Ambient internet of things (a-IOT) transmission status management

Abstract

Example embodiments of the present disclosure relate to Ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT) transmission status management. According to example embodiments, a system may include an A-IoT reader that may be configured to detect a transmission from an A-IoT device. Based on detecting the transmission from the A-IoT device, the A-IoT device may determine a subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device is expected. Accordingly, based on determining that the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device is not expected, the A-IoT device may transmit, to the A-IoT device, a message indicating a status of the transmission from the A-IoT device. On the other hand, based on determining that the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device is expected, the A-IoT reader may perform the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device to indicate the status of the transmission from the A-IoT device.

Description

AMBIENT INTERNET OF THINGS (A-IOT) TRANSMISSION STATUS MANAGEMENTCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application No. 63 / 703068, filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on October 3, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to Ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT) transmission status management.BACKGROUND

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

[0004] Ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT) may refer to technology in which devices may harvest energy from the ambient environment (e.g., radio waves, light, heat, etc.), thereby enabling said devices to operate with low-power consumption without having a dedicated power source and reducing the complexity and form factor of said devices. As further described below, various types of devices, such as A-IoT readers and A-IoT devices, may be involved in an A-IoT-based network. An A-IoT reader may communicate with an A-IoT device via a Reader-to-Device (R2D)transmission, while the A-IoT device may communicate with the A-IoT reader via a Device-to-Reader (D2R) transmission.SUMMARY

[0005] Example embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems, methods, and the like, that effectively and efficiently implement A-IoT transmission status management.

[0006] According to example embodiments, a system may include an A-IoT reader, and the A-IoT reader may be configured to detect a transmission from an A-IoT device. Based on detecting the transmission from the A-IoT device, the A-IoT device may determine whether a subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device is expected. Accordingly, based on determining that the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device is not expected, the A-IoT device may transmit, to the A-IoT device, a message indicating a status of the transmission from the A-IoT device. On the other hand, based on determining that the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device is expected, the A-IoT reader may perform the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device to indicate the status of the transmission from the A-IoT device.

[0007] According to example embodiments, a method may be performable by an A-IoT reader and may include detecting a transmission from an A-IoT device, and determining whether a subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device is expected, based on detecting the transmission from the A-IoT device. Accordingly, based on determining that the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device is not expected, the method may include transmitting, by the A-IoT reader and to the A-IoT device, a message indicating a status of the transmission from the A-IoT device. On the other hand, based on determining that the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device is expected,the method may include performing, by the A-IoT reader, the subsequent transmission to the A- loT device to indicate the status of the transmission from the A-IoT device.

[0008] According to example embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium may have recorded thereon instructions executable by an A-IoT reader to cause the A- loT reader to perform a method. The method may include detecting a transmission from an A-IoT device, and determining whether a subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device is expected, based on detecting the transmission from the A-IoT device. Accordingly, based on determining that the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device is not expected, the method may include transmitting, by the A-IoT reader and to the A-IoT device, a message indicating a status of the transmission from the A-IoT device. On the other hand, based on determining that the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device is expected, the method may include performing, by the A-IoT reader, the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device to indicate the status of the transmission from the A- loT device.

[0009] Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description that follows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may be realized by practice of the presented embodiments of the disclosure.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Features, aspects, and advantages of embodiments of the disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals denote like elements, and wherein:

[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a generic system configuration, according to one or more example embodiments;

[0012] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2D each illustrates an example connectivity topology, according to one or more example embodiments;

[0013] FIG. 3 to FIG. 5 illustrate various example methods and operations, according to one or more example embodiments;

[0014] FIG. 6 illustrates an example device / apparatus that may implement one or more example embodiments; and

[0015] FIG. 7 illustrates an example environment in which systems, devices, and / or methods, according to one or more example embodiments, may be implemented.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] The following detailed description of example embodiments refers to the accompanying drawings. The foregoing disclosure provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the implementations to the precise forms disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above disclosure or may be acquired from practice of the implementations. Further, one or more features or components of one embodiment may be incorporated into or combined with another embodiment (or one or more features of another embodiment). Additionally, the flowchart and description of operations provided below relate to one of the various embodiments. It should be noted that it is possible to make other embodiments that do not exactly match the flowchart and its description. It is understood that in other embodiments one or more operations may be omitted, one or more operations may be added, one or more operations may be performed simultaneously (at least in part).

[0017] It will be apparent that systems and / or methods, described herein, may be implemented in different forms of hardware, firmware, or a combination of hardware and software.The actual specialized control hardware or software code used to implement these systems and / or methods is not limited to the described implementations. Thus, the operation and behavior of the systems and / or methods are described herein without reference to specific software code. It is understood that software and hardware may be designed to implement the systems and / or methods based on the description herein.

[0018] Even though particular combinations of features are disclosed in the claims and / or in the specification, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of implementations. In fact, many of these features may be combined in ways not specifically recited in the claims and / or disclosed in the specification. Although each dependent claim listed below may directly depend on only one claim, the disclosure of implementations includes each dependent claim in combination with every other claim in the claim set.

[0019] No element, act, or instruction used herein should be construed as critical or essential unless explicitly described as such. Also, as used herein, the articles “a” and “an” are intended to include one or more items, and may be used interchangeably with “one or more.” Also, as used herein, the terms “has,” “have,” “having,” “include,” “including,” or the like are intended to be open-ended terms. Further, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “based, at least in part, on” unless explicitly stated otherwise. Furthermore, expressions such as “at least one of [A] and [B]”, “[A] and / or [B]”, or “at least one of [A] or [B]”, are to be understood as including only A, only B, or both A and B.

[0020] Expressions such as “at least one processor,” where configured to implement a plurality of operations, execute a plurality of instructions, etc., are to be understood as a single processor implementing the plurality of operations, etc., or each of plural processors implementing at least some (but not necessarily all) of the plurality of operations, etc.

[0021] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “embodiment,”“non-limiting exemplary embodiment,” “example embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the indicated embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present solution. Thus, the phrases “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment,” “in one non-limiting exemplary embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

[0022] Further, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the present disclosure may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more example embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, in light of the description herein, that the present disclosure can be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] It shall be noted that, descriptions of example embodiments of the present disclosure may include terms and names defined in one or more standard organizations, such as the Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) Alliance, the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standard organization, the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) standard organization, and the like. For instance, the terms “A-IoT,” “A-IoT reader,” “A-IoT device,” “R2D transmission,” “D2R transmission,” “R2D message,” “D2R message,” “ACK message,” “NACK message,” and the like, as well as the associated features, operations, interfaces, and messages involved therein, are to be interpreted as consistent with those specified in one or more technical specifications, unless being described otherwise.

[0024] Generally, Ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT) may involve at least two types of devices, i.e., A-IoT devices and A-IoT readers. An A-IoT device may refer to a device that may harvest energy from the ambient environment (e.g., radio waves, light, heat, etc.), thereby operating with low-power consumption without having a dedicated power source and reducing the complexity and form factor thereof. On the other hand, an A-IoT reader may refer to a device that may interact with the A-IoT devices, receive data from the A-IoT devices, and allocate resources for uplink Device-to-Reader (D2R) transmissions and downlink Reader-to-Device (R2D) transmissions.

[0025] An A-IoT reader may communicate with an A-IoT device via the R2D transmissions, while the A-IoT device may communicate with the A-IoT reader via the D2R transmissions. In this regard, the related art lacks mechanisms or protocols that may efficiently and effectively manage the status of the transmissions among the A-IoT readers and A-IoT devices, particularly for managing the transmissions originating from the A-IoT device (i.e., the D2R transmissions).

[0026] To begin with, in the scenario where the A-IoT device has performed a D2R transmission and the A-IoT reader does not have any data for transmission (i.e., no further R2D transmission is expected or needed), an explicit indication from the A-IoT reader is desired to explicitly inform the A-IoT device regarding the status of the D2R transmission (i .e., whether the D2R transmission is successful or has failed). Since there is no specified mechanisms or approaches in the related art for providing explicit indications to the A-IoT device regarding the status of D2R transmissions, in case of DR2 transmission failure, the A-IoT device may not be able to timely detect the transmission failure and response thereto (e.g., reattempt the D2R transmission, retry to access / communicate with the A-IoT reader, etc.), leading to increasedoperational latency and wasted power / network resources on unnecessary signaling. Conversely, if the A-IoT device actively requests or polls the A-IoT reader regarding the status of the D2R transmission regardless of the status of the D2R transmissions, such communications may increase signaling overhead and cause unnecessary power and network resources wastage.

[0027] On the other hand, in the scenario where the A-IoT device has performed a D2R transmission and the A-IoT reader has any data for transmission (i.e., further R2D transmission is expected or needed), the transmission of the data to the A-IoT reader may indicate the status of the transmission from the A-IoT device, and thus explicit indications associated therewith may not be required. For instance, performing the further R2D transmission may implicitly indicate to the A- loT device that the D2R transmission is successful. In this regard, if the A-IoT reader provides explicit indication on the status of the D2R transmission to the A-IoT device, signaling overhead may be increased, and unnecessary power and network resources may be wasted.

[0028] In view of the above, it is critical to appropriately manage the status of the transmissions among the A-IoT readers and A-IoT devices (particularly, the D2R transmissions from the A-IoT devices), thereby ensuring efficient and reliable network operations, particularly in high-density networks where the number of the A-IoT devices, as well as the D2R transmissions, is significant. Nevertheless, the mechanisms and approaches for managing the status of the transmissions (particularly, the D2R transmissions from the A-IoT devices) are not specified and available in the related art, let alone mechanisms and approaches that take into consideration the status of subsequent R2D transmissions (i.e., whether subsequent transmissions from the A-IoT reader is expected after the D2R transmission from the A-IoT device).

[0029] Example embodiments of the present disclosure, as described in the following, provide devices, systems, methods, and the like, that effectively and efficiently provide A-IoTtransmission status management. Specifically, example embodiments provide a hybrid transmission status indication mechanism in an A-IoT network, which enables an A-IoT reader to dynamically determine and switch between various transmission status indication mechanisms or approaches according to the real-time (or near-real-time) conditions.

[0030] For instance, whenever the A-IoT reader detects a transmission from an A-IoT device, the A-IoT reader may first determine whether a subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device (e.g., a subsequent R2D transmission) is expected, and then appropriately select an optimal transmission status indication mechanism based thereon. By way of example, based on determining that the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device is not expected (e.g., there is no pending / further R2D data for transmission), the A-IoT reader may transmit a message to the A- loT device to indicate a status of the transmission from the A-IoT device (e.g., failed / successful D2R transmission, etc.). On the other hand, based on determining that the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device is expected (e.g., there is pending / further R2D data for transmission), the A- loT reader may perform the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device to indicate the status of the transmission from the A-IoT device.

[0031] Advantageously, by implementing the example embodiments, the A-IoT reader may effectively provide explicit indications to the A-IoT device when no further / subsequent transmissions to the A-IoT device is expected, thereby effectively providing clear feedbacks on the transmission status of a previously performed transmission (e.g., D2R transmission) and avoiding interruption of network services due to any delayed / unclear transmission status indication. In addition, when a further / subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device is expected, the A-IoT reader may utilize the further / subsequent transmission to provide implicit indications to the A-IoT device, thereby avoiding unnecessary signaling and optimizing network resources.

[0032] It is contemplated that features, advantages, and significances of example embodiments described hereinabove are merely a portion of the present disclosure, and are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Further descriptions of the features, components, configuration, operations, and implementations of the example embodiments of the present disclosure are provided in the following.Example System Architecture and Configurations

[0033] FIG. 1 illustrates a generic system configuration 100, according to one or more example embodiments. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the system configuration 100 includes an Ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT) reader 110 and an A-IoT device 120. The A-IoT reader 110 and the A- loT device 120 may communicatively couple to each other. It is contemplated that the configuration in FIG. 1 is merely an example provided for descriptive purposes, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For instance, in some example implementations, the A-IoT reader 110 may communicatively couple to multiple A-IoT devices, an A-IoT device 120 may communicatively couple to multiple A-IoT readers, and the like, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0034] The A-IoT reader 110 may refer to any suitable devices that may detect the A-IoT device 120, provide the carrier waves (e.g., for backscatter, etc.) to the A-IoT device 120, allocate uplink and / or downlink resources to the A-IoT device 120, and manage the transmissions and communications (e.g., Device-to-Reader (D2R) transmission, Reader-to-Device (R2D) transmission, etc.) with the A-IoT device 120. According to example embodiments, the A-IoT reader 110 may include at least one of abase station (e.g., eNodeB, gNodeB, etc ), an intermediate or assisting node (e.g., a relay, an Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) node, a repeater, etc.), ora User Equipment (UE) (e.g., a mobile phone, a computing device, etc., that uses the full transceiver and protocol stacks to communicate with an A-IoT device, etc.).

[0035] The A-IoT device 120 may refer to a low-power, low-complexity device that may harvest energy from the ambient environment, eliminating the need for a dedicated power source or battery replacement. For instance, the A-IoT device 120 may utilize ambient energy sources like radio waves, light, heat, or motion to power the associated operations. The A-IoT device 120 may implement low-end loT applications (e.g., inventory management, simple command, etc.) that may be implemented with an ultra-low complexity device with ultra-low power consumption and / or a small form factor. According to example embodiments, the A-IoT device may include at least one of: a Radio Frequency (RF) tag (e.g., a Near Field Communication (NFC) tag, an RF Identification (RFID) tag, a backscatter tag, etc.), a sensor (e.g., motion sensor, light sensor, environmental sensor, etc.), or a UE (e.g., a wearable device, a healthcare tracker, etc., that operates in low power mode).

[0036] According to example embodiments, the A-IoT reader 110 may be configured to periodically (or continuously) broadcast one or more paging / polling messages (that may include the random access-related parameters such as access occasion, etc.) to the nearby A-IoT devices (e g., for descriptive purposes, it may be assumed that A-IoT device 120 is located near the A-IoT reader 110). On the other hand, the A-IoT device 120 may harvest energy from the ambient environment / energy sources (e.g., harvesting RF energy from the downlink signals broadcast by the A-IoT reader 110, etc.). Upon harvesting sufficient energy, the A-IoT device 120 may wake up and trigger a random access procedure to attempt access to the A-IoT reader 110 when applicable.

[0037] In this regard, the “random access procedure” described herein may refer to a contention-based random access process that enables the A-IoT reader 110 to interoperate with the A-IoT device 120 to establish uplink synchronization. The random access procedure may be similar to the random access channel (RACH) procedure as defined in one or more 3GPP technical specifications of 3GPP. In this regard, in the first step of the random access procedure, the A-IoT device 120 may transmit a random access preamble (i.e., a first message in the random access procedure and thus may be referred to as “Msgl”) to the A-IoT reader 110, in response to the paging / polling message from the A-IoT reader 110. Upon receiving the random access preamble (Msgl), the A-IoT reader 110 may reply with a random access response (i.e., a second message in the random access procedure and thus may be referred to as “Msg2”) that contains the granted resources (e.g., timing advance, uplink grant, etc.). Accordingly, the A-IoT device 120 may then send a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message (e.g., RRC connection request, etc.) (i.e., a third message in the random access procedure and thus may be referred to as “Msg3”) to the A-IoT reader 110 based on the granted resources, and the A-IoT reader 110 may send another RRC message (e.g., RRC connection setup, etc.) (i.e., a fourth message in the random access procedure and thus may be referred to as “Msg4”) to the A-IoT device 120.

[0038] Upon completing the random access procedure, the A-IoT device 120 may enter the RRC CONNECTED state, where dedicated uplink and / or downlink resources are allocated to the A-IoT device 120 for further communications and transmissions. For instance, in RRC CONNECTED state, the A-IoT device 120 may use the allocated uplink resources to transmit data (e.g., sensor data, status report, etc.) to the A-IoT reader 110. On the other hand, the A-IoT reader 110 may transmit data (e.g., control commands, configuration updates, etc.) to theA-IoT device 120 via the allocated downlink resources.

[0039] The communications and data transmissions from the A-IoT reader 110 to the A- loT device 120 (e.g., paging message broadcastings, Msg2 / Msg4 transmissions, downlink data transmissions via the allocated downlink resources, etc.) may be collectively referred to as the “R2D transmissions”, while the communications and data transmissions from the A-IoT device 120 to the A-IoT reader 110 (e.g., Msgl / Msg3 transmissions, uplink data transmissions via the allocated uplink resources, etc.) may be collectively referred to as the “D2R transmissions”.

[0040] According to example embodiments, the A-IoT reader 110 may interoperate with the A-IoT device 120 to manage a status of a transmission from the A-IoT device 120. Generally, the A-IoT reader 110 may be configured to continuously (or periodically) detect a transmission from the A-IoT device 120 (e.g., a D2R transmission). Upon detecting the transmission from the A-IoT device 120, the A-IoT reader 110 may determine whether a subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device 120 is expected, and then appropriately select a mechanism for indicating to the A- loT device 120 about the status of the detected transmission based thereon. For instance, based on determining that the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device 120 is not expected, the A-IoT reader 110 may transmit, to the A-IoT device 120, a message indicating a status of the transmission from the A-IoT device 120. On the other hand, based on determining that the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device 120 is expected, the A-IoT reader 110 may perform the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device 120 to indicate the status of the transmission from the A-IoT device 120. Various example operations that may be implemented by the A-IoT reader 110 to manage a status of a transmission are further described below with reference to FIG. 3 to FIG. 5.

[0041] Further, example embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented by the A-IoT reader 110 and / or the A-IoT device 120 in various scenarios. For instance, the A-IoTreader 110 and / or the A-IoT device 120 may be deployed in various locations, such as indoors, outdoors, or a combination thereof. Further, the A-IoT reader 110 and / or the A-IoT device 120 may be deployed on the same sites as an existing 3GPP deployment (e.g., macro-cell-based deployment, micro-cell-based deployment, pico-cell-based deployment, etc.). Furthermore, the A- loT reader 110 and / or the A-IoT device 120 may be deployed according to various connectivity topologies. Descriptions of several examples of connectivity topologies are provided below with reference to FIG. 2A to FIG. 2D.

[0042] FIG. 2A illustrates a first example connectivity topology 210, according to one or more example embodiments. In this example connectivity topology, a UE 211 is utilized as an example of the A-IoT reader 110. As illustrated in FIG. 2A, the A-IoT device 212 may communicate bidirectionally with the UE 211. The communication between the UE 211 and the A-IoT device 212 may include the transmission of user-plane A-IoT data and / or control-plane signaling

[0043] FIG. 2B illustrates a second example connectivity topology 220, according to one or more example embodiments. In this example connectivity topology, a base station 221 is utilized as an example of the A-IoT reader 110. As illustrated in FIG. 2B, the A-IoT device 222 may communicate directly and bidirectionally with the base station 221. The communication between the base station 221 and the A-IoT device 222 may include the transmission of user-plane A-IoT data and / or control-plane signaling. Further, this example connectivity topology may include a scenario in which the base station 221 is different from a base station that is receiving data from the A-IoT device 222.

[0044] FIG. 2C illustrates a third example connectivity topology 230, according to one or more example embodiments. In this example connectivity topology, a base station 231 and anintermediate network node 233 are utilized as an example of the A-IoT reader 110. As illustrated in FIG. 2C, the A-IoT device 232 may communicate bidirectionally with the intermediate network node 233 (e.g., a relay, an IAB node, a UE, a repeater, etc.) that may transfer user-plane A-IoT data and / or control-plane signaling between the base station 231 and the A-IoT device 232.

[0045] FIG. 2D illustrates a fourth example connectivity topology 240, according to one or more example embodiments. In this example connectivity topology, a base station 241 and an assisting network node 243 are utilized as an example of the A-IoT reader 110. As illustrated in FIG. 2D, the A-IoT device 242 may transmit data / signaling to the base station 241, and may receive data / signaling from the assisting network node 243. Additionally or alternatively, the A- loT device 242 may receive data / signaling from the base station 241, and may transmit data / signaling to the assisting network node 243. The assisting network node 243 may include a realy, an IAB node, a UE, a repeater, and the like, which is capable of receiving data from the A- loT device 242 and transmitting the data to the base station 241, and / or receiving data from the base station 241 and transmitting the data to the A-IoT device 242.

[0046] It is contemplated that any of the A-IoT readers (e.g., UE 211, base stations 221- 241, intermediate network node 233, assisting network node 243, etc.) in FIG. 2A to FIG. 2D may be configured to manage the an A-IoT transmission status in a similar manner as described above with reference to FIG. 1. Further, it can be understood that the connectivity topologies in FIG. 2A to FIG. 2D are merely examples, and the scope of the present disclosure should not be limited thereto.

[0047] In view of the above, example embodiments of the present disclosure clarify and exemplify various system configurations and topologies for implementing A-IoT transmission status management. Specifically, example embodiments implement a system that includes an A-loT reader that may be configured and implemented according to various system configurations and connectivity topologies, as exemplified in FIG. 1 to FIG. 2D. The A-IoT reader may be configured to automatically and dynamically detect a transmission from an A-IoT device (e.g., a D2R transmission). Accordingly, based on detecting the transmission from the A-IoT device, the A-IoT reader may determine whether a subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device (e.g., an R2D transmission) is expected, and then appropriately select a mechanism for indicating to the A-IoT device 120 about the status of the detected transmission based thereon.

[0048] Advantageously, by implementing example embodiments, the A-IoT reader may utilize a hybrid transmission status indication mechanism to efficiently and effectively notify the A-IoT device regarding the transmission status, i.e., providing explicit indications to the A-IoT device when no further / sub sequent transmissions to the A-IoT device are expected, or providing implicit indications to the A-IoT device when a further / sub sequent transmission to the A-IoT device is expected. Ultimately, example embodiments may enable the A-IoT reader to effectively and efficiently provide, to the A-IoT device, explicit indications on the status of a transmission originated from / initiated by the A-IoT device (when no further / sub sequent transmissions to the A- loT device is expected), thereby avoiding interruption of network services due to any delayed / unclear transmission status indication. Additionally, example embodiments may enable the A-IoT reader to effectively and efficiently provide, to the A-IoT device, implicit indications on the status of the transmission originated from / initiated by the A-IoT device (when a further / sub sequent transmission to the A-IoT device is expected), thereby avoiding unnecessary signaling and optimizing network resources utilization.

[0049] Further descriptions of example methods and operations of example embodiments are provided below with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 5, and the descriptions of an example deviceand an example environment for implementing one or more example embodiments are provided below with reference to FIG. 6 to FIG. 7, respectively.Example Methods and Operations

[0050] As described above with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 2D, the A-IoT reader may perform one or more methods and operations to appropriately manage the status of a transmission from an A-IoT device. Several example methods and operations are described below with reference to FIG. 3 to FIG. 5. One or more features, parameters, and operations associated with FIG. 3 to FIG. 5 may be similar to those described above with reference to FIG. 1 and may be implemented via one or more connectivity topologies in FIG. 2A to FIG. 2D, thus redundant descriptions associated therewith may be omitted below for conciseness.

[0051] For descriptive purposes, the methods and operations may be mainly described herein as being performed by one or more specific network entities, although it can be understood that, in actual implementations, another related network entity(s) may perform similar / related operations, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For instance, an operation of an A-IoT reader providing a data / message to an A-IoT device may suggest or indicate an operation of the A-IoT device receiving the data / message from the A-IoT reader, and the like.

[0052] According to example embodiments, one or more operations of an A-IoT reader may be implemented in one or more apparatuses or hardware components. For instance, the A-IoT reader may be implemented in an apparatus / device that includes a processor and a memory storage (or any other suitable storage medium), wherein the memory storage may include computerexecutable instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform one or more operations of the A-IoT reader.

[0053] FIG. 3 illustrates a first example method 300, according to one or more example embodiments. One or more operations in method 300 may be performed by at least one A-IoT reader (e.g., A-IoT reader 110, UE 211, at least one of base stations 221-241, intermediate network node 233, assisting network node 243, etc.).

[0054] As illustrated in FIG. 3, at operation S310, the A-IoT reader may be configured to detect a transmission from an A-IoT device (e.g., A-IoT device 120, A-IoT device 212, A-IoT device 222, A-IoT device 232, A-IoT device 242, etc.). For instance, the A-IoT reader may continuously (or periodically) monitor the access occasion assigned to the A-IoT device and receive data from the A-IoT device when applicable. In this regard, upon receiving the data from the A-IoT device, the transmission from the A-IoT device (i.e., a D2R transmission) is detected, and method 300 may proceed to the subsequent operation. As described above with reference to FIG. 1, the A-IoT reader may include at least one of: a network node or a first UE (e.g., a UE that implements a power source, etc.), while the A-IoT device may include at least one of: an RF tag, a sensor, or a second UE that is different from the first UE (e.g., a UE that does not implement a power source, etc.).

[0055] Based on detecting the transmission from the A-IoT device, at operation S320, the A-IoT reader 110 may be configured to determine whether a subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device is expected. Example of operations (that may be implemented by the A-IoT reader to determine whether the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device is expected) are described below with reference to FIG. 5.

[0056] Based on determining that the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device is not expected, method 300 may proceed to operation S330, at which the A-IoT reader may be configured to transmit, to the A-IoT device, a message indicating a status of the transmission fromthe A-IoT device. For instance, if the status of the transmission from the A-IoT device comprises a successful transmission (e.g., successful D2R transmission), the A-IoT reader may transmit an acknowledgement (ACK) message to the A-IoT device. On the other hand, if the status of the transmission from the A-IoT device comprises a failed transmission (e.g., a failed D2R transmission), the A-IoT reader may transmit a negative acknowledgement (NACK) message to the A-IoT device. In this way, the A-IoT reader may provide explicit indications to the A-IoT device regarding the status of the associated transmission (e.g., failure / success).

[0057] Based on determining that the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device is expected, method 300 may proceed to operation S340, at which the A-IoT reader may be configured to perform the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device to indicate the status of the transmission from the A-IoT device. By way of example, assuming that the transmission from the A-IoT device (e.g., D2R transmission) includes a random access preamble (Msgl), the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device (e.g., R2D transmission) may include a random access response (Msg2). In this case, if the transmission of the random access preamble (Msgl) is successful, the A-IoT reader may perform the transmission of the random access response (Msg2) to the A-IoT device to indicate the successful transmission of the random access preamble (Msgl). In this way, the A-IoT reader may provide implicit indications to the A-IoT device regarding the status of the associated transmission (e.g., failure / success), without requiring the transmission of explicit indications (e.g., ACK / NACK messages, etc.). As further described below with reference to FIG.4, in some example embodiments, upon detecting that the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device is expected, the A-IoT reader may determine a status of the transmission before performing operation S340.

[0058] FIG. 4 illustrates a second example method 400, according to one or more example embodiments. One or more operations in method 400 may be performed in any suitable sequential manner along with one or more operations in method 300. For instance, the A-IoT reader may be configured to perform one or more operations in method 400 based on determining that the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device is expected (at operation S320). In this regard, operations S420 and S430 in method 400 may be part of or similar to operation S340 in method 300.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 4, at operation S410, the A-IoT reader may be configured to determine whether the transmission from the A-IoT device (e.g., D2R transmission) is successful. For instance, upon detecting the transmission from the A-IoT device and receiving data therefrom, the A-IoT reader may determine whether the received data is complete. As a non-limiting example, upon receiving the data from the A-IoT device, the A-IoT reader may perform a Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) on the received data to determine whether the received data is complete (e.g., a CRC value of the received data exceeding a predetermined threshold indicates that the received data is complete, etc.). Based on determining that the received data is complete, the A- loT reader may determine that the transmission from the A-IoT device is successful. On the other hand, based on determining that the received data is incomplete, the A-IoT reader may determine that the transmission from the A-IoT device has failed. It is contemplated that the A-IoT reader may perform any other operations in addition to or in alternative to CRC, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For instance, the A-IoT reader may perform one or more operations to authenticate the received data, to verify the identity of the A-IoT device, and the like, to thereby determine the status of the transmissions (e.g., the transmission may be considered afailure if the received data is not successfully authenticated or the identity of the A-IoT device is not successfully verified, etc.).

[0060] Referring to FIG. 4, based on determining that the transmission from the A-IoT device is successful, method 400 may proceed to operation S420, at which the A-IoT reader may be configured to perform the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device to indicate the successful transmission from the A-IoT device. This operation may be similar to operation S340 in method 300, and the redundant descriptions associated therewith may be omitted below for conciseness.

[0061] On the other hand, based on determining that the transmission from the A-IoT device is not successful, method 400 may proceed to operation S430, at which the A-IoT reader may be configured to perform the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device to indicate a failure in the transmission from the A-IoT device. In this regard, the subsequent transmission includes a parameter (e.g., a flag, a value, etc.) or a failure message indicating the failure in the transmission from the A-IoT device.

[0062] FIG. 5 illustrates a third example method 500, according to one or more example embodiments. One or more operations in method 500 may be part of or similar to operation S320 in method 300. For instance, the A-IoT reader may be configured to perform one or more operations in method 500 to determine whether the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device is expected.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 5, at operation S510, the A-IoT reader may be configured to determine whether there is any data pending in a buffer for the subsequent transmission. For instance, upon detecting the transmission from the A-IoT device and receiving data therefrom, theA-IoT reader may query a local, downlink memory buffer to check (e g., based on an identifier ofthe A-IoT device, an access occasion assigned to the A-IoT device, etc.) whether the buffer includes any data for transmission to the A-IoT device.

[0064] Based on determining that there is data pending in the buffer for the subsequent transmission, method 500 may proceed to operation S520, at which the A-IoT reader may be configured to determine that the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device is expected. Accordingly, the A-IoT reader may perform operation S340 (or one or more operations in method 400). On the other hand, based on determining there is no data pending in the buffer for the subsequent transmission, method 500 may proceed to operation S530, at which the A-IoT reader may be configured to determine that the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device is not expected. Accordingly, the A-IoT reader may perform operation S330.

[0065] In view of the above, example embodiments provide methods and operations that effectively and efficiently implement A-IoT transmission status management. Specifically, method and operations in FIG. 3 may be automatically implemented by an A-IoT reader to efficiently and effectively select and provide an indication of a transmission status to an A-IoT device, taking into consideration whether any subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device is expected. Further, method and operations in FIG. 4 may be automatically implemented by the A- loT reader to effectively and efficiently provide an implicit indication to the A-IoT device (when a subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device is expected), taking into consideration whether the transmission from the A-IoT device is successful. Furthermore, method and operation in FIG. 5 may be automatically implemented by the A-IoT reader to determine whether the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device is expected, thereby enabling efficient and effective selection of the appropriate transmission status indication mechanism.

[0066] Advantageously, by implementing example embodiments, the A-IoT reader may utilize a hybrid transmission status indication mechanism to efficiently and effectively notify the A-IoT device regarding the transmission status, i.e., providing explicit indications to the A-IoT device when no further / subsequent transmissions to the A-IoT device is expected, or providing implicit indications to the A-IoT device when a further / subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device is expected. Ultimately, example embodiments may enable the A-IoT reader to effectively and efficiently provide, to the A-IoT device, explicit indications on the status of a transmission originated from / initiated by the A-IoT device (when no further / subsequent transmissions to the A- loT device are expected), thereby avoiding interruption of network services due to any delayed / unclear transmission status indication. Additionally, example embodiments may enable the A-IoT reader to effectively and efficiently provide, to the A-IoT device, implicit indications on the status of the transmission originated from / initiated by the A-IoT device (when a further / subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device is expected), thereby avoiding unnecessary signaling and optimizing network resources utilization.

[0067] It is contemplated that, the methods, operations, advantages, and significances described above with reference to FIG. 3 to FIG. 5 are merely examples and the scope of the present disclosure should not be limited thereto. Specifically, one or more operations in FIG. 3 to FIG. 5 may be performed differently, less or additional operations may be involved, the messages or commands involved therein may include less or additional parameters, additional advantages may be achieved, and the like, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Further, it can be understood that the example embodiments of FIG. 3 to FIG. 5 may achieve similar technical advantages and significance described above with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 2D, sincethe methods and operations in FIG. 3 and FIG. 5 may be implemented in the system configuration, device, and topology in FIG. 1 to FIG. 2D.Examples of Device

[0068] One or more components of the example embodiments (e.g., A-IoT reader, A-IoT device, etc.), as well as the operations associated therewith, may be implemented in one or more devices or hardware components. For instance, one or more components / operations of the network entity may be implemented in one or more devices like a server(s), and the like.

[0069] In the following, descriptions of a device in which the example embodiments may be implemented are provided. It is contemplated that one or more features, operations, and methods described above may be performed by the device. For instance, the one or more operations or methods associated with an A-IoT reader may be performed by at least one processor of the device upon executing machine-readable instructions or computer-readable instructions stored in a memory or a storage component of the device.

[0070] FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a device 600. As shown in FIG. 6, the device 600 may include a processor 610, a memory 620, a storage component 630, an input component 640, an output component 650, a communication interface 660, and a bus 670.

[0071] The processor 610, as used herein, means any type of computational circuit that may comprise hardware elements and software elements. The processor 610 may be embodied as a multi-core processor, a single core processor, or a combination of one or more multi-core processors and / or one or more single core processors, a distributed processing system, or the like. The processor 610 may be a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an accelerated processing unit (APU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or another type of processing component.

[0072] Memory 620 includes a non-transitory computer readable medium. Memory 620 includes a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), and / or another type of dynamic or static storage device (e.g., a flash memory, a magnetic memory, and / or an optical memory) that stores information and / or instructions for use by processor 610. The memory 620 comprises machine-readable instructions which are executable by the processor 610. These machine-readable instructions when executed by the processor 610 cause the processor 610 to perform one or more method steps of an embodiment described above.

[0073] Storage component 630 stores information and / or software related to the operation and use of the device 600. For example, storage component 630 may include a hard disk (e.g., a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optic disk, and / or a solid-state disk), a compact disc (CD), a digital versatile disc (DVD), a floppy disk, a cartridge, a magnetic tape, and / or another type of non-transitory computer-readable medium, along with a corresponding drive.

[0074] Input component 640 is configured to receive information, such as user input. For example, the input component 640 may include, but not be limited to, a touch screen display, a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, a button, a switch, and / or a microphone. Additionally, or alternatively, the input component 640 may include a sensor for sensing information (e.g., a global positioning system (GPS), an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and / or an actuator).

[0075] Output component 650 is configured to provide output information from the device 600. For example, the output component 650 may be, but not limited to, a display, a speaker, instructions to an external device, and / or one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

[0076] Communication interface 660 is an interface that provides a communication connection to other devices, such as external devices and internal devices. The connection by the communication interface 660 can be a wired connection, a wireless connection, or a combinationof wired and wireless connections, and can be a direct connection or an indirect connection via a communication network that exists between the device 600 and other devices. In other words, the standard of the communication interface 660 is not limited.

[0077] The bus 670 acts as an interconnect between the processor 610, the memory 620, the storage component 630, the input component 640, the output component 650, and the communication interface 660 of the device 600. The bus 670 may include a wired interconnection or a wireless interconnection.

[0078] The number and arrangement of components shown in FIG. 6 are provided as an example. In practice, device 600 may include additional components, fewer components, different components, or differently arranged components than those shown in FIG. 6. Additionally, or alternatively, a set of components (e.g., one or more components) of device 600 may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of components of device 600. Further, one or more method steps described in any of the embodiments may be performed utilizing a plurality of devices 600 in communication with one another.Example Implementation Environment

[0079] Example embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in any suitable type of environment. In the following, an example environment (in which the example embodiments may be implemented) is described.

[0080] FIG. 7 illustrates a diagram of an example environment 700 in which systems and / or methods, described herein, may be implemented. The implementation environment 700 includes a UE (User equipment) 710, a service environment 720, and a network 730. The service environment 720 includes one or more sub-environments 721. To illustrate this, FIG. 7 shows, forconvenience, examples of a 1st sub-environment 721-1, a 2nd sub -environment 721-2, and an Nth sub-environment 721-N (where N is any natural number).

[0081] The UE 710 is connected to the network 730, and the network 730 is connected to the service environment 720. The connections may be wired, wireless, or a combination of both wired and wireless. The UE 710 and the service environment 720 are connected via the network 730.

[0082] The UE 710 is a device that communicates with the service environment 720. The UE 710 receives information from the service environment 720 and / or sends information to the service environment 720. Also, the UE 710 may generate and / or store information to be transmitted, as necessary. Also, the UE 710 may store and / or process information that is received, as necessary.

[0083] The example FIG. 7 refers to the “UE”. However, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that general terms such as “user device,” “terminal,” “terminal device,” “communication device,” and “communication terminal” can be used interchangeably with the term “UE.”

[0084] For example, the UE 710 may include a computing device (e.g., a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a handheld computer, a smart speaker, a server, etc.), a mobile phone (e.g., a smart phone, a radiotelephone, etc.), a wearable device (e.g., a pair of smart glasses or a smart watch), or a similar device.

[0085] The service environment 720 is an environment that communicates with the UE 710 to provide one or more services. The service environment 720 receives information from the UE 710 and / or sends information to the UE 710. Also, the service environment 720 may generate and / or store information to be transmitted, as necessary. Also, the service environment 720 maystore and / or process information that is received, as necessary. For example, the service environment 720 may provide computing resources as one of the services. It should be noted that the service is not limited to being provided to the UE; it may also be provided to devices other than the UE. For example, based on communication from the UE, the service may perform processes such as anomaly detection or traffic analysis and notify the results to a predetermined destination.

[0086] The example FIG. 7 refers to the “service environment”. The term "service environment" is used to refer to the broader context within which services operate. For example, cloud environments, platforms, computing systems, network systems, and cloud systems generally represent the environments in which services are conducted, and these are included within the "service environment." However, the "service environment" is not limited to these examples. Additionally, the specific types of environments within the "service environment" are not restricted. For instance, cloud environments and cloud systems can be categorized as private cloud, public cloud, hybrid cloud, or multi-cloud, all of which are included within the "service environment."

[0087] The one or more services provided by the service environment 720 is not specifically limited and can be adjusted according to the embodiments. For example, the services may include a service that provides information to the UE 710, a service that stores information from the UE 710, or a service that performs processing based on information from the UE 710 and returns the results of the processing.

[0088] In an embodiment, the Service Environments 720 may also provide computing resources as the service. The computing resources can be hardware resources and / or software resources. For example, applications, processors, memory, and storage can be included in the provided computing resources. Each computing resource can communicate with other computingresources via wired connections, wireless connections, or a combination of wired and wireless connections.

[0089] The provided computing resources can be actual resources (also referred to as physical resources) and / or virtual resources. Furthermore, means of virtualization for virtual resources can be selected as appropriate. That is, in this disclosure, the use of adjectives such as "Virtual" or "Virtualized" to describe names does not imply that they are virtualized by a specific means of virtualization. For example, “virtual machine” refers to software that operates like an actual computer, realized through means of virtualization, and it is not intended to exclude those realized by specific means of virtualization such as Hypervisors or Containers. Conversely, when means of virtualization such as Hypervisors or containers are mentioned in this disclosure, it is merely cited as a general method of implementation. It should also be interpreted that embodiments implemented with other virtualization means are also disclosed. Also, the services may also be provided using resources virtualized by different means.

[0090] The service environment 720 includes one or more devices, such as servers and network devices, which provide services or perform processes. The placement of these devices within the service environment 720 can be determined as appropriate. Additionally, if the service environment 720 includes one or more sub-environments 721, the placement of devices can be determined based on predetermined policies for each sub-environment 721. For example, devices related to the first service may be placed in the 1st sub-environment 721-1, and devices related to the second service may be placed in the 2nd sub -environment 721-2. In another example, devices expected to have a higher load than a predetermined threshold may be placed in the 1st subenvironment 721-1, while devices expected to have a lower load than the predetermined threshold may be placed in the 2nd sub-environment 721-2. In this way, specific devices can be placed inspecific sub -environments 721. Conversely, each sub-environment 721 can be specialized for a particular purpose.

[0091] In an embodiment, all processes executed in a single service may run within a single service environment, or in multiple service environments. Multiple processes executed in a single service could be provided by different service environments.

[0092] The network 730 is a network that exchanges information between the UE 710 and the service environment 720. The network 730 includes one or more wired and / or wireless networks.

[0093] For example, the network 730 may include a cellular network (e.g., a fifth generation (5G) network, a long-term evolution (LTE) network, a third generation (3G) network, a code division multiple access (CDMA) network, etc.), a public land mobile network (PLMN), a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a telephone network (e.g., the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN)), a private network, an ad hoc network, an intranet, the Internet, a fiber optic-based network, or the like, a non-terrestrial network (NTN), and / or a combination of these or other types of networks.

[0094] The network 730 can be a part of a network. For example, in a 5G network that includes a RAN, a transport network, and a core network, the network 730 can be at least one of the RAN, the transport network, or the core network. For example, the service environment 720 could be in the core network, in which case the network 730 could correspond to a network that is a combination of a RAN and a transport network and is part of the 5G network.

[0095] The number and arrangement of devices and networks shown in FIG. 7 are provided as an example. It should be understood that any changes that may be implemented by those skilledin the art, such as the addition or rearrangement of well-known devices or networks at the time of implementation, are included in this disclosure.Various Aspects of Embodiments

[0096] Example embodiments introduces new mechanisms and features that supplement and enhance the disclosures of one or more standard specifications. As a non-limiting example, example embodiments supplement and enhance at least one technical specification associated with 3GPP (e.g., 3GPP TSG-RAN WG2, etc.), as detailed blow .

[0097] In view of the above, example embodiments introduce specified and standardizedapproaches for implementing the A-IoT transmission status management. Specifically, example embodiments clarify the problems of transmission status management in A-IoT and provide various proposals for addressing the problems. Accordingly, example embodiments may be implemented in the 3 GPP -based networks in a clear and standardized manner to effective and efficiently manage the transmission status in A-IoT.

[0098] It is contemplated that features, advantages, and significances of example embodiments described hereinabove are merely examples of the present disclosure, and are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0099] Specifically, the foregoing disclosure provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the implementations to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above disclosure or may be acquired from practice of the implementations.

[0100] Some embodiments may relate to a device, a system, a method, and / or a computer- readable medium at any possible technical detail level of integration. Further, one or more of the above components described above may be implemented as instructions stored on a computer- readable medium and executable by at least one processor (and / or may include at least one processor). The computer-readable medium may include a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium (or media) having computer-readable program instructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out operations.

[0101] The computer-readable storage medium can be a tangible device that can retain and store instructions for use by an instruction execution device. The computer-readable storage medium may be, for example, but is not limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storagedevice, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of the computer-readable storage medium includes the following: a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such as punch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructions recorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. A computer-readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construed as being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freely propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagating through a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulses passing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmitted through a wire.

[0102] Computer-readable program instructions described herein can be downloaded to respective computing / processing devices from a computer-readable storage medium or to an external computer or external storage device via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network and / or a wireless network. The network may comprise copper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wireless transmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers, and / or edge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in each computing / processing device receives computer-readable program instructions from the network and forwards the computer-readable program instructions for storage in a computer-readable storage medium within the respective computing / processing device.

[0103] Computer-readable program code / instructions for carrying out operations may be assembler instructions, instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions,machine-dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state-setting data, configuration data for integrated circuitry, or either source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object-oriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++, or the like, and procedural programming languages, such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages.

[0104] The computer-readable program instructions may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider). In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example, programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or programmable logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer-readable program instructions by utilizing state information of the computer- readable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry, in order to perform aspects or operations.

[0105] These computer-readable program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks. These computer- readable program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and / or other devices to function ina particular manner, such that the computer-readable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises an article of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects of the function / act specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks.

[0106] The computer-readable program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other devices to produce a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions which execute on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks.

[0107] The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer- readable media according to various embodiments. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). The method, computer system, and computer-readable medium may include additional blocks, fewer blocks, different blocks, or differently arranged blocks than those depicted in the Figures. In some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted in the Figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed concurrently or substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardware andcomputer instructions.

[0108] It will be apparent that systems and / or methods, described herein, may be implemented in different forms of hardware, firmware, or a combination of hardware and software. The actual specialized control hardware or software code used to implement these systems and / or methods is not limited to the implementations. Thus, the operation and behavior of the systems and / or methods were described herein without reference to specific software code — it is understood that software and hardware may be designed to implement the systems and / or methods based on the description herein.

[0109] In view of the above, various further respective aspects and features of embodiments of the present disclosure may be defined by the following items:Item [1]: A system comprising: an Ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT) reader configured to: detect a transmission from an A-IoT device; based on detecting the transmission from the A-IoT device, determine whether a subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device is expected; based on determining that the subsequent transmission to the A- loT device is not expected, transmit, to the A-IoT device, a message indicating a status of the transmission from the A-IoT device; and based on determining that the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device is expected, perform the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device to indicate the status of the transmission from the A-IoT device.Item [2]: The system according to item [1], wherein the A-IoT reader is further configured to: based on determining that the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device is expected, determine whether the transmission from the A-IoT device is successful; and based on determining that the transmission from the A-IoT device is successful, performthe subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device to indicate the successful transmission from the A-IoT device.Item [3]: The system according to item [2], wherein the A-IoT reader is further configured to: based on determining that the transmission from the A-IoT device is not successful, perform the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device, wherein the subsequent transmission includes a parameter indicating a failure in the transmission from the A-IoT device.Item [4]: The system according to one or more of items

[0001] -[3], wherein the A-IoT reader is configured to determine whether the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device is expected by: determining whether there is any data pending in a buffer for the subsequent transmission; based on determining there is data pending in the buffer for the subsequent transmission, determining that the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device is expected; and based on determining there is no data pending in the buffer for the subsequent transmission, determining that the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device is not expected.Item [5]: The system according to one or more of items

[0001] -[4], wherein the status of the transmission from the A-IoT device comprises a successful transmission, and wherein the message comprises an acknowledgement (ACK) message.Item [6]: The system according to one or more of items

[0001] -[4], wherein the status of the transmission from the A-IoT device comprises a failed transmission, and wherein the message comprises a negative acknowledgement (NACK) message.Item [7]: The system according to one or more of items [l]-[6], wherein the A-IoT reader comprises at least one of: a network node or a first user equipment (UE); andwherein the A-IoT device comprises at least one of: a Radio Frequency (RF) tag, a sensor, or a second UE different from the first UE.Item [8]: A method comprising: detecting, by an Ambient Internet of Things (A- loT) reader, a transmission from an A-IoT device; based on detecting the transmission from the A-IoT device, determining, by the A-IoT reader, whether a subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device is expected; based on determining that the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device is not expected, transmitting, by the A-IoT reader and to the A-IoT device, a message indicating a status of the transmission from the A-IoT device; and based on determining that the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device is expected, performing, by the A-IoT reader, the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device to indicate the status of the transmission from the A-IoT device.Item [9]: The method according to item [8], further comprising: based on determining that the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device is expected, determining whether the transmission from the A-IoT device is successful; and based on determining that the transmission from the A-IoT device is successful, performing the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device to indicate the successful transmission from the A-IoT device.Item

[0010] : The method according to item [9], further comprising: based on determining that the transmission from the A-IoT device is not successful, performing the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device, wherein the subsequent transmission includes a parameter indicating a failure in the transmission from the A-IoT device.Item

[0011] : The method according to one or more of items [8]-

[0010] , wherein the determining whether the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device is expectedcomprises: determining whether there is any data pending in a buffer for the subsequent transmission; based on determining there is data pending in the buffer for the subsequent transmission, determining that the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device is expected; and based on determining there is no data pending in the buffer for the subsequent transmission, determining that the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device is not expected.Item

[0012] : The method according to one or more of items [8]-[l 1], wherein the status of the transmission from the A-IoT device comprises a successful transmission, and wherein the message comprises an acknowledgement (ACK) message.Item

[0013] : The method according to one or more of items [8]-[l 1], wherein the status of the transmission from the A-IoT device comprises a failed transmission, and wherein the message comprises a negative acknowledgement (NACK) message.Item

[0014] : The method according to one or more of items [8]-

[0013] , wherein the A- loT reader comprises at least one of: a network node or a first user equipment (UE); and wherein the A-IoT device comprises at least one of: a Radio Frequency (RF) tag, a sensor, or a second UE different from the first UE.Item

[0015] : A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon instructions executable by an Ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT) reader to cause the A-IoT reader to perform a method comprising: detecting a transmission from an A-IoT device; based on detecting the transmission from the A-IoT device, determining whether a subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device is expected; based on determining that the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device is not expected, transmitting, to the A-IoT device, a message indicating a status of the transmission from the A-IoT device; and basedon determining that the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device is expected, performing the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device to indicate the status of the transmission from the A-IoT device.Item

[0016] : The non-transitory computer-readable recording medium according to item

[0015] , wherein the method further comprises: based on determining that the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device is expected, determining whether the transmission from the A-IoT device is successful; and based on determining that the transmission from the A- loT device is successful, performing the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device to indicate the successful transmission from the A-IoT device.Item

[0017] : The non-transitory computer-readable recording medium according to item

[0016] , wherein the method further comprises: based on determining that the transmission from the A-IoT device is not successful, performing the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device, wherein the subsequent transmission includes a parameter indicating a failure in the transmission from the A-IoT device.Item

[0018] : The non-transitory computer-readable recording medium according to one or more of items

[0015] -

[0017] , wherein the determining whether the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device is expected comprises: determining whether there is any data pending in a buffer for the subsequent transmission; based on determining there is data pending in the buffer for the subsequent transmission, determining that the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device is expected; and based on determining there is no data pending in the buffer for the subsequent transmission, determining that the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device is not expected.Item

[0019] : The non-transitory computer-readable recording medium according to one or more of items

[0015] -

[0018] , wherein the status of the transmission from the A-IoT device comprises a successful transmission, and wherein the message comprises an acknowledgement (ACK) message.Item

[0020] : The non-transitory computer-readable recording medium according to one or more of items

[0015] -

[0018] , wherein the status of the transmission from the A-IoT device comprises a failed transmission, and wherein the message comprises a negative acknowledgement (NACK) message.

[0110] It can be understood that numerous modifications and variations of the present disclosure are possible in light of the above teachings. It will be apparent that within the scope of the appended clauses, the present disclosures may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A system comprising: an Ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT) reader configured to: detect a transmission from an A-IoT device; based on detecting the transmission from the A-IoT device, determine whether a subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device is expected; based on determining that the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device is not expected, transmit, to the A-IoT device, a message indicating a status of the transmission from the A-IoT device; and based on determining that the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device is expected, perform the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device to indicate the status of the transmission from the A-IoT device.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the A-IoT reader is further configured to: based on determining that the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device is expected, determine whether the transmission from the A-IoT device is successful; and based on determining that the transmission from the A-IoT device is successful, perform the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device to indicate the successful transmission from the A-IoT device.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the A-IoT reader is further configured to:based on determining that the transmission from the A-IoT device is not successful, perform the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device, wherein the subsequent transmission includes a parameter indicating a failure in the transmission from the A-IoT device.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the A-IoT reader is configured to determine whether the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device is expected by: determining whether there is any data pending in a buffer for the subsequent transmission; based on determining there is data pending in the buffer for the subsequent transmission, determining that the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device is expected; and based on determining there is no data pending in the buffer for the subsequent transmission, determining that the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device is not expected.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the status of the transmission from the A-IoT device comprises a successful transmission, and wherein the message comprises an acknowledgement (ACK) message.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the status of the transmission from the A-IoT device comprises a failed transmission, and wherein the message comprises a negative acknowledgement (NACK) message.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the A-IoT reader comprises at least one of: a network node or a first user equipment (UE); andwherein the A-IoT device comprises at least one of: a Radio Frequency (RF) tag, a sensor, or a second UE different from the first UE.

8. A method comprising: detecting, by an Ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT) reader, a transmission from an A-IoT device; based on detecting the transmission from the A-IoT device, determining, by the A-IoT reader, whether a subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device is expected; based on determining that the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device is not expected, transmitting, by the A-IoT reader and to the A-IoT device, a message indicating a status of the transmission from the A-IoT device; and based on determining that the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device is expected, performing, by the A-IoT reader, the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device to indicate the status of the transmission from the A-IoT device.

9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising: based on determining that the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device is expected, determining whether the transmission from the A-IoT device is successful; and based on determining that the transmission from the A-IoT device is successful, performing the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device to indicate the successful transmission from the A-IoT device.

10. The method according to claim 9, further comprising:based on determining that the transmission from the A-IoT device is not successful, performing the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device, wherein the subsequent transmission includes a parameter indicating a failure in the transmission from the A-IoT device.

11. The method according to claim 8, wherein the determining whether the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device is expected comprises: determining whether there is any data pending in a buffer for the subsequent transmission; based on determining there is data pending in the buffer for the subsequent transmission, determining that the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device is expected; and based on determining there is no data pending in the buffer for the subsequent transmission, determining that the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device is not expected.

12. The method according to claim 8, wherein the status of the transmission from the A-IoT device comprises a successful transmission, and wherein the message comprises an acknowledgement (ACK) message.

13. The method according to claim 8, wherein the status of the transmission from the A-IoT device comprises a failed transmission, and wherein the message comprises a negative acknowledgement (NACK) message.

14. The method according to claim 8, wherein the A-IoT reader comprises at least one of: a network node or a first user equipment (HE); andwherein the A-IoT device comprises at least one of: a Radio Frequency (RF) tag, a sensor, or a second UE different from the first UE.

15. A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon instructions executable by an Ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT) reader to cause the A-IoT reader to perform a method comprising: detecting a transmission from an A-IoT device; based on detecting the transmission from the A-IoT device, determining whether a subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device is expected; based on determining that the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device is not expected, transmitting, to the A-IoT device, a message indicating a status of the transmission from the A- loT device; and based on determining that the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device is expected, performing the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device to indicate the status of the transmission from the A-IoT device.

16. The non-transitory computer-readable recording medium according to claim 15, wherein the method further comprises: based on determining that the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device is expected, determining whether the transmission from the A-IoT device is successful; and based on determining that the transmission from the A-IoT device is successful, performing the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device to indicate the successful transmission from theA-IoT device.

17. The non-transitory computer-readable recording medium according to claim 16, wherein the method further comprises: based on determining that the transmission from the A-IoT device is not successful, performing the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device, wherein the subsequent transmission includes a parameter indicating a failure in the transmission from the A-IoT device.

18. The non-transitory computer-readable recording medium according to claim 15, wherein the determining whether the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device is expected comprises: determining whether there is any data pending in a buffer for the subsequent transmission; based on determining there is data pending in the buffer for the subsequent transmission, determining that the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device is expected; and based on determining there is no data pending in the buffer for the subsequent transmission, determining that the subsequent transmission to the A-IoT device is not expected.

19. The non-transitory computer-readable recording medium according to claim 15, wherein the status of the transmission from the A-IoT device comprises a successful transmission, and wherein the message comprises an acknowledgement (ACK) message.

20. The non-transitory computer-readable recording medium according to claim 15, wherein the status of the transmission from the A-IoT device comprises a failed transmission, and wherein the message comprises a negative acknowledgement (NACK) message.

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