the General Scope and interactions with upper layers. For all other functionalities, they can be studied only if it is found to be essential.

[0059] Fig. 1 D shows example cases in carrier wave (CW) transmission in Topology 2, a scenario of communication between a base station, an intermediate node (or an intermediate UE) and an A-loT device (or user device). Referring to Fig. 1 D, case 2- 1 may be inside CW transmitted by the UE and transmitted in the DL spectrum. Case 2-2 may be inside CW transmitted by the UE and transmitted in the UL spectrum. Case 2-3 may be outside CW transmitted by a standalone emitter and transmitted in202405997 14 the DL spectrum while case 2-4 may be outside CW transmitted by the standalone emitter and transmitted in the UL spectrum.

[0060] The present disclosure contemplates that in an example scenario where Device to Reader (D2R) backscattering is transmitted in the same carrier as CW for D2R backscattering, and for topology 2, some cases of Fig. 1 D for CW transmission can be studied. For example, case 2-2 where CW is transmitted from inside the topology (i.e. , intermediate UE) and transmitted in UL spectrum; case 2-3 where CW is transmitted from outside the topology and transmitted in DL spectrum; and case 2- 4 where CW is transmitted from outside the topology and transmitted in UL spectrum.

[0061] Furthermore, the example scenarios can be associated with, for example, one or more defined scenarios (e.g., Scenario D2T2-A1 , Scenario D2T2-A2, Scenario D2T2-B and / or Scenario D2T2-C), as shown in Fig. 1 E to Fig. 1 H, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0062] More specifically, Fig. 1 E illustrates an example of defined scenario D2T2-A1 with CW inside topology. In this defined scenario, CW node can be inside topology 2 where ‘CW in CW2D and ‘R2’ in D2R can be different. Additionally, ‘CW in CW2D and ‘RT in R2D may be the same, ‘RT in R2D and ‘R2’ in D2R can be different while the base station can communicate with R1 and R2. There can be devices 1 , 2a, the CW spectrum can be Case 2-2 (inside topology, UL as shown in Fig 1 D) and the D2R spectrum can be the same as CW.

[0063] Fig. 1 F illustrates an example of defined scenario D2T2-A2 with CW inside topology. In this defined scenario, CW node can be inside topology 2 where ‘CW and ‘R’ node for CW2D, D2R and R2D can be the same. Additionally, the base station can communicate with R. There can be devices 1 , 2a, the CW spectrum can be the same as defined scenario D2T2-A1 as shown in Fig 1 E and the D2R spectrum can be the same as CW.202405997 15

[0064] Fig. 1 G illustrates an example of defined scenario D2T2-B with CW outside topology. In this defined scenario, CW node can be outside topology 2 where ‘C in CW2D and ‘R’ in D2R can be different and ‘CW in CW2D and ‘R’ in R2D can also be different. Additionally, ‘R’ in R2D and ‘R’ in D2R can be the same and the base station can communicate with R. There can be devices 1 , 2a, the CW spectrum can be case 2-3 (outside topology, DL) and case 2-4 (outside topology, UL) as shown in Fig 1 D and the D2R spectrum can be the same as CW.

[0065] Fig. 1 H illustrates an example of defined scenario D2T2-C with no CW. In this defined scenario, there is no CW node, the base station can communicate with R and there can be device 2b.

[0066] The present disclosure contemplates that the feasibility and required functionalities for proximity determination can be studied. This can be the determination of whether the base station (or gNB) or intermediate UE and ambient loT device are near each other, where coordination with SA3 may be required for privacy aspects and proximity determination based on device side measurements may not be considered. Additionally, the following schemes for proximity determination can also be studied. An example scheme may be option 1 where a reader receives D2R transmission from the device in response to R2D transmission, the device can be determined as near / proximate. Details on reception criteria (e.g. either successful or unsuccessful) at reader and device can be further studied. Another example scheme may be option 2 where the device (e.g. A-loT device) is determined to be near the reader based on measurements at the reader side. Details on measurement methods, whether / how transmit power of R2D and / or D2R is considered for proximity determination can be further studied.

[0067] The present disclosure also contemplates that proximity determination can be concluded to be feasible with either of the two solutions as herein described below. In the first solution for proximity determination, if the reader (e.g. gNB reader) successfully receives D2R transmission from the device (e.g. A-loT device) in response to R2D transmission then the device is determined as near to the reader based on measurements at the reader side. In the second solution for proximity202405997 16 determination, if the reader (e.g. gNB reader) successfully receives D2R transmission from the device (e.g. A-loT device) in response to R2D transmission, then the device is determined as near to the reader.

[0068] The present disclosure contemplates the following assumptions during the proximity determination of an A-loT device(s). An example assumption can be that the gNB (or base station) does not know whether A-loT devices are near the gNB. More particularly, the gNB performs proximity determination for A-loT devices with unknown identities and the gNB performs proximity determination for A-loT devices with known identities. The gNB as reader (R) performs a proximity determination operation which starts with the broadcast / groupcast / multicast of an R2D message from the gNB intended for the known / unknown A-loT devices. The A-loT devices which receive the proximity determination R2D message, respond with one or more D2R messages following criteria as mentioned in e.g., WST_0338 or similar. The gNB, decodes these D2R messages and based on the proximity determination method, i.e. either success or failure of the reception, or based on measurements, the gNB may then determine whether a certain A-loT device is near to it. However, if an A-loT device is unable to receive the R2D message from the gNB reader, it can be determined as not being near the gNB, even though there may be an intermediate UE near the device.

[0069] The present disclosure also contemplates the possibility of a proximity determination procedure to find A-loT devices that are not able to receive R2D messages from the gNB but may still be able to receive R2D messages from intermediate UEs. In this example, the gNB may be assumed to have configured one or more UEs as intermediate UEs for A-loT operation e.g., following the procedure in WST_0294 or similar.

[0070] The present disclosure contemplates, as will be discussed further in detail in the context of an example scenario associated with the system 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, that it may be helpful to consider some form of dynamic / adaptive / gradual configuration / determination strategy which will aid in power / energy consumption efficiency, in accordance with an embodiment of the202405997 17 disclosure. The dynamic / adaptive / gradual control configuration / determination strategy can, for example, be in relation to dynamic / adaptive / gradual control based on proximity determination by an intermediate UE in a network, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0071] The above-described advantageous aspect(s) of the system 100 of the present disclosure can also apply analogously (all) the aspect(s) of a below described apparatus 102 of the present disclosure. Likewise, all below described advantageous aspect(s) of the apparatus 102 of the disclosure can also apply analogously (all) the aspect(s) of above described system 100 of the disclosure.

[0072] The aforementioned apparatus(es) 102 will be discussed in further detail with reference to Fig. 2 hereinafter.

[0073] Referring to Fig. 2, an apparatus 102 is shown in further detail in the context of an example implementation 200, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0074] In the example implementation 200, the apparatus 102 can correspond to an electronic module 200a. The electronic module 200a can, in one example, correspond to a mobile device which can, for example, be carried into the vehicle by a user, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. In another example, the electronic module 200a can correspond to an electronic device which can be installed / mounted in the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. In this regard, the electronic module 200a can be considered to be carried by the vehicle (e.g., either carried into the vehicle by a user or installed / mounted in the vehicle).

[0075] It is contemplated that the electronic module 200a can be capable of performing one or more processing tasks in association with adaptive / dynamic / gradual control related processing, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.202405997 18

[0076] The electronic module 200a can, for example, include a casing 200b. Moreover, the electronic module 200a can, for example, carry any one of a first module 202, a second module 204, a third module 206, or any combination thereof.

[0077] In one embodiment, the electronic module 200a can carry a first module 202, a second module 204 and / or a third module 206. In a specific example, the electronic module 200a can carry a first module 202, a second module 204 and a third module 206, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0078] In this regard, it is appreciable that, in one embodiment, the casing 200b can be shaped and dimensioned to carry any one of the first module 202, the second module 204 and the third module 206, or any combination thereof.

[0079] The first module 202 can be coupled to one or both of the second module 204 and the third module 206. The second module 204 can be coupled to one or both of the first module 202 and the third module 206. The third module 206 can be coupled to one or both of the first module 202 and the second module 204. In one example, the first module 202 can be coupled to the second module 204 and the second module 204 can be coupled to the third module 206, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. Coupling between the first module 202, the second module 204 and / or the third module 206 can, for example, be by manner of one or both of wired coupling and wireless coupling. Each of the first module 202, the second module 204 and the third module 206 can correspond to one or both of a hardware-based module and a software-based module, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0080] In one example, the first module 202 can correspond to a hardware-based receiver which can be configured to receive one or more input signals. The input signal(s) can, for example, be communicated from the device(s) 104 (e.g., a gNB), in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0081] The second module 204 can, for example, correspond to a hardware-based processor which can be configured to perform one or more processing tasks (e.g., in a manner so as to generate one or more output signals) as will be discussed later in202405997 19 further detail with reference to Fig. 3, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0082] The third module 206 can correspond to a hardware-based transmitter which can be configured to communicate one or more output signals from the electronic module 200a. The output signal(s) can, for example, include / correspond to one or more instructions / commands / control signals in association with the aforementioned dynamic / adaptive / gradual control configuration / determination strategy so as to facilitate efficiency (e.g., power / energy efficiency and / or communication efficiency), in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0083] The present disclosure contemplates the possibility that the first and second modules 202 / 204 can be an integrated software-hardware based module (e.g., an electronic part which can carry a software program / algorithm in association with receiving and processing functions / an electronic module programmed to perform the functions of receiving and processing). The present disclosure further contemplates the possibility that the first and third modules 202 / 206 can be an integrated softwarehardware based module (e.g., an electronic part which can carry a software program / algorithm in association with receiving and transmitting functions / an electronic module programmed to perform the functions of receiving and transmitting). The present disclosure yet further contemplates the possibility that the first and third modules 202 / 206 can be an integrated hardware module (e.g., a hardware-based transceiver) capable of performing the functions of receiving and transmitting.

[0084] The above-described advantageous aspect(s) of the apparatus 102 of the present disclosure can also apply analogously (all) the aspect(s) of a below described processing / communication method of the present disclosure. Likewise, all below described advantageous aspect(s) of the processing / communication method of the disclosure can also apply analogously (all) the aspect(s) of above described apparatus 102 of the disclosure. It is to be appreciated that these remarks apply analogously to the earlier discussed system 100 of the present disclosure.202405997 20

[0085] Referring to Fig. 3, a method in association with the system 100 is shown, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0086] The method 300 can, for example, be suitable for / capable of facilitating energy efficiency, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0087] The processing method 300 can include any one of an input step 302, a processing step 304 and an output step 306, or any combination thereof, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0088] In one embodiment, the processing method 300 can include the input step 302. In another embodiment, the processing method 300 can include the input step 302 and the processing step 304. In another embodiment, the processing method 300 can include the input step 302, the processing step 304 and the output step 306. In yet another embodiment, the processing method 300 can include the processing step 304 and one or both of the input step 302 and the output step 306. In yet a further embodiment, the processing method 300 can include the input step 302, the processing step 304 and the output step 306. In yet a further additional embodiment, the processing method 300 can include the processing step 304. In yet another further additional embodiment, the processing method 300 can include any one of or any combination of the input step 302, the processing step 304 and the output step 306 (i.e. , the input step 302, the processing step 304 and / or the output step 306).

[0089] With regard to the input step 302, one or more input signal(s) can be received. For example, the input signal(s) can be communicated from the device(s) 104 and can be received by an apparatus 102, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0090] The input step 302 can include receiving at least one input signal associated with a proximity determination operation. In an embodiment, the input signal(s) may be generated by the device 104 and transmitted from the device 104 to the apparatus 102. Alternatively, the input signal(s) may be generated and received by202405997 21 the apparatus 102 to advance to the processing step 304. For example, the input signal(s) may be generated by a transmitting UE and received by a receiving UE.

[0091] With regard to the processing step 304, at least processing task can be performed in association with the received input signal(s) in a manner so as to generate one or more output signals, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0092] The processing step 304 may include at least one of: determining a proximity of a user device and obtaining proximity information and user device information based on the proximity determination. The proximity determination message can include at least one of: a proximity determination type, a user device information type and / or a user device identification. The proximity determination message can further include at least one of: a timer value, a frame number and / or resource allocation associable with communication of a Reader to Device (R2D) message and a Device to Reader (D2R) message. The timer value and the frame number can be associable with determining the proximity of the user device.

[0093] The processing step 304 can also include communicating the proximity determination message, where communicating the proximity determination message comprises communicating via at least one of: a static Radio Resource Control (RRC) message, a dynamic MAC Control Element (MAC-CE) indication and / or a dynamic Downlink control information (DCI) indication. Each of the dynamic MAC-CE indication and the dynamic DCI indication can include a 1 -bit indication including a DCI field. Communicating the proximity determination message can further include communicating via at least one of: a 1 -bit indication and / or a multi-bit indication.

[0094] The processing step 304 can also include configuring a plurality of operations for the user device based on the user device information; transmitting a Reader to Device (R2D) message to the user device; receiving a Device to Reader (D2R) message in response to the R2D message, the D2R message including user device information; communicating an uplink (UL) grant associable with proximity determination of the user device; and communicating the proximity information and202405997 22 the user device information in response to the proximity determination message. Communicating the UL grant may include signaling a Physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) grant via Downlink control information (DCI) and the user device includes an Ambient Internet-of-Things (A-loT) device. In an example implementation, the A- loT device can be a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag or the like.

[0095] With regard to the output step 306, the output signal(s) can, for example, be communicated, as an option, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. For example, the output signal(s) can optionally be communicated from the apparatus 102. In a more specific example, the output signal(s) can optionally be communicated from the apparatus 102 to one or both of at least one device 104 and another apparatus 102, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0096] The present disclosure further contemplates a computer program (not shown) which can include instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer (not shown), cause the computer to carry out the input step 302, the processing step 304 and / or the output step 306 as discussed with reference to the method 300. For example, the computer program can include instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the input step 302 and / or the processing step 304, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0097] The present disclosure yet further contemplates a computer readable storage medium (not shown) having data stored therein representing software executable by a computer (not shown), the software including instructions, when executed by the computer, to carry out the input step 302, the processing step 304 and / or the output step 306 as discussed with reference to the method 300. For example, the computer readable storage medium can have data stored therein representing software executable by a computer, the software including instructions, when executed by the computer, cause the computer to carry out the input step 302 and / or the processing step 304, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0098] Further in view of the foregoing, it is appreciable that the present disclosure generally contemplates an apparatus 102 suitable for energy efficiency in a network202405997 23 which can include a first module 202, a second module 204 and / or a third module 206.

[0099] The first module 202 can be configured to receive one or more input signals. The input signal(s) can, for example, be associated with a proximity determination message having a proximity determination operation.

[0100] The second module 204 can be configured to process and / or facilitate processing of the input signal(s) according to the method 300 as discussed earlier to generate one or more output signals.

[0101] The third module 206 can be configured to communicate one or more output signals. The output signal(s) can, for example, correspond to one or more control signals for determining a proximity of the user device.

[0102] In one embodiment, the apparatus 102 can correspond to a User Equipment (UE) which can communicate with a device 104 corresponding to a base station. The base station can, for example, correspond to a Next generation Node B (gNB) which can be configured to communicate one or more signals (e.g., input signal(s)) to the UE.

[0103] Yet further in view of the foregoing, it is appreciable that the present disclosure generally contemplates a system 100 which can include one or more apparatuses 102 and one or more devices 104. The apparatus(es) 102 and the device(s) 104 can, for example, be capable of being coupled via wired coupling and / or wireless coupling.

[0104] It should be appreciated that the embodiments described above can be combined in any manner as appropriate (e.g., one or more embodiments as discussed in the “Detailed Description” section can be combined with one or more embodiments as described in the “Summary of the Invention” section).202405997 24

[0105] It should be further appreciated by the person skilled in the art that variations and combinations of embodiments described above, not being alternatives or substitutes, may be combined to form yet further embodiments.

[0106] In one example, the possibility of the output signal(s) being communicated from the apparatus(es) 102 was discussed. It is appreciable that the output signal(s) need not necessarily be communicated from the apparatus(es) 102. Specifically, the possibility that the output signal(s) need not necessarily be communicated outside of the apparatus(es) 102 is contemplated, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. More specifically, the output signal(s) can, for example, correspond to internal command(s) / instruction(s) (e.g., communicated only within an apparatus 102) for adaptively controlling operational configuration of an apparatus 102, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0107] Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B show schematic diagrams illustrating example scenarios in association with the method 300, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. Specifically, Fig. 4A illustrates example problems associated with scenarios D2T2-A1 , D2T2-A2, D2T2-B and D2T2-C (as illustrated in Fig. 1 E to Fig. 1 H) while Fig. 4B illustrates example solutions to the problem illustrated in Fig. 4A, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. The foregoing example solutions will be discussed in further detail with reference to Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B hereinafter.

[0108] Referring to Fig. 4B and in an embodiment of the disclosure, the gNB (or base station) can configure an intermediate UE to perform proximity determination together with the gNB. The gNB can indicate such a configuration in situations it deems to be suitable, for example when the gNB has no knowledge of the devices (e.g. A-loT devices) near it and wishes to seek out devices that are not near the gNB, but still near an intermediate UE under the gNBs coverage. Another example situation can be when the gNB is aware of a device (e.g. A-loT device) near it, but does not receive a reply D2R message from the device to its proximity determination R2D message.202405997 25

[0109] In an embodiment, the configuration to the intermediate UE can include the following components, for example an indication to perform a proximity determination operation. Such an indication may implicitly include the type of proximity determination operation to be performed if there are multiple types of proximity determination operations. The indication may also include the type of information to be sent to the gNB by the intermediate UE after the proximity determination operation by the intermediate UE. The indication may further include the identity of the A-loT device(s) (whether individual or group) whose proximity is to be determined, so as to address a situation where the gNB is performing proximity determination for devices with known identities.

[0110] Another example of a configuration component can include an associated UL grant with the proximity determination operation in which the required information associated with the proximity determination operation by the intermediate UE must be transmitted to the gNB. A further example of configuration component can include a timer value or frame number which specifies the time by which the intermediate UE needs to complete the proximity determination operation. In yet another example, the configuration may also optionally include explicit resource allocation for the intermediate UE to transmit the R2D message(s) and receive D2R message(s) to and from the A-loT devices, whereby such resource allocation may be signaled by suitable DCI.

[0111] In an embodiment, the configuration may be communicated or provided to the intermediate UE by the gNB in the following methods, but not limited to, as described below. Example communication methods may include communicating statically in an RRC (pre-)configuration message, dynamically via a MAC-CE indication and / or dynamically via an indication within the DCI used for the PUSCH grant to the intermediate UE. The dynamic indications as described above may not include the entire configuration, but instead consists only of the 1 -bit activation / de- activation and potentially a few additional bits to supplement the basic initial configuration which is provided via RRC.202405997 26

[0112] In an embodiment, after the intermediate UE receives the configuration as described above, the intermediate UE may perform a proximity determination operation by transmitting a R2D message. The intermediate UE may include some information provided by the gNB (e.g., identity of the device(s)) in its own proximity determination R2D message. The results of the proximity determination operation may then be transmitted to its own serving gNB according to the configuration that was provided. The serving gNB may subsequently use this information to further perform operations on the devices (e.g. A-loT devices), via the intermediate UE, that are proximal to the intermediate UE but not proximal to the gNB.

[0113] In an embodiment, the indication to perform a proximity determination operation may be provided, for example, using a 1 -bit indication without including the type of proximity determination. Such an indication can have less overhead and can be useful when no other information is required to perform the proximity determination operation. However, the indication may not indicate the type of proximity determination if there are multiple types of proximity determination (e.g., requiring different number of D2R responses). In an alternate embodiment, the indication to perform a proximity determination operation may also be provided using a multi-bit indication implicitly including the type of proximity determination and / or the identity of device(s). For example, if there are three types of proximity determination, where the indication can be 010, which may mean the second type of scheme should be used, while 000 may mean that the intermediate UE does not need to perform proximity determination. This can be concatenated with a multi-bit ID of a device or group of devices, in accordance with an example embodiment of the disclosure.

[0114] In an embodiment, the UL grant for the proximity determination related data transfer from the intermediate UE to the gNB can be provided as a PUSCH grant signaled via DCI. In an example scenario of a dynamic indication to perform a proximity determination operation, an additional DCI field with 1 -bit may be used that may indicate that the grant is meant for transmitting proximity determination related data. As DCI overhead can be reduced as much as possible, other information like the type of proximity determination may be indicated using higher layer signaling,202405997 27 and the DCI may be used only for dynamic activation / deactivation of the proximity determination operation by an intermediate UE.

[0115] Fig. 4C to Fig. 4E show schematic diagrams illustrating example scenarios in association with the method 300, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0116] In the example context as shown in Fig. 4C, the gNB reader (or base station or network) may be configured to allocate UL resources and (pre-)configure an intermediate UE to perform proximity determination. The gNB reader may also be configured to indicate the intermediate UE to perform a proximity determination operation and receive information about A-loT devices from the intermediate UE(s) based on the (pre-)configuration. After receiving A-loT device(s) information, the gNB reader be configured to use the intermediate UE(s) appropriately for further communication with the A-loT devices.

[0117] In the example context as shown in Fig. 4D, the intermediate UE may be configured to receive an indication or configuration from the gNB (or gNB reader) for performing proximity determination. The intermediate UE may also perform proximity determination with A-loT device(s) and send proximity determination information obtained from the A-loT device(s) to the gNB (or gNB reader).

[0118] In the example context as shown in Fig. 4E, the device (or A-loT device) may be configured to determine if a proximity determination R2D message from the gNB reader is received. If it is determined that the proximity determination R2D message is received, it may send D2R message(s) to the reader (or gNB reader) as indicated in proximity determination R2D message.

[0119] Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B show schematic diagrams illustrating further example scenarios in association with the method 300, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. Specifically, Fig. 5A illustrates an example problem associated with scenarios D2T2-A1 , D2T2-A2, D2T2-B and D2T2-C (as illustrated in202405997 28Fig. 1 E to Fig. 1 H) while Fig. 5B illustrates example solutions to the problem as illustrated in Fig. 5A, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. The foregoing example solutions will be discussed in further detail with reference to Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B hereinafter.

[0120] In an embodiment of the disclosure, Fig. 5A illustrates an example situation when an A-loT device can receive the proximity determination R2D message from the gNB reader, but its reply D2R message cannot reach the gNB. A further example situation can be where the gNB knows the identity of the device(s) (not shown). Accordingly, the intermediate UEs may only assist to receive and process the reply D2R messages from the A-loT devices, rather than having the intermediate UEs perform proximity determination on their own. This can be useful in situations where the gNB requests the devices (e.g. A-loT devices) to send multiple D2R messages for proximity determination and the gNB does not receive all the expected D2R messages. Additionally, it can also be used in other situations deemed suitable by the gNB, for example, when it does not need to expand its proximity determination as wide as the method illustrated in Fig. 4B.

[0121] In an embodiment of the disclosure, Fig. 5B illustrates an example solution whereby the gNB initiates an R2D transmission for proximity determination with the identities (ID(s)) of the specific device(s) (e.g. A-loT device) included in the R2D message. Accordingly, only the devices corresponding to the group or individual ID in the R2D message respond with D2R messages. Similar to the example solution illustrated in Fig. 4B, the gNB may provide a configuration to one or more intermediate UE(s) before the gNB sends a proximity determination R2D message to the specific A-loT device(s). The configuration may consist of the fields such as an indication to perform a proximity determination operation, an associated UL grant associated with the proximity determination operation, a timer value, a frame number and / or explicit resource allocation as mentioned previously. The configuration may also be communicated statically or dynamically. The intermediate UE upon receiving the D2R messages from the indicated devices, may forward the information to the gNB as indicated by the gNB.202405997 29

[0122] Fig. 5C to Fig. 5E show schematic diagrams illustrating example scenarios in association with the method 300, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. Specifically, Fig. 5C to Fig. 5E illustrate example scenarios in association with the problem and solution as shown in Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B.

[0123] In the example context as shown in Fig. 5C, the gNB reader (or base station or network) may be configured to allocate UL resources and (pre-)configure intermediate UE to send proximity measurements or D2R messages from devices (e.g. A-loT devices). The gNB reader may also be configured to send proximity determination R2D message to device(s) and receive new D2R response(s) or additional D2R response(s) of the device(s) or proximity measurements of devices from the intermediate UE(s) depending on the (pre-)configuration. After receiving A- loT device(s) information, the gNB reader be configured to use the intermediate UE(s) appropriately for further communication with the A-loT devices.

[0124] In the example context as shown in Fig. 5D, the intermediate UE may be configured to receive an indication or configuration from the gNB (or gNB reader) with a device identification (ID) for aiding in proximity determination. The intermediate UE may also determine if the proximity determination response D2R message from any device with an ID indicated by the gNB is received. If it is determined to be received, the intermediate UE can be configured to send D2R message(s) or measurements to the gnB as indicated in the (pre-)configuration.

[0125] In the example context as shown in Fig. 5E, the device (or A-loT device) may be configured to determine if a proximity determination R2D message from the gNB reader is received. If it is determined that the proximity determination R2D message is received, it may send D2R message(s) to the reader (or gNB reader) as indicated in the proximity determination R2D message.

[0126] In the foregoing manner, various embodiments of the disclosure are described for addressing at least one of the foregoing disadvantages. Such embodiments are intended to be encompassed by the following claims, and are not to be limited to specific forms or arrangements of parts so described and it will be202405997 30 apparent to one skilled in the art in view of this disclosure that numerous changes and / or modification can be made, which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.202405997 31Abbreviations:A-loT Ambient Internet-of-Things ARQ Automatic Repeat Request BWP Bandwidth part CLI Cross Link Interference CP Cyclic prefix CPU CSI processing unit CQI Channel quality indicator CRB Common resource block CRC Cyclic redundancy check CRI CSI-RS Resource Indicator CSI Channel state information CSI-RS Channel state information reference signal CSI-SINR CSI signal-to-noise and interference ratio CW Carrier Wave D2R Device to Reader DCI Downlink control information DL Downlink DM-RS Demodulation reference signalsDRX Discontinuous Reception EPRE Energy per resource element FDD Frequency Division Duplex HARQ Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request L1-RSRP Layer 1 reference signal received power LI Layer Indicator LP-WUR Low power wake up receiver LP-WUS Low power wake up signal MAC-CE MAC Control Element MCS Modulation and coding scheme MR Main receiver PBCH Physical Broadcast Channel PDCCH Physical Downlink Control Channel PDSCH Physical downlink shared channel202405997 32PEI Permanent Equipment IdentifierPFN Paging Frame NumberPM I Precoding Matrix IndicatorPRB Physical resource blockPRACH Physical Random Access ChannelPRG Precoding resource block groupPRS Positioning reference signalPSS Primary Synchronisation signalPT-RS Phase-tracking reference signalPUCCH Physical uplink control channelPUSCH Physical uplink shared channelQCL Quasi co-locationR2D Reader to DeviceRACH Random Access ChannelRB Resource blockRBG Resource block groupRl Rank IndicatorRRC Radio Resource ControlRS Reference signalRSRP Reference Signal Received PowerRSRQ Reference Signal Received QualitySCI Sidelink control informationSLIV Start and length indicator valueSR Scheduling RequestSRS Sounding reference signalSS Synchronisation signalSSB Synchronization Signal BlockSSS Secondary Synchronisation signalSS-SINR SS signal-to-noise and interference ratioTB Transport BlockTCI Transmission Configuration IndicatorTDM Time division multiplexingUE User equipmentUL Uplink

Claims

202405997 33Claim(s)1 . A method (300) for proximity determination in a network comprising: configuring a proximity determination message associable with a proximity determination operation; communicating the proximity determination message; determining a proximity of a user device; and obtaining proximity information and user device information based on the proximity determination.

2. The method (300) according to claim 1 , wherein the proximity determination message comprises at least one of: a proximity determination type, a user device information type and / or a user device identification.

3. The method (300) according to claim 1 , wherein the proximity determination message further comprises at least one of: a timer value, a frame number and / or resource allocation associable with communication of a Reader to Device (R2D) message and a Device to Reader (D2R) message, wherein the timer value and the frame number are associable with determining the proximity of the user device.

4. The method (300) according to claim 1 , wherein communicating the proximity determination message comprises communicating via at least one of: a static Radio Resource Control (RRC) message, a dynamic MAC Control Element (MAC-CE) indication and / or a dynamic Downlink control information (DCI) indication.

5. The method (300) according to claim 4, wherein each of the dynamic MAC- CE indication and the dynamic DCI indication comprises a 1 -bit indication including a DCI field.

6. The method (300) according to claim 1 , wherein communicating the proximity determination message comprises communicating via at least one of: a 1 -bit indication and / or a multi-bit indication.202405997 347. The method (300) according to claim 1 , wherein determining a proximity of a user device comprises: transmitting a Reader to Device (R2D) message to the user device; and receiving a Device to Reader (D2R) message in response to the R2D message, the D2R message including user device information.

8. The method (300) according to claim 1 , further comprising: communicating an uplink (UL) grant associable with proximity determination of the user device; and communicating the proximity information and the user device information in response to the proximity determination message.

9. The method (300) according to claim 1 , further comprising configuring a plurality of operations for the user device based on the user device information.

10. The method (300) according to claim 1 , wherein the user device comprises an Ambient Internet-of-Things (A-loT) device.

11. A computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method (300) of any of the preceding claims.

12. A computer readable storage medium having data stored therein representing software executable by a computer, the software including instructions, when executed by the computer, to carry out the method (300) of claims 1-10.

13. An apparatus (102) for proximity determination in a network comprising: a first module (202) configured to receive at least one input signal associated with a proximity determination message having a proximity determination operation; a second module (204) configured to at least one of process and facilitate the method (300) of claim 1 to claim 10 to generate at least one output signal; and a third module (206) configured to communicate at least one output signal, wherein the output signal corresponds to a control signal for determining a proximity of the user device.202405997 3514. The apparatus (102) according to claim 13, wherein the apparatus (102) corresponds to a User Equipment (UE) communicable with a device (104) corresponding to a base station, and wherein the base station corresponds to a Next generation Node B (gNB) configured to communicate the at least one input signal to the UE.

15. A system (100) comprising: at least one apparatus (102) according to any of claims 13 and 14; and at least one device (104) according to claim 14, wherein the apparatus (102) and the device (104) are capable of being coupled via at least one of wired coupling and wireless coupling.

Images