Dynamic ambient internet of things device architecture

Abstract

Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for a dynamic ambient Internet of Things (IoT) device architecture. A method may include activating an ambient Internet of things device for at least one of a request for a wide or narrow bandwidth device to reader at a predefined frequency shift relative to a frequency of a carrier-wave to device, or a request for a power report. The method may also include measuring or estimating at least one of a carrier-wave to device incident power level, a device to reader total power including any applied reflection gain, or a relative device to reader double side band mirror rejection at a shift frequency. The method may also include transmitting the power report to a device to reader apparatus.

Description

DYNAMIC AMBIENT INTERNET OF THINGS DEVICE ARCHITECTURECROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of US provisional application No. 63 / 717803, filed November 7, 2024. The content of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.FIELD

[0002] Some example embodiments may generally relate to mobile or wireless telecommunication systems, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) or fifth generation (5G) new radio (NR) access technology, or 5G beyond, or sixth generation (6G) access technology, or other communications systems. For example, certain example embodiments may relate to a dynamic ambient Internet of Things (loT) device architecture.BACKGROUND

[0003] Examples of mobile or wireless telecommunication systems may include the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), Long Term Evolution (LTE) Evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), MulteFire, LTE-A Pro, fifth generation (5G) radio access technology or new radio (NR) access technology and / or sixth generation (6G) radio access technology. Fifth generation (5G) and sixth generation (6G) wireless systems refer to the next generation (NG) of radio systems and network architecture. 5G and 6G network technology is mostly based on new radio (NR) technology, but the 5G / 6G (or NG) network can also build on E-UTRAN radio. It is estimated that NR may provide bitrates on the order of 10-20 Gbit / s or higher, and may support at least enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) and ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) as well as massive machine-type communication (mMTC). NR is expected to deliver extreme broadband and ultra-robust, low-latency connectivity and massive networking to support the Internet of Things (loT).SUMMARY

[0004] Some example embodiments may be directed to a method. The method may include activating an ambient Internet of things device for at least one of a request for a wide or narrow bandwidth device to reader at a predefined frequency shift relative to a frequency of a carrier-wave to device, or a request for a power report. The method may also include measuring or estimating at least one of a carrier-wave to device incident power level, a device to reader total power including any applied reflection gain, or a relative device to reader double side band mirror rejection at a shift frequency. The method may further include transmitting the power report toa device to reader apparatus.

[0005] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the apparatus at least to activate the apparatus for at least one of a request for a wide or narrow bandwidth device to reader at a predefined frequency shift relative to a frequency of a carrier-wave to device, or a request for a power report. The apparatus may also be caused to measure or estimate at least one of a carrier-wave to device incident power level, a device to reader total power including any applied reflection gain, or a relative device to reader double side band mirror rejection at a shift frequency. The apparatus may further be caused to transmit the power report to a device to reader apparatus.

[0006] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include means for activating the apparatus for at least one of a request for a wide or narrow bandwidth device to reader at a predefined frequency shift relative to a frequency of a carrier-wave to device, or a request for a power report. The apparatus may also include means for measuring or estimating at least one of a carrier-wave to device incident power level, a device to reader total power including any applied reflection gain, or a relative device to reader double side band mirror rejection at a shift frequency. The apparatus may further include means for transmitting the power report to a device to reader apparatus.

[0007] In accordance with other example embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium may be encoded with instructions that may, when executed in hardware, perform a method. The method may include activating an ambient Internet of things device for at least one of a request for a wide or narrow bandwidth device to reader at a predefined frequency shift relative to a frequency of a carrier-wave to device, or a request for a power report. The method may also include measuring or estimating at least one of a carrier-wave to device incident power level, a device to reader total power including any applied reflection gain, or a relative device to reader double side band mirror rejection at a shift frequency. The method may further include transmitting the power report to a device to reader apparatus.

[0008] Other example embodiments may be directed to a computer program product that performs a method. The method may include activating an ambient Internet of things device for at least one of a request for a wide or narrow bandwidth device to reader at a predefined frequency shift relative to a frequency of a carrier-wave to device, or a request for a power report. The method may also include measuring or estimating at least one of a carrier-wave to device incident power level, a device to reader total power including any applied reflection gain, or a relative device to reader double side band mirror rejection at a shift frequency. The method may further include transmitting the power report to a device to reader apparatus.

[0009] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that may include circuitry configured to activate the apparatus for at least one of a request for a wide or narrow bandwidth device to reader at a predefinedfrequency shift relative to a frequency of a carrier-wave to device, or a request for a power report. The apparatus may also include circuitry configured to measure or estimate at least one of a carrier-wave to device incident power level, a device to reader total power including any applied reflection gain, or a relative device to reader double side band mirror rejection at a shift frequency. The apparatus may also include circuitry configured to transmit the power report to a device to reader apparatus.

[0010] Further example embodiments may be directed to a method. The method may include receiving a report of a total power via a backscattering device to reader. The method may also include forwarding the power report of the total power to a network element.

[0011] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to receive a report of a total power via a backscattering device to reader. The apparatus may also be caused to forward the power report of the total power to a network element.

[0012] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include means for receiving a report of a total power via a backscattering device to reader. The apparatus may also include means for forwarding the power report of the total power to a network element.

[0013] In accordance with other example embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium may be encoded with instructions that may, when executed in hardware, perform a method. The method may include receiving a report of a total power via a backscattering device to reader. The method may also include forwarding the power report of the total power to a network element.

[0014] Other example embodiments may be directed to a computer program product that performs a method. The method may include receiving a report of a total power via a backscattering device to reader. The method may also include forwarding the power report of the total power to a network element.

[0015] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that may include circuitry configured to receive a report of a total power via a backscattering device to reader. The apparatus may also include circuitry configured to forward the power report of the total power to a network element.

[0016] Some example embodiments may be directed to a method. The method may include activating an ambient Internet of things device with at least one of a request for a power report or a request for a wide or narrow bandwidth device to reader at a predefined frequency shift relative to a frequency of a carrier-wave to device. The method may also include determining whether to configure or update a configuration of the device to reader apparatus. The method may further include receiving a power report from a device to reader apparatus. The method may also include configuring or update the configuration of the device to reader apparatus basedon the determination.

[0017] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the apparatus at least to activate an ambient Internet of things device with at least one of a request for a power report or a request for a wide or narrow bandwidth device to reader at a predefined frequency shift relative to a frequency of a carrier-wave to device. The apparatus may also be caused to receive a power report from a device to reader apparatus. The apparatus may further be caused to determine whether to configure or update a configuration of the device to reader apparatus. The apparatus may also be caused to configure or update the configuration of the device to reader apparatus based on the determination.

[0018] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include means for activating an ambient Internet of things device with at least one of a request for a power report or a request for a wide or narrow bandwidth device to reader at a predefined frequency shift relative to a frequency of a carrierwave to device. The apparatus may also include means for receiving a power report from a device to reader apparatus. The apparatus may further include means for determining whether to configure or update a configuration of the device to reader apparatus. The apparatus may also include means for configuring or updating the configuration of the device to reader apparatus based on the determination.

[0019] In accordance with other example embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium may be encoded with instructions that may, when executed in hardware, perform a method. The method may include activating an ambient Internet of things device with at least one of a request for a power report or a request for a wide or narrow bandwidth device to reader at a predefined frequency shift relative to a frequency of a carrierwave to device. The method may also include determining whether to configure or update a configuration of the device to reader apparatus. The method may further include receiving a power report from a device to reader apparatus. The method may also include configuring or update the configuration of the device to reader apparatus based on the determination.

[0020] Other example embodiments may be directed to a computer program product that performs a method. The method may include activating an ambient Internet of things device with at least one of a request for a power report or a request for a wide or narrow bandwidth device to reader at a predefined frequency shift relative to a frequency of a carrier-wave to device. The method may also include determining whether to configure or update a configuration of the device to reader apparatus. The method may further include receiving a power report from a device to reader apparatus. The method may also include configuring or update the configuration of the device to reader apparatus based on the determination.

[0021] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that may include circuitry configured toactivate an ambient Internet of things device with at least one of a request for a power report or a request for a wide or narrow bandwidth device to reader at a predefined frequency shift relative to a frequency of a carrierwave to device. The apparatus may also include circuitry configured to receive a power report from a device to reader apparatus. The apparatus may further include circuitry configured to determine whether to configure or update a configuration of the device to reader apparatus. The apparatus may also include circuitry configured to configure or update the configuration of the device to reader apparatus based on the determination.

[0022] Further example embodiments may be directed to a method. The method may include activating an ambient Internet of things device for at least one of a request for a wide or narrow bandwidth device to reader at a predefined frequency shift relative to a frequence of a carrier-wave to device or a request for a first power report. The method may further include measuring or estimating at least one of a carrier-wave to device incident power level, or a device to reader total power including any applied reflection gain. The method may also include transmitting a second power report to a device to reader apparatus.

[0023] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to activate the apparatus for at least one of a request for a wide or narrow bandwidth device to reader at a predefined frequency shift relative to a frequence of a carrier-wave to device or a request for a first power report. The apparatus may also be caused to measure or estimate at least one of a carrier-wave to device incident power level, or a device to reader total power including any applied reflection gain. The apparatus may further be caused to transmit a second power report to a device to reader apparatus.

[0024] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include means for activating the apparatus for at least one of a request for a wide or narrow bandwidth device to reader at a predefined frequency shift relative to a frequence of a carrier-wave to device or a request for a first power report. The apparatus may also include means for measuring or estimating at least one of a carrier-wave to device incident power level, or a device to reader total power including any applied reflection gain. The apparatus may further include means for transmitting a second power report to a device to reader apparatus.

[0025] In accordance with other example embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium may be encoded with instructions that may, when executed in hardware, perform a method. The method may include activating an ambient Internet of things device for at least one of a request for a wide or narrow bandwidth device to reader at a predefined frequency shift relative to a frequence of a carrier-wave to device or a request for a first power report. The method may further include measuring or estimating at least one of a carrier-wave to device incident power level, or a device to reader total power including any applied reflection gain. The method mayalso include transmitting a second power report to a device to reader apparatus.

[0026] Other example embodiments may be directed to a computer program product that performs a method. The method may include activating an ambient Internet of things device for at least one of a request for a wide or narrow bandwidth device to reader at a predefined frequency shift relative to a frequence of a carrier-wave to device or a request for a first power report. The method may further include measuring or estimating at least one of a carrier-wave to device incident power level, or a device to reader total power including any applied reflection gain. The method may also include transmitting a second power report to a device to reader apparatus.

[0027] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that may include circuitry configured to activate the apparatus for at least one of a request for a wide or narrow bandwidth device to reader at a predefined frequency shift relative to a frequence of a carrier-wave to device or a request for a first power report. The apparatus may also include circuitry configured to measure or estimate at least one of a carrier-wave to device incident power level, or a device to reader total power including any applied reflection gain. The apparatus may further include circuitry configured to transmit a second power report to a device to reader apparatus.

[0028] Some example embodiments may be directed to a method. The method may include receiving a report of a total device to reader power via a backscattering device to reader signal. The method may also include measuring or estimating at least one of a device to reader power level or a device to reader mirror power level, based on at least one of the report of the total device to reader power, a difference between the device to reader power level and the device to reader mirror power level or a reported calculated total mirror power from an ambient Internet of things device. The method may further include transmitting a power report to a network element.

[0029] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the apparatus at least to receive a report of a total device to reader power via a backscattering device to reader signal. The apparatus may also be caused to measure or estimate at least one of a device to reader power level or a device to reader mirror power level, based on at least one of the report of the total device to reader power, a difference between the device to reader power level and the device to reader mirror power level or a reported calculated total mirror power from an ambient Internet of things device. The apparatus may further be caused to transmit a power report to a network element.

[0030] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include means for receiving a report of a total device to reader power via a backscattering device to reader signal. The apparatus may also include means for measuring or estimating at least one of a device to reader power level or a device to reader mirror power level, based on at least one of the report of the total device to reader power, a differencebetween the device to reader power level and the device to reader mirror power level or a reported calculated total mirror power from an ambient Internet of things device. The apparatus may further include means for transmitting a power report to a network element.

[0031] In accordance with other example embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium may be encoded with instructions that may, when executed in hardware, perform a method. The method may include receiving a report of a total device to reader power via a backscattering device to reader signal. The method may also include measuring or estimating at least one of a device to reader power level or a device to reader mirror power level, based on at least one of the report of the total device to reader power, a difference between the device to reader power level and the device to reader mirror power level or a reported calculated total mirror power from an ambient Internet of things device. The method may further include transmitting a power report to a network element.

[0032] Other example embodiments may be directed to a computer program product that performs a method. The method may include receiving a report of a total device to reader power via a backscattering device to reader signal. The method may also include measuring or estimating at least one of a device to reader power level or a device to reader mirror power level, based on at least one of the report of the total device to reader power, a difference between the device to reader power level and the device to reader mirror power level or a reported calculated total mirror power from an ambient Internet of things device. The method may further include transmitting a power report to a network element.

[0033] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that may include circuitry configured to receive a report of a total device to reader power via a backscattering device to reader signal. The apparatus may also include circuitry configured to measure or estimate at least one of a device to reader power level or a device to reader mirror power level, based on at least one of the report of the total device to reader power, a difference between the device to reader power level and the device to reader mirror power level or a reported calculated total mirror power from an ambient Internet of things device. The apparatus may also include circuitry configured to transmit a power report to a network element.

[0034] Further example embodiments may be directed to a method. The method may include activating, an ambient Internet of things device with at least one of a request for a wide or narrow bandwidth device to reader at a predefined frequency shift relative to a frequency of a carrier-wave to device or a request for a power report. The method may also include receiving a power report from a device to reader apparatus. The method may further include determining whether to configure or update a configuration of the device to reader apparatus based on the power report. The method may also include configuring or update the configuration of the device to reader apparatus based on the determination.

[0035] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to receive a power report from a device to reader apparatus. The apparatus may also be caused to determine whether to configure or update a configuration of the device to reader apparatus based on the power report. The apparatus may further be caused to configure or update the configuration of the device to reader apparatus based on the determination.

[0036] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include means for activating, an ambient Internet of things device with at least one of a request for a wide or narrow bandwidth device to reader at a predefined frequency shift relative to a frequency of a carrier-wave to device or a request for a power report. The apparatus may also include means for receiving a power report from a device to reader apparatus. The apparatus may also include means for determining whether to configure or update a configuration of the device to reader apparatus based on the power report. The apparatus may further be caused to configure or update the configuration of the device to reader apparatus based on the determination.

[0037] In accordance with other example embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium may be encoded with instructions that may, when executed in hardware, perform a method. The method may include activating, an ambient Internet of things device with at least one of a request for a wide or narrow bandwidth device to reader at a predefined frequency shift relative to a frequency of a carrier-wave to device or a request for a power report. The method may also include receiving a power report from a device to reader apparatus. The method may further include determining whether to configure or update a configuration of the device to reader apparatus based on the power report. The method may also include configuring or update the configuration of the device to reader apparatus based on the determination.

[0038] Other example embodiments may be directed to a computer program product that performs a method. The method may include activating, an ambient Internet of things device with at least one of a request for a wide or narrow bandwidth device to reader at a predefined frequency shift relative to a frequency of a carrier-wave to device or a request for a power report. The method may also include receiving a power report from a device to reader apparatus. The method may further include determining whether to configure or update a configuration of the device to reader apparatus based on the power report. The method may also include configuring or update the configuration of the device to reader apparatus based on the determination.

[0039] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that may include circuitry configured to activate, an ambient Internet of things device with at least one of a request for a wide or narrow bandwidth device to reader at a predefined frequency shift relative to a frequency of a carrier-wave to device or a request for apower report. The apparatus may also include circuitry configured to receive a power report from a device to reader apparatus. The apparatus may further include circuitry configured to determine whether to configure or update a configuration of the device to reader apparatus based on the power report. The apparatus may also include circuitry configured to configure or update the configuration of the device to reader apparatus based on the determination.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] For proper understanding of example embodiments, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0041] FIG. 1 illustrates an example an example of ambient Internet of Things (AloT) deployment scenarios.

[0042] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a AloT large frequency shift dual sideband (DSB) response.

[0043] FIG. 3 illustrates an example signal flow diagram, according to certain example embodiments.

[0044] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of another signal diagram, according to certain example embodiments.

[0045] FIG. 5 illustrates an example flow diagram of a method, according to certain example embodiments.

[0046] FIG. 6 illustrates an example flow diagram of another method, according to certain example embodiments.

[0047] FIG. 7 illustrates an example flow diagram of a further method, according to certain example embodiments.

[0048] FIG. 8 illustrates an example flow diagram of a further method, according to certain example embodiments.

[0049] FIG. 9 illustrates an example flow diagram of a further method, according to certain example embodiments.

[0050] FIG. 10 illustrates an example flow diagram of a further method, according to certain example embodiments.

[0051] FIG. 11 illustrates a set of apparatuses, according to certain example embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] It will be readily understood that the components of certain example embodiments, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. The following is a detailed description of some example embodiments of systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for a dynamic ambient Internet of Things (loT) device architecture.

[0053] The features, structures, or characteristics of example embodiments described throughout thisspecification may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more example embodiments. For example, the usage of the phrases “certain embodiments,” “an example embodiment,” “some embodiments,” or other similar language, throughout this specification refers to the fact that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in certain embodiments,” “an example embodiment,” “in some embodiments,” “in other embodiments,” or other similar language, throughout this specification do not necessarily refer to the same group of embodiments, and the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more example embodiments. Further, the terms “base station”, “cell”, “node”, “gNB”, “network” or other similar language throughout this specification may be used interchangeably.

[0054] As used herein, “at least one of the following: ” and “at least one of ” and similar wording, where the list of two or more elements are joined by “and” or “or,” mean at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all the elements.

[0055] In the specifications of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), an ambient Internet of Things (AloT) device may have a particular architecture with less than or equal to a few hundred W peak power consumption, and may have an energy storage and initial sampling frequency offset (SFO) of up to 10x ppm. The AloT device may also have downlink (DL) and / or uplink (UL) amplification, and the AloT device’s UL transmission may be backscattered on a carrier wave (CW) provided externally.

[0056] The AloT device may have a large frequency shift, which may be feasible in terms of power consumption and device complexity. A large frequency shift in terms of image suppression and harmonics suppression may be relevant to device emission requirements and spectrum usage. Moreover, the complexity and power consumption may need to be considered to adequately achieve image suppression and harmonics suppression. However, the effectiveness of a large frequency shift may depend on the spectrum for receiver to device (R2D), carrier-wave to device (CW2D), and / or device to reader (D2R). The effectiveness of a large frequency shift may also depend on full duplex capability of the reader, whether the device is supported by a single reader, spectrum regulation / usage, frequency error, and / or coverage. Thus, certain example embodiments described herein may provide a dynamic configuration of the AloT D2R signal frequency shift.

[0057] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of AloT deployment scenarios. For instance, as illustrated in FIG. 1 , AloT devices may be deployed in a bi-static scenario (left) or a monostatic scenario (right). In the bi-static scenario, one 3GPP entity (e.g., activator 100) is activating the AloT device 105 (e.g., tag) via an R2D signal that address the AloT device 105, and the activator 100 is also providing a CW2D signal onto which the AloT device 105 reflects its D2R backscatter response signal received by another 3GPP entity (e.g., reader 110). Thus, in the bi-static scenario, one entity serves as the activation entity while another entity serves as the reader. Accordingly, the transmission of the activation signal is separate from reading the response signal.

[0058] When there is a CW2D signal that the AloT device 105 should modulate it’s reply onto has the same frequency as the D2R signal, then both CW2D and D2R backscatter reflection signals may arrive at the reader, and the reflection may be lower than the CW2D. As such, the CW2D signal may come in at a high level at the same frequency as the D2R response if it is simply modulating on or off, for instance, the reflection coefficient of the antenna of the AloT device to produce a bit pattern of its payload. In this case, the AloT device can frequency shift its D2R response versus the CW2D signal to create a frequency separation between the wanted reflection from the AloT device (the D2R signal) and the CW2D used to modulate the AloT device’s response, thereby maximizing the chance of successful reading of the D2R.

[0059] In the monostatic scenario, one 3GPP entity (e.g., activator / reader 115) activates the AloT device 120 via an R2D signal, and provides a CW2D signal onto which the AloT device 120 is reflecting its D2R backscatter response signal. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the D2R backscatter response from the AloT device 120 is received by the same 3GPP entity (e.g., activator / reader 115). In the monostatic scenario, the AloT device 120 may be associated with a reader 115 that can be fixed or mobile, and the reader 115 excite / activate the AloT device 120 via an RF activation signal (e.g., CW2D and / or R2D). The RF activation signal is detected by the AloT device 120 and charges the AloT device 120, causing the AloT device 120 to reply with a response. Some tags may have an active transmitter to respond, while others may simply backscatter (e.g., D2R) on top of the activation signal, which is later detected by the reader 115. In this context, the reader may also be the activator. In the monostatic scenario, the activator / reader 115 may have a duplex-type of communication, which enables the activator / reader 115 to transmit the activation signal while also receiving the response. As a result, complications may occur at the reader in a monostatic scenario. For example, if no frequency shift is applied by the AloT device, then the activation signal and response signal may be on a same frequency and, thus, the activator / reader may need to have full duplex capability (e.g., receiver has to support adequate self-interference cancellation).

[0060] As illustrated in FIG. 1, in the monostatic scenario, the R2D signal may be generated by the activator / reader 115, which may cause the AloT device 120 (e.g., tag) to wake up and send a reply. Although not illustrated in FIG. 1 , the monostatic scenario may also include a CW2D node, which may serve as the D2R backscatter signal RF carrier source in the system. The CW2D node may generate a signal that the AloT device 120 will backscatter onto with a modulation in a backscatter mode. As such, there may be a R2D signal, and the AloT device 120 may have a receiver that monitors for the R2D signal. The R2D signal may be broadcast, or may have a specific ID for the AloT device 120 which may enable the AloT device 120 to know that the D2R transmission is targeted for that specific AloT device. Once the signal is detected, the AloT device 120 maywake up and start modulating it’s backscatter reply at a certain point in time onto the CW generated by the activator / reader 115. Once the reader 115 receives the D2R reply carrying a payload from the AloT device 120, the reader 115 decodes the D2R reply. The payload may include just the ID for the identification of the AloT device, but it could also have additional payload data such as meter readout, etc.

[0061] In both the bi-static and monostatic scenarios, the activator 100, reader 110, and activator / reader 115, may include, but not limited to, for example, a gNB or user equipment (UE), or any such similar devices. The AloT device 105, 120 may be a tag such as, for example a radio-frequency identification (RFID) device.

[0062] For the devices illustrated in FIG. 1 , large frequency shifting may be used for system compliance to enhance performance, and to meet potential application requirements (e.g., wide backscatter bandwidth). By implementing large frequency shift, it may be possible to increase duplex spacing between CW2D / R2D and D2R signals which may allow the reader to avoid implementing in-band full duplex capability for monostatic scenarios. The large frequency shift may also result in additional benefits including, but not limited to, for example, reduced carrier interference at the reader, and providing an option for wide D2R bandwidth for applications that require it when large frequency shift is between R2D / CW2D signal and the D2R signal. As to the reduced carrier interference, reader dynamic range requirements may be relaxed by filtering around the frequency-shifted D2R signal.

[0063] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of an AloT large frequency shift double side band (DSB) response. For instance, FIG. 2 illustrates an example of an device frequency shifted response and potential associated problems of the large frequency shift. Since frequency shifting is a mixing operation with an intermediate frequency (IF) generating on the AloT device. The IF frequency may be generated by the AloT device to offset the modulated D2R response by fshift compared to the RF frequency of the CW2D signal. Thus, if the reflection coefficient is modulated with an IF frequency of X number of MHz, called fshift, then it will produce a reflection response at the shift offset of the incident RF carrier, which is the wanted signal, and also create an unwanted mirror signal. That is, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the reflection energy is split into upper and lower sidebands. The problem with his is that if fshift is large (e.g., several MHz), then this unwanted mirror can be outside the frequency band of the cell, and therefore it may now be subject to having to meet the general spurious emissions requirements.

[0064] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the D2R backscatter signal may feature two sidebands (DSB) around the CW2D center frequency, spaced by fshift where the unwanted side band is the D2R mirror. This mirror may result in out- of-channel emissions (interference), or spurious emissions when CW2D center frequency is close to the band edge, and overall DSB backscatter has reduced spectral efficiency compared to a single side band response signal.

[0065] Currently, 3GPP has not decided how to treat the AloT devices of the backscatter type because the backscatter type AloT devices are not performing active transmissions (e.g., they may not be seen as active transmitting UEs). Thus, the actual specifications needed may be outside the spurious general emission requirements. However, it may be understood that the devices with less than or equal to a few hundred W peak power consumption are not just backscattering onto an externally generated RF carrier from the CW. Instead, the devices can also produce a reflection gain and have a reflection gain amplifier on them to gain up the reflection by 10 to 15 dB versus the RF CW carrier. Thus, the devices may provide gains which may make them subject to active transmission emissions requirements compliance.

[0066] In one example, when an AloT device is in proximity of a CW2D signal source or activator operating at a center frequency fc(frequency division duplexing (FDD) bands, sub-1 GHz), and the AloT device utilizes a large frequency shifter to backscatter its modulated data at a frequency fc+fshift. An undesired mirror sideband at fc+fshift may appear an interfere with an adjacent band. The worst-case spurious emissions from the AloT device may occur when the AloT device and the CW node are in close proximity and, thus, the AloT device may backscatter at a very high power level (e.g., -10 dBm) at both wanted fc+fshift and at spurious fc-fshift. For operations below 1 GHz (low band FDD), the general spurious emissions limit may be -36 dBm / 100kHz.

[0067] In other example scenarios, the D2R backscatter signal may be a narrowband (e.g., 1 PRB - 180 kHz), or the D2R backscatter signal may occupy the whole FDD downlink (DL) or uplink (UL) channel (e.g., 35 MHz). When the D2R backscatter signal is a narrowband signal, -10 dBm of the total D2R power corresponds to -12.6 dBm / 100 kHz, which is 23.4 dB higher than the emissions limit of -36 dBm / 100 kHz. When the D2R backscatter signal occupies the whole FDD DL or UL channel, -10 dBm of the total D2R backscatter power corresponds to - 35.4 dBm / 100 kHz. In this scenario of the D2R backscatter signal occupying the whole FDD DL or UL channel, a few dB of the mirror suppression at fc-fshift would be sufficient.

[0068] The AloT device may provide some rejection of the mirror by design, but the resulting rejection may still not be sufficient for narrow bandwidth D2R, which may be sufficient to keep the out of band emissions under the limit in the wide bandwidth example. This may be true even if the AloT device supports D2R reflection gain, but not true for the narrow bandwidth example.

[0069] Although it has not yet been determined if UE protected bands emission requirements will be applicable for certain AloT devices, there may be harder requirements onto the rejection of the mirror that is particularly in wideband D2R responses. As such, it may be desirable to examine the feasibility of applying a dynamic frequency shift that may be gated by the deployment band, deployment frequency, CW2D signal strength, AloT D2R reflection gain, and bandwidth of the D2R response signal. Accordingly, dynamic configuration of the AloT D2R signal frequency shift may be needed.

[0070] As described herein, certain example embodiments may dynamically configure the D2R signal frequency shift in relation to at least the allocated bandwidth, carrier frequency, and CW2D signal strength. According to certain example embodiments, the AloT device may be requested to provide a capability request / report to a session control unit (SCU) (e.g., network) to provide a total frequency shift mirror power and / or total D2R power level. In certain example embodiments, the AloT device may perform a calculation / measurement of the total frequency shift mirror power, which may include the CW2D incident power level, and / or the D2R total power including any applied reflection gain. The AloT device may also report the calculation / measurement to the reader, and the report may be contained in a payload of the physical channel (AloT physical device to reader channel (PDRCH)), or the control part (if present) of the PDRCH.

[0071] In certain example embodiments, the reader may take measurements of both the D2R and the D2R mirror received power. Additionally, with the above AloT device reporting and the measurements of the D2R and the D2R mirror received power, the reader may calculate the AloT device referenced total frequency shift mirror power. In certain example embodiments, the report may be transferred by the reader to the SCU, and the SCU may use the report to optimize configurations of the D2R transmission by the AloT device. Additionally, the SCU may configure the D2R resources and non-D2R based on the received report. The SCU can balance the best way of configuring for being compliant with various emission limits and every other limit in terms of mirror suppression. The SCU may also adjust the shift frequency, and increase or decrease the bandwidth of the reflection since the higher the bandwidth of the D2R signal, the higher the current consumption on the AloT device.

[0072] According to certain example embodiments, 3GPP cell resource overhead and AloT device power consumption may be optimized for narrow bandwidth D2R backscatter responses at a zero frequency offset. When there are interference issues, the R2D / D2R reader may have / exhibit transmit and receive frequency constraints. Alternatively, it may be beneficial to apply a D2R frequency offset when there is a need for wider bandwidth D2R modulation. Thus, certain example embodiments may provide a network-controlled procedure for evaluating the lowest resource overhead and AloT device consumption D2R frequency shift. The network- controlled procedure may also evaluate the bandwidth configuration that fulfills the emissions limits at the configured D2R mirror shift frequency.

[0073] In certain example embodiments, for a given D2R payload, the AloT device may apply a minimum D2R bandwidth modulation supporting the payload, or the AloT device may apply a backscatter modulation with a wider bandwidth for the same payload. The AloT device may also measure / estimate one or more of a CW incident power level, a D2R backscatter signal total power (including any reflection gain), or a relative D2R mirror rejection at a configured shift frequency. In some example embodiments, the AloT device may report the totalmirror power level to the SCU via a D2R signal. In other example embodiments, when the reader measures the power level of both the D2R and the D2R mirror, the AloT device may report the total D2R backscatter signal power level.

[0074] FIG. 3 illustrates an example signal flow diagram, according to certain example embodiments. At 310, the SCU 300 requests the AloT device 304, via the R2D reader 302, to provide a total frequency shift mirror power capability report. At 312, the SCU 300 configures the D2R reader 308 to receive the capability reporting, and at 314, the SCU 300 also configures the CW2D node to provide the CW2D signal to the AloT device 304. At 316, the CW2D node 306 provides the CW2D signal to the AloT device 304, after which the AloT device 304 detects that the CW2D is here and starts modulating it's response. At 318, the AloT device 304 starts modulating its response and carries as payload data, the frequency shift mirror power capability reporting to the D2R reader 308. The AloT device 304 transmits the total frequency shift mirror power capability report to the D2R reader 308. That is, at 318, the AloT device 304 backscatters the D2R signal including the total frequency shift mirror power capability report to the D2R reader 308. In some example embodiments, the total frequency shift mirror power capability report may include one or more of the CW2D incident power level, the D2R total power including any applied reflection gain, and / or an estimate of D2R DSB mirror rejection for one or more frequency ranges.

[0075] At 320, the D2R reader 308 forwards the total frequency shift mirror power capability report to the SCU 300. At 322, the SCU 300, activates the AloT device 304 with a request for a wide or narrow bandwidth D2R signal at a frequency shift of (X) MHz. In some example embodiments, the SCU 300 may request a wide bandwidth to ensure emissions compliance; however, in subsequent activation sessions, if the report shows a good margin to emissions limits, the SCU 300 may request a reduced (e.g., narrower) bandwidth to save power. In other example embodiments, the SCU 300 may initiate an R2D signal to the AloT device 304 which can activate the AloT device 304. If the AloT device 304 is in a sleep / off mode, the AloT device 304 may be woken by the R2D signal, and then begin decoding the D2R signal payload. The payload may include, for example, the SCU 300 requests for backscatter D2R transmission at the requested bandwidth and frequency shift. According to certain example embodiments, the activation may be based on the total frequency shift mirror power capability report, the SCU 300 may also request the AloT device 304 to provide the total mirror power. According to certain example embodiments, the wide bandwidth is used first because the level of the mirror is unknown since there is no information on where the CW generator is located, and the incident CW2D signal RF power at the AloT device 304 is unknown. Thus, the absolute power, at the AloT device, of the mirror frequency or the D2R are unknown. According to certain example embodiments, the wide bandwidth D2R may be the widest D2R bandwidth modulation supported at the selected frequency to ensure emission specification compliance. In certain example embodiments, the frequency shift may be selected to mitigate interference and / or may be selected for convenient R2D / D2R duplex offset versus capability of the selected R2D and D2R reader(s).

[0076] At 324, the SCU 300 configures the D2R reader 308 to timely receive the AloT device 304 backscatter response. At 326, the SCU 300 also triggers the CW2D node 306 to generate and transmit a carrier wave for the AloT device 304 to backscatter the response. At 328, the CW2D node 306 transmits a CW2D signal to the AloT device 304 in response to the trigger received from the SCU 300. At 330, upon detecting the CW2D, the AloT device 304 measures or estimates the CW2D incident power level, the D2R total power including any applied reflection gain, and / or the relative D2R DSB mirror rejection at the requested shift frequency. In certain example embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 2, for example, if D2R is at CW2D + shift frequency, then the D2R mirror is at CW2D - shift frequency, and vice versa.

[0077] At 332, the AloT device 304 calculates the total power at the D2R mirror frequency based on the measurements / estimates from 330. At 334, the AloT device 304 reports the total mirror power to the D2R reader 308 via the D2R backscatter signal. In certain example embodiments, the total mirror power report may include measurements and / or estimates. At 336, the D2R reader 308 forwards the total mirror power report to the SCU 300. At 338, based on the total mirror power level reported, the SCU 300 evaluates if a D2R bandwidth reduction is feasible considering the spurious emissions requirements for the mirror frequency. If the SCU 300 determines that D2R bandwidth reduction is feasible the SCU 300 may reduce the D2R bandwidth in a next AloT device activation, switch the AloT device 300 communication to a different frequency, and / or request a different D2R frequency shift for which the spurious emissions requirement is relaxed on the potential expense of higher interference levels. At 340, the SCU 300 updates, based on the assessment at 338, the configuration of the D2R in a next AloT communication session.

[0078] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of another signal flow diagram, according to certain example embodiments. As illustrated in FIG. 4, operations 410-422, 432, and 436-440 are similar to operations 310-322, 334, and 336- 340 of FIG. 3. Thus, the description of 310-322, 334, and 336-340 of FIG. 3 may be applicable to operations 410-422, 432, and 436-440.

[0079] At 424, the SCU 400 configures the D2R reader 408 to receive the AloT device 404 D2R backscatter response and the mirror of the AloT device 404 backscatter response. At 430, upon detecting the CW2D signal, the AloT device 404 measures or estimates the CW2D incident power level, and the D2R total power including any applied reflection gain. At 434, the D2R reader 408 measures received power for both the D2R and the D2R mirror signals. Based on the difference between the D2R / D2R mirror power and the AloT reported total D2R power level at the AloT device 404, the D2R reader 408 calculates the total mirror power.

[0080] In certain example embodiments, during operation 434, the D2R reader 408 may also calculate or estimate the D2R DSB mirror rejection from the D2R power level and the D2R mirror power level. Additionally, at operation 436, the D2R reader 408 may report the estimated DSB mirror rejection from operation 434. In otherexample embodiments, at operation 440, the SCU 400 may also update the AloT device 404 configuration to store the estimated DSB mirror rejection from operation 434. With these additional example embodiments, the AloT device may obtain knowledge of expected DSB mirror rejection, and future sessions may follow the signaling flow of FIG. 3.

[0081] According to certain example embodiments, as a complement to operations 338 in FIG. 3 and operation 438 in FIG. 4, upon receiving the report from the D2R reader, the SCU may also be responsible for the scheduling of resources (e.g., taking the role of a g NB). For instance, the SCU may create buffer zone around the future D2R transmissions (e.g., by not allocating the impacted resources to any other transmission), and allocate to the D2R transmission resources where the spurious emissions will not impact the other users (e.g., users near the active bandwidth guard bands). In other example embodiments, when the SCU is not responsible for the resource scheduling (e.g., SCU is either another UE or any entity in the core network), the SCU may inform the serving gNB that the resources around the D2R transmission may be disrupted by spurious emissions.

[0082] FIG. 5 illustrates an example flow diagram of a method, according to certain example embodiments. In an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 5 may be performed by a network entity, or a group of multiple network elements in a 3GPP system, such as LTE or 5G-NR. For instance, in an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 5 may be performed by an AloT device, similar to one of apparatuses 10 or 20 illustrated in FIG. 11.

[0083] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the method may include, at 500, activating an ambient Internet of things device for at least one of a request for a wide or narrow bandwidth device to reader at a predefined frequency shift relative to a frequency of a carrier-wave to device, or a request for a power report. The method may also include, at 505, measuring or estimating at least one of a carrier-wave to device incident power level, a device to reader total power including any applied reflection gain, or a relative device to reader double side band mirror rejection at a shift frequency. The method may further include, at 520, transmitting the power report to a device to reader apparatus.

[0084] According to certain example embodiments, the method may also include receiving, from a network element, a request to provide a capability report. According to some example embodiments, the method may further include transmitting, to the device to reader apparatus, the capability report. According to other example embodiments, the capability report may include at least one of a carrier-wave to device incident power level, a device to reader total power level including an applied reflection gain amount, or an estimate of a device to reader double side band mirror rejection for one or more frequency ranges.

[0085] In certain example embodiments, the method may also include backscattering, a device to reader signal carrying as payload the capability report or the power report to a device to reader apparatus. In some exampleembodiments, the backscatter is in response to at least one of a capability request received from the network element, or the activation of the ambient Internet of things device. In other example embodiments, the receiving is in response to at least one of a capability request received from the network element the activation of the ambient Internet of things device. In certain example embodiments, the method may also include determining a total power at a device to reader mirror frequency based on the estimate of the carrier-wave to device incident power level, the device to reader total power, or the relative device to reader double side band mirror rejection at the shift frequency.

[0086] FIG. 6 illustrates an example flow diagram of a method, according to certain example embodiments. In an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 6 may be performed by a network entity, or a group of multiple network elements in a 3GPP system, such as LTE or 5G-NR. For instance, in an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 6 may be performed by a D2R reader, similar to one of apparatuses 10 or 20 illustrated in FIG. 11.

[0087] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the method may include, at 600, receiving a report of a total power via a backscattering device to reader. The method may also include, at 605, forwarding the power report of the total power to a network element.

[0088] According to certain example embodiments, the method may also include receiving, from the network element, a configuration to receive an ambient Internet of things device backscatter response, or receiving, from the ambient Internet of things device, a backscattering device to reader signal. According to certain example embodiments, the backscattering device to reader signal may include at least one of a capability report or the report of the total power. According to other example embodiments, the capability report comprises at least one of a carrier-wave to device incident power level, a device to reader total power level comprising an applied reflection gain amount, or an estimate of a device to reader double side band mirror rejection for one or more frequency ranges.

[0089] FIG. 7 illustrates an example flow diagram of a further method, according to certain example embodiments. In an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 7 may be performed by a network entity, or a group of multiple network elements in a 3GPP system, such as LTE or 5G-NR. For instance, in an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 7 may be performed by a SCU, similar to one of apparatuses 10 or 20 illustrated in FIG. 11.

[0090] As illustrated in FIG. 7, the method may include, at 700, activating an ambient Internet of things device with at least one of a request for a power report or a request for a wide or narrow bandwidth device to reader at a predefined frequency shift relative to a frequency of a carrier-wave to device. The method may also include, at 705, receiving a power report from a device to reader apparatus. The method may further include, at 710,determining whether to configure or update a configuration of the device to reader apparatus. The method may also include, at 715, configuring or update the configuration of the device to reader apparatus based on the determination.

[0091] According to certain example embodiments, when the configuration of the device to reader apparatus is configured or updated, the method may also include performing at least one of adjusting a device to reader bandwidth based on the power report, reselecting a carrier-wave to device frequency, or reselecting a device to reader frequency shift relative to a frequency of a carrier-wave to device. According to some example embodiments, the frequency shift may include a shift for interference mitigation or a duplex offset between a reader to device apparatus and the device to reader apparatus versus a capability of a selected reader to device apparatus and device to reader apparatus. According to other example embodiments, the method may also include requesting an ambient Internet of things device to provide a capability report. According to further example embodiments, the method may further include receiving the capability report from the device to reader apparatus.

[0092] In certain example embodiments, the capability report comprises at least one of a carrier-wave to device incident power level, a device to reader total power level comprising an applied reflection gain amount, or an estimate of a device to reader double side band mirror rejection for one or more frequency ranges. In some example embodiments, when determining whether to configure or update the configuration of the device to reader apparatus, the method may further include at least one of considering a spurious emissions requirement for a mirror frequency, switching a communication of the ambient Internet of things device to a different frequency, requesting a different device to reader frequency shift, or adjusting a device to reader bandwidth.

[0093] According to certain example embodiments, the method may also include configuring the device to reader apparatus with a configuration to receive a backscatter response from the ambient Internet of things device. According to some example embodiments, the backscatter response may include the capability report or the power report. According to other example embodiments, the configuration to receive the backscatter response from the ambient Internet of things device comprises at least one of performing the backscatter in response to the request to provide the capability report, or performing the backscatter in response to the activation of the ambient Internet of things device.

[0094] In certain example embodiments, the method may also include configuring the device to reader apparatus to receive the capability report from the ambient Internet of things, or configuring the device to reader apparatus to receive the power report from the ambient Internet of things device. In some example embodiments, the method may further include triggering a carrier-wave node to generate a carrier-wave for the backscatter response from the ambient Internet of things device. In other example embodiments, upon receiving the powerreport, the method may further include creating a buffer zone around a future device to reader transmission by refraining to allocate impacted resources to another transmission, and allocating to a device to reader transmission a resource where a spurious emission does not impact a user near an active bandwidth guard band. In further example embodiments, upon receiving the power report, the method may also include informing a network element that resources around a device to reader transmission can be disrupted by spurious emissions.

[0095] FIG. 8 illustrates an example flow diagram of a further method, according to certain example embodiments. In an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 8 may be performed by a network entity, or a group of multiple network elements in a 3GPP system, such as LTE or 5G-NR. For instance, in an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 8 may be performed by a AloT, similar to one of apparatuses 10 or 20 illustrated in FIG. 11.

[0096] As illustrated in FIG. 8, the method may include, at 800, activating an ambient Internet of things device for at least one of a request for a wide or narrow bandwidth device to reader at a predefined frequency shift relative to a frequence of a carrier-wave to device or a request for a first power report. The method may also include, at 805, measuring or estimating at least one of a carrier-wave to device incident power level, or a device to reader total power including any applied reflection gain. The method may further include, at 810, transmitting a second power report to a device to reader apparatus.

[0097] According to certain example embodiments, the method may also include receiving, from a network element, a request to provide a capability report, and transmitting, to the device to reader apparatus, the capability report. According to some example embodiments, the capability report comprises at least one of a carrier-wave to device incident power level, or a device to reader total power level comprising an applied reflection gain amount. According to other example embodiments, the method may also include backscattering, a device to reader signal carrying as payload the capability report or the power report to the device to reader apparatus.

[0098] In certain example embodiments, the backscattering is in response to at least one of a capability request received from the network element, the activation of the ambient Internet of things device. In some example embodiments, the receiving is in response to at least one of a capability request received from the network element, or the activation of the ambient Internet of things device.

[0099] FIG. 9 illustrates an example flow diagram of a further method, according to certain example embodiments. In an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 9 may be performed by a network entity, or a group of multiple network elements in a 3GPP system, such as LTE or 5G-NR. For instance, in an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 9 may be performed by a D2R reader, similar to one of apparatuses 10 or 20 illustrated in FIG. 11 .

[0100] As illustrated in FIG. 9, the method may include, at 900, receiving a report of a total device to reader power via a backscattering device to reader signal. The method may also include, at 905, measuring or estimating at least one of a device to reader power level or a device to reader mirror power level, based on at least one of the report of the total device to reader power, a difference between the device to reader power level and the device to reader mirror power level or a reported calculated total mirror power from an ambient Internet of things device. The method may further include, at 910, transmitting a power report to a network element.[O1O1] According to certain example embodiments, the method may also include receiving, from the network element, a configuration to receive an ambient Internet of things device backscatter response, or receiving, from the ambient Internet of things device, the backscattering device to reader signal. According to some example embodiments, the backscattering device to reader signal may include at least one of a capability report or the report of the total device to reader power. According to other example embodiments, the power report may be transmitted to the network element based on measuring the device to reader power level or the device to reader mirror power level. According to further example embodiments, the capability report may include at least one of a carrier-wave to device incident power level, a device to reader total power level comprising an applied reflection gain amount, or an estimate of a device to reader double side band mirror rejection for one or more frequency ranges.

[0102] FIG. 10 illustrates an example flow diagram of a further method, according to certain example embodiments. In an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 10 may be performed by a network entity, or a group of multiple network elements in a 3GPP system, such as LTE or 5G-NR. For instance, in an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 10 may be performed by a SCU, similar to one of apparatuses 10 or 20 illustrated in FIG. 11 .

[0103] As illustrated in FIG. 10, the method may include, at 1000, activating, an ambient Internet of things device with at least one of a request for a wide or narrow bandwidth device to reader at a predefined frequency shift relative to a frequency of a carrier-wave to device or a request for a power report. The method may also include, at 1005, receiving a power report from a device to reader apparatus. The method may further include, at 1010, determining whether to configure or update a configuration of the device to reader apparatus based on the power report. The method also include, at 1015, configuring or updating the configuration of the device to reader apparatus based on the determination.

[0104] According to certain example embodiments, the method may also include performing at least one of adjusting a device to reader bandwidth based on the power report, reselecting a carrier-wave to device frequency, or reselecting a carrier-wave to device frequency shift. According to some example embodiments, the method may also include requesting an ambient Internet of things device to provide a capability report, and receiving the1 capability report from the device to reader apparatus. According to other example embodiments, the capability report comprises at least one of a carrier-wave to device incident power level, a device to reader total power level comprising an applied reflection gain amount, or an estimate of a device to reader double side band mirror rejection for one or more frequency ranges.

[0105] In certain example embodiments, when determining whether to configure or update the configuration of the device to reader apparatus, the method may further include considering a spurious emissions requirement for a mirror frequency, switching a communication of the ambient Internet of things device to a different frequency, requesting a different device to reader frequency shift, or adjusting a device to reader bandwidth. In some example embodiments, the method may also include configuring the device to reader apparatus with a configuration to receive a backscatter response from the ambient Internet of things device. In other example embodiments, the backscatter response may include the capability report or the power report.

[0106] According to certain example embodiments, the method may also include configuring the device to reader apparatus to receive the capability report from the ambient Internet of things device, or configuring the device to reader apparatus to receive the power report from the ambient Internet of things device. According to some example embodiments, the method may also include triggering a carrier-wave node to generate a carrierwave for the backscatter response from the ambient Internet of things device. According to other example embodiments, upon receiving the power report, the method may also include creating a buffer zone around a future device to reader transmission by refraining to allocate impacted resources to another transmission, and allocating to a device to reader transmission a resource where a spurious emission does not impact a user near an active bandwidth guard band.

[0107] In certain example embodiments, upon receiving the power report, the method may also include informing a network element that resources around a device to reader transmission can be disrupted by spurious emissions. In some example embodiments, the method may further include receiving, from the device to reader apparatus, a report of an estimated double side band mirror rejection. In other example embodiments, the method may also include updating a configuration of the ambient Internet of things device to store the estimated double side band mirror rejection.

[0108] FIG. 11 illustrates a set of apparatuses 10 and 20 according to certain example embodiments. In certain example embodiments, apparatuses 10 and 20 may be elements in a communications network or associated with such a network. For example, apparatus 10 may be a UE, or other similar radio communication computer device, and apparatus 20 may be a BS, gNB, LMF, network, or other similar computing device.

[0109] In some example embodiments, apparatuses 10 and 20 may include one or more processors, one or more computer-readable storage medium (for example, memory, storage, or the like), one or more radio accesscomponents (for example, a modem, a transceiver, or the like), and / or a user interface. In some example embodiments, apparatuses 10 and 20 may be configured to operate using one or more radio access technologies, such as GSM, LTE, LTE-A, NR, 5G, WLAN, WiFi, NB-loT, Bluetooth, NFC, MulteFire, and / or any other radio access technologies. It should be noted that one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that apparatuses 10 and 20 may include components or features not shown in FIG. 11.

[0110] As illustrated in the example of FIG. 10, apparatuses 10 and 20 may include or be coupled to a processor 12 and 22 for processing information and executing instructions or operations. Processors 12 and 22 may be any type of general or specific purpose processor. In fact, processors 12 and 22 may include one or more of general-purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, DSPs, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and processors based on a multi-core processor architecture, as examples. While a single processor 12 and 22 is shown in FIG. 11 , multiple processors may be utilized according to other example embodiments. For example, it should be understood that, in certain example embodiments, apparatuses 10 and 20 may include two or more processors that may form a multiprocessor system (e.g., in this case processors 12 may represent a multiprocessor) that may support multiprocessing. According to certain example embodiments, the multiprocessor system may be tightly coupled or loosely coupled (e.g., to form a computer cluster).[Olli] Processors 12 and 22 may perform functions associated with the operation of apparatuses 10 and 20 including, as some examples, precoding of antenna gain / phase parameters, encoding and decoding of individual bits forming a communication message, formatting of information, and overall control of the apparatuses 10 and 20, including processes and examples illustrated in FIGs. 1-10.

[0112] Apparatuses 10 and 20 may further include or be coupled to a memories 14 and 24 (internal or external), which may be respectively coupled to processors 12 and 24 for storing information and instructions that may be executed by processors 12 and 24. Memories 14 and 24 may be one or more memories and of any type suitable to the local application environment, and may be implemented using any suitable volatile or nonvolatile data storage technology such as a semiconductor-based memory device, a magnetic memory device and system, an optical memory device and system, fixed memory, and / or removable memory. For example, memories 14 and 24 can be comprised of any combination of random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), static storage such as a magnetic or optical disk, hard disk drive (HDD), or any other type of non-transitory machine or computer readable media. The instructions stored in memories 14 and 24 may include program instructions or computer program code that, when executed by processors 12 and 22, enable the apparatuses 10 and 20 to perform tasks as described herein.

[0113] In certain example embodiments, apparatuses 10 and 20 may further include or be coupled to (internalor external) a drive or port that is configured to accept and read an external computer readable storage medium, such as an optical disc, USB drive, flash drive, or any other storage medium. For example, the external computer readable storage medium may store a computer program or software for execution by processors 12 and 22 and / or apparatuses 10 and 20 to perform any of the methods and examples illustrated in FIGs. 1-10.

[0114] In some example embodiments, apparatuses 10 and 20 may also include or be coupled to one or more antennas 15 and 25 for receiving a downlink signal and for transmitting via an UL from apparatuses 10 and 20. Apparatuses 10 and 20 may further include a transceivers 18 and 28 configured to transmit and receive information. The transceivers 18 and 28 may also include a radio interface (e.g., a modem) coupled to the antennas 15 and 25. The radio interface may correspond to a plurality of radio access technologies including one or more of GSM, LTE, LTE-A, 5G, NR, WLAN, NB-loT, Bluetooth, BT-LE, NFC, RFID, UWB, and the like. The radio interface may include other components, such as filters, converters (for example, digital-to-analog converters and the like), symbol demappers, signal shaping components, an Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT) module, and the like, to process symbols, such as OFDMA symbols, carried by a downlink or an UL.

[0115] For instance, transceivers 18 and 28 may be configured to modulate information on to a carrier waveform for transmission by the antennas 15 and 25 and demodulate information received via the antenna 15 and 25 for further processing by other elements of apparatuses 10 and 20. In other example embodiments, transceivers 18 and 28 may be capable of transmitting and receiving signals or data directly. Additionally or alternatively, in some example embodiments, apparatus 10 may include an input and / or output device (I / O device). In certain example embodiments, apparatuses 10 and 20 may further include a user interface, such as a graphical user interface or touchscreen.

[0116] In certain example embodiments, memories 14 and 34 store software modules that provide functionality when executed by processors 12 and 22. The modules may include, for example, an operating system that provides operating system functionality for apparatuses 10 and 20. The memory may also store one or more functional modules, such as an application or program, to provide additional functionality for apparatuses 10 and 20. The components of apparatuses 10 and 20 may be implemented in hardware, or as any suitable combination of hardware and software. According to certain example embodiments, apparatuses 10 and 20 may optionally be configured to communicate each other (in any combination) via a wireless or wired communication links 70 according to any radio access technology, such as NR.

[0117] According to certain example embodiments, processors 12 and 22 and memories 14 and 24 may be included in or may form a part of processing circuitry or control circuitry. In addition, in some example embodiments, transceivers 18 and 28 may be included in or may form a part of transceiving circuitry.

[0118] For instance, in certain example embodiments, apparatus 10 may be controlled by memory 14 andprocessor 12 to activate the apparatus for at least one of a request for a wide or narrow bandwidth device to reader at a predefined frequency shift relative to a frequency of a carrier-wave to device, or a request for a power report. Apparatus 10 may also be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to measure or estimate at least one of a carrier-wave to device incident power level, a device to reader total power including any applied reflection gain, or a relative device to reader double side band mirror rejection at a shift frequency. Apparatus 10 may further be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to transmit the power report to a device to reader apparatus.

[0119] In other example embodiments, apparatus 10 may be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to receive a report of a total power via a backscattering device to reader. Apparatus 10 may also be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to forward the power report of the total power to a network element.

[0120] In other example embodiments, apparatus 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to activate an ambient Internet of things device with at least one of a request for a power report or a request for a wide or narrow bandwidth device to reader at a predefined frequency shift relative to a frequency of a carrierwave to device. Apparatus 20 may also be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to receive a power report from a device to reader apparatus. Apparatus 20 may further be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to determine whether to configure or update a configuration of the device to reader apparatus. Apparatus 20 may also be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to configure or update the configuration of the device to reader apparatus based on the determination.

[0121] In other example embodiments, apparatus 10 may be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to activate the apparatus for at least one of a request for a wide or narrow bandwidth device to reader at a predefined frequency shift relative to a frequence of a carrier-wave to device or a request for a first power report. Apparatus 10 may also be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to measure or estimate at least one of a carrier-wave to device incident power level, or a device to reader total power including any applied reflection gain. Apparatus 10 may further be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to transmit a second power report to a device to reader apparatus.

[0122] In other example embodiments, apparatus 10 may be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to receive a report of a total device to reader power via a backscattering device to reader signal. Apparatus 10 may also be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to measure or estimate at least one of a device to reader power level or a device to reader mirror power level, based on at least one of the report of the total device to reader power, a difference between the device to reader power level and the device to reader mirror power level or a reported calculated total mirror power from an ambient Internet of things device. Apparatus 10 may further be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to transmit a power report to a network element.

[0123] In other example embodiments, apparatus 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 toactivate, an ambient Internet of things device with at least one of a request for a wide or narrow bandwidth device to reader at a predefined frequency shift relative to a frequency of a carrier-wave to device or a request for a power report. Apparatus 20 may also be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to receive a power report from a device to reader apparatus. Apparatus 20 may further be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to determine whether to configure or update a configuration of the device to reader apparatus based on the power report. Apparatus 20 may also be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to configure or update the configuration of the device to reader apparatus based on the determination .

[0124] In some example embodiments, an apparatus (e.g., apparatus 10 and / or apparatus 20) may include means for performing a method, a process, or any of the variants discussed herein. Examples of the means may include one or more processors, memory, controllers, transmitters, receivers, and / or computer program code for causing the performance of the operations.

[0125] Certain example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that includes means for performing any of the methods described herein including, for example, means for activating the apparatus for at least one of a request for a wide or narrow bandwidth device to reader at a predefined frequency shift relative to a frequency of a carrier-wave to device, or a request for a power report. The apparatus may also include means for measuring or estimating at least one of a carrier-wave to device incident power level, a device to reader total power including any applied reflection gain, or a relative device to reader double side band mirror rejection at a shift frequency. The apparatus may further include means for transmitting the power report to a device to reader apparatus.

[0126] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that includes means for performing any of the methods described herein including, for example, means for receiving a report of a total power via a backscattering device to reader. The apparatus may also include means for forwarding the power report of the total power to a network element.

[0127] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that includes means for performing any of the methods described herein including, for example, means for activating an ambient Internet of things device with at least one of a request for a power report or a request for a wide or narrow bandwidth device to reader at a predefined frequency shift relative to a frequency of a carrier-wave to device. The apparatus may also include means for receiving a power report from a device to reader apparatus. The apparatus may further include means for determining whether to configure or update a configuration of the device to reader apparatus. The apparatus may also include means for configuring or updating the configuration of the device to reader apparatus based on the determination.

[0128] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that includes means for performing any of the methods described herein including, for example, means for activating the apparatus for at least one of aZ1 request for a wide or narrow bandwidth device to reader at a predefined frequency shift relative to a frequence of a carrier-wave to device or a request for a first power report. The apparatus may also include means for measuring or estimating at least one of a carrier-wave to device incident power level, or a device to reader total power including any applied reflection gain. The apparatus may further include means for transmitting a second power report to a device to reader apparatus.

[0129] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that includes means for performing any of the methods described herein including, for example, means for receiving a report of a total device to reader power via a backscattering device to reader signal. The apparatus may also include means for measuring or estimating at least one of a device to reader power level or a device to reader mirror power level, based on at least one of the report of the total device to reader power, a difference between the device to reader power level and the device to reader mirror power level or a reported calculated total mirror power from an ambient Internet of things device. The apparatus may further include means for transmitting a power report to a network element.

[0130] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that includes means for performing any of the methods described herein including, for example, means for activating, an ambient Internet of things device with at least one of a request for a wide or narrow bandwidth device to reader at a predefined frequency shift relative to a frequency of a carrier-wave to device or a request for a power report. The apparatus may also include means for receiving a power report from a device to reader apparatus. The apparatus may further include means for determining whether to configure or update a configuration of the device to reader apparatus based on the power report. The apparatus may further include means for configuring or updating the configuration of the device to reader apparatus based on the determination.

[0131] Certain example embodiments described herein provide several technical improvements, enhancements, and / or advantages. For instance, in some example embodiments, it may be possible to optimize 3GPP cell resource overhead and AloT device power consumption for narrow bandwidth D2R backscatter response at a zero frequency offset. In cases of interference issues and / or R2D / D2R reader transmit and receive frequency constraints, it may be possible to apply D2R frequency offset and potentially wider bandwidth D2R modulation. Other example embodiments may provide a network-controlled procedure for evaluating the lowest resource overhead and AloT device power consumption D2R frequency shift and bandwidth configuration that fulfills the emissions limits at the configured D2R mirror shift frequency.

[0132] According to other example embodiments, it may be possible to enable network controlled dynamic reconfiguration to ensure a lowest AloT power consumption, and D2R reader interference while meeting emissions limits. According to certain example embodiments, the reconfiguration may be useful in mobility scenarios (e.g., semi-static) where a level of the CW2D signal at the AloT device may vary over time and, thus,the D2R mirror margin to the emissions limits may vary.

[0133] A computer program product may include one or more computer-executable components which, when the program is run, are configured to carry out some example embodiments. The one or more computerexecutable components may be at least one software code or portions of it. Modifications and configurations required for implementing functionality of certain example embodiments may be performed as routine(s), which may be implemented as added or updated software routine(s). Software routine(s) may be downloaded into the apparatus.

[0134] As an example, software or a computer program code or portions of it may be in a source code form, object code form, or in some intermediate form, and it may be stored in some sort of carrier, distribution medium, or computer readable medium, which may be any entity or device capable of carrying the program. Such carriers may include a record medium, computer memory, read-only memory, photoelectrical and / or electrical carrier signal, telecommunications signal, and software distribution package, for example. Depending on the processing power needed, the computer program may be executed in a single electronic digital computer or it may be distributed amongst a number of computers. The computer readable medium or computer readable storage medium may be a non-transitory medium.

[0135] In other example embodiments, the functionality may be performed by hardware or circuitry included in an apparatus (e.g., apparatus 10 or apparatus 20), for example through the use of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable gate array (PGA), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or any other combination of hardware and software. In yet another example embodiment, the functionality may be implemented as a signal, a non-tangible means that can be carried by an electromagnetic signal downloaded from the Internet or other network.

[0136] According to certain example embodiments, an apparatus, such as a node, device, or a corresponding component, may be configured as circuitry, a computer or a microprocessor, such as single-chip computer element, or as a chipset, including at least a memory for providing storage capacity used for arithmetic operation and an operation processor for executing the arithmetic operation.

[0137] One having ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that the disclosure as discussed above may be practiced with procedures in a different order, and / or with hardware elements in configurations which are different than those which are disclosed. Therefore, although the disclosure has been described based upon these example embodiments, it would be apparent to those of skill in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative constructions would be apparent, while remaining within the spirit and scope of example embodiments. Although the above embodiments refer to 5G NR and LTE technology, the above embodiments may also apply to any other present or future 3GPP technology, such as LTE-advanced, and / or fourth generation(4G) technology.

[0138] Partial Glossary

[0139] 3GPP 3rd Generation Partnership Project

[0140] 5G 5th Generation

[0141] 5GCN 5G Core Network

[0142] 5GS 5G System

[0143] Al Artificial Intelligence

[0144] BS Base Station

[0145] DL Downlink

[0146] eNB Enhanced Node B

[0147] E-UTRAN Evolved UTRAN

[0148] gNB 5G or Next Generation NodeB

[0149] LTE Long Term Evolution

[0150] LMF Location Management Function

[0151] ML Machine Learning

[0152] NN Neural Network

[0153] NR New Radio

[0154] UE User Equipment

[0155] UL Uplink

Claims

CLAIMS1. An apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: activate the apparatus for at least one of a request for a wide or narrow bandwidth device to reader at a predefined frequency shift relative to a frequency of a carrier-wave to device, or a request for a power report; measure or estimate at least one of a carrier-wave to device incident power level, a device to reader total power including any applied reflection gain, or a relative device to reader double side band mirror rejection at a shift frequency; and transmit the power report to a device to reader apparatus.

2. The apparatus, according to claim 1 wherein the at least one memory stores instructions that when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus at least to: receive, from a network element, a request to provide a capability report; transmit, to the device to reader apparatus, the capability report.

3. The apparatus according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the capability report comprises at least one of the following: a carrier-wave to device incident power level, a device to reader total power level comprising an applied reflection gain amount, or an estimate of a device to reader double side band mirror rejection for one or more frequency ranges.

4. The apparatus according to any of claims 1-3, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions that when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus at least to: backscatter, a device to reader signal carrying as payload the capability report or the power report to a device to reader apparatus.

5. The apparatus according to any of claims 1-4, wherein the backscatter is in response to at least one of the following: a capability request received from the network element, or the activation of the apparatus.

6. The apparatus according to any of claims 1-5, wherein the receiving is in response to at least one of the following: a capability request received from the network element, or the activation of the apparatus.

7. The apparatus according to any of claims 1-6, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions that when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus at least to: determine a total power at a device to reader mirror frequency based on the estimate of the carrier-wave to device incident power level, the device to reader total power, or the relative device to reader double side band mirror rejection at the shift frequency.

8. An apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: receive a report of a total power via a backscattering device to reader; and forward the power report of the total power to a network element.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions that when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus at least to: receive, from the network element, a configuration to receive an ambient Internet of things device backscatter response, or receive, from the ambient Internet of things device, a backscattering device to reader signal, wherein the backscattering device to reader signal comprises at least one of a capability report or the report of the total power.

10. The apparatus according to claims 8 or 9, wherein the capability report comprises at least one of the following: a carrier-wave to device incident power level, a device to reader total power level comprising an applied reflection gain amount, or an estimate of a device to reader double side band mirror rejection for one or more frequency ranges.

11. An apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: activate an ambient Internet of things device with at least one of a request for a power report or a request for a wide or narrow bandwidth device to reader at a predefined frequency shift relative to a frequency of a carrierwave to device; receive a power report from a device to reader apparatus; determine whether to configure or update a configuration of the device to reader apparatus; and configure or update the configuration of the device to reader apparatus based on the determination.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein the at least one memory stores instructions that when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus at least to, when the configuration of the device to reader apparatus is configured or updated: perform at least one of the following: adjusting a device to reader bandwidth based on the power report, reselecting a carrier-wave to device frequency, or reselecting a device to reader frequency shift relative to a frequency of a carrier-wave to device.

13. The apparatus according to claims 1 1 or 12, wherein the frequency shift comprises a shift for interference mitigation or a duplex offset between a reader to device apparatus and the device to reader apparatus versus a capability of a selected reader to device apparatus and device to reader apparatus.

14. The apparatus according to any of claims 11-13, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions that when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus at least to: request an ambient Internet of things device to provide a capability report; and receive the capability report from the device to reader apparatus.

15. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the capability report comprises at least one of the following: a carrier-wave to device incident power level, a device to reader total power level comprising an applied reflection gain amount, or an estimate of a device to reader double side band mirror rejection for one or more frequency ranges.

16. The apparatus according to any of claims 11-15, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions that when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus at least to perform at least one of the following, when determining whether to configure or update the configuration of the device to reader apparatus: consider a spurious emissions requirement for a mirror frequency, switch a communication of the ambient Internet of things device to a different frequency, request a different device to reader frequency shift, or adjust a device to reader bandwidth.

17. The apparatus according to any of claims 11-16, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions that when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus at least to: configure the device to reader apparatus with a configuration to receive a backscatter response from the ambient Internet of things device, wherein the backscatter response comprises the capability report or the power report.

18. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the configuration to receive the backscatter response from the ambient Internet of things device comprises at least one of the following: performing the backscatter in response to the request to provide the capability report, or performing the backscatter in response to the activation of the ambient Internet of things device.

19. The apparatus according to any of claims 11-18, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions that when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus at least to: configure the device to reader apparatus to receive the capability report from the ambient Internet of things, or configure the device to reader apparatus to receive the power report from the ambient Internet of things device.

20. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions that when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus at least to: trigger a carrier-wave node to generate a carrier-wave for the backscatter response from the ambient Internet of things device.21 . The apparatus according to any of claims 11-20, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions that when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus at least to, upon receiving the power report: create a buffer zone around a future device to reader transmission by refraining to allocate impacted resources to another transmission; and allocate to a device to reader transmission a resource where a spurious emission does not impact a user near an active bandwidth guard band.

22. The apparatus according to any of claims 11-20, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions that when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus at least to, upon receiving the power report: inform a network element that resources around a device to reader transmission can be disrupted by spurious emissions.

23. A method, comprising: activating an ambient Internet of things device for at least one of a request for a wide or narrow bandwidth device to reader at a predefined frequency shift relative to a frequency of a carrier-wave to device, or a request for a power report; measuring or estimating at least one of a carrier-wave to device incident power level, a device to reader total power including any applied reflection gain, or a relative device to reader double side band mirror rejection at a shift frequency; and transmitting the power report to a device to reader apparatus.

24. A method, comprising: receiving a report of a total power via a backscattering device to reader; and forwarding the power report of the total power to a network element.

25. A method, comprising: activating an ambient Internet of things device with at least one of a request for a power report or a request for a wide or narrow bandwidth device to reader at a predefined frequency shift relative to a frequency of a carrier-wave to device;receiving a power report from a device to reader apparatus; determining whether to configure or update a configuration of the device to reader apparatus; and configuring or updating the configuration of the device to reader apparatus based on the determination.

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