Methods and apparatus for ambient IoT data collection

Abstract

Embodiments herein disclose a method performed by a first apparatus. The method comprises receiving, from a second apparatus, a configuration for data buffering functionality, wherein the configuration comprises an indicator enabling the first apparatus to buffer data collected from a third apparatus. The configuration comprises at least one of: a service identity and a session identity, that identifies a transaction in which the first apparatus collects the data from the third apparatus; or an identifier for a data buffer that would be used for collecting the data from the third apparatus, as part of the transaction.

Description

METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR AMBIENT loT DATA COLLECTIONTechnical Field:

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of wireless communication and Internet of Things (loT), and more particularly relates to methods and apparatus for ambient loT data collection.Background:

[0002] Certain abbreviations that may be found in the description and / or in the figures are herewith defined as follows.3GPP 3rdGeneration Partnership Project5G NR 5thGeneration New RadioAF Application FunctionAIoT Ambient Internet-of-ThingsCN Core Network gNB Next Generation Node BHO HandoverNR New Radio (5G)UE User Equipment

[0003] In 5G NR, Internet of Things (loT) technology has evolved to be suitable for cellular deployment. Such loT technology may rely on loT devices that operate with ultra-low power in the range from tens of microwatts to hundreds of microwatts. loT devices (e.g., ambient loT devices) may be configured to harvest energy from, for example, solar / light or wireless radio frequency signals, to transmit data to other devices in a communication network.

[0004] 3rdGeneration Partnership Project (3GPP) Release-19 (Rel-19) supports two types of communication topologies with respect to ambient loT (AIoT) devices. The first type of communication topology comprises communication between a base station and an AIoT device, where the AIoT device directly and bidirectionally communicates with2a base station. In the second type of communication topology, the AIoT device communicates bidirectionally with an intermediate node between the AIoT device and the base station. In this type of topology, the intermediate node may be a relay, integrated access backhaul (IAB) node, a user equipment (UE), repeater etc., which is capable of AIoT. The intermediate node transfers AIoT data and / or signalling between the base station and the Ambient loT device.

[0005] However, as per 3GPP standardization, the current state of the art of the handover (HO) procedure insufficiently addresses retrieval of AIoT transaction data acquired by a UE prior to or during the HO.Summary:

[0006] These and other problems are generally solved or circumvented, and technical advantages are generally achieved, by advantageous embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0007] A summary of certain embodiments disclosed herein is set forth below. It should be understood that these aspects are presented merely to provide the reader with a brief summary of these certain embodiments and that these aspects are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Indeed, this disclosure may encompass a variety of aspects that may not be set forth below.

[0008] According to a first exemplary aspect, a method performed by a first apparatus is provided. The method comprises receiving, from a second apparatus, a configuration for data buffering functionality, wherein the configuration comprises an indicator enabling the first apparatus to buffer data collected from a third apparatus. The configuration comprises a unique identifier associated with the first apparatus and a session in which the data is collected from the third apparatus.

[0009] According to a second exemplary aspect, a method performed by a second apparatus is provided. The method comprises transmitting to, a first apparatus, a configuration for data buffering functionality, wherein the configuration comprises an indicator enabling the first apparatus to buffer data collected from a third apparatus. Theconfiguration comprises a unique identifier associated with the first apparatus and a session in which the data is collected from the third apparatus.

[0010] According to a third exemplary aspect, a method performed by a fourth apparatus is provided. The method comprises receiving, from a first apparatus, after a handover procedure of the first apparatus to the fourth apparatus, information indicating at least one of the following: that the first apparatus has buffered data collected from a third apparatus; a unique identifier associated with the first apparatus and a session in which the first apparatus has collected the data from the third apparatus; or a size of the data collected.

[0011] According to a fourth exemplary aspect, a first apparatus is provided. The first apparatus comprises at least one memory storing a plurality of instructions, and at least one processor configured to execute the plurality of instructions to cause the first apparatus to perform the method of the first exemplary aspect.

[0012] According to a fifth exemplary aspect, a second apparatus is provided. The second apparatus comprises at least one memory storing a plurality of instructions, and at least one processor configured to execute the plurality of instructions to cause the second apparatus to perform the method of the second exemplary aspect.

[0013] According to a sixth exemplary aspect, a fourth apparatus is provided. The fourth apparatus comprises at least one memory storing a plurality of instructions, and at least one processor configured to execute the plurality of instructions to cause the fourth apparatus to perform the method of the third exemplary aspect.

[0014] According to a seventh exemplary aspect, a first apparatus is provided. The first apparatus comprises means for performing the method of the first exemplary aspect.

[0015] According to an eighth exemplary aspect, a second apparatus is provided. The second apparatus comprises means for performing the method of the second exemplary aspect.

[0016] According to a ninth exemplary aspect, a fourth apparatus is provided. The fourth apparatus comprises means for performing the method of the third exemplary aspect.

[0017] The means for the seventh, eight, and ninth exemplary aspects may be implemented in hardware and / or software. They comprise for instance, at least one processor for executing computer program code / instructions for causing the respective entity to perform the respective method, and at least one memory storing the computer program code / instructions. The means could also comprise circuitry (as defined in the disclosure herein) for performing the respective method.

[0018] According to a tenth exemplary aspect, a computer-readable medium (e.g., a non- transitory computer-readable medium) is provided. The computer-readable medium comprises instructions that when executed by a processor result in the performance of the method of the first exemplary aspect.

[0019] According to an eleventh exemplary aspect, a computer-readable medium (e.g., a non- transitory computer-readable medium) is provided. The computer-readable medium comprises instructions that when executed by a processor result in the performance of the method of the second exemplary aspect.

[0020] According to a twelfth exemplary aspect, a computer-readable medium (e.g., a non- transitory computer-readable medium) is provided. The computer-readable medium comprises instructions that when executed by a processor result in the performance of the method of the third exemplary aspect.

[0021] According to a thirteenth exemplary aspect, a method performed by a first apparatus is provided. The method comprises receiving, from a second apparatus, a configuration for data buffering functionality, wherein the configuration comprises an indicator enabling the first apparatus to buffer data collected from a third apparatus. The configuration comprises at least one of: a service identity and a session identity, that identifies a transaction in which the first apparatus collects the data from the third apparatus; or an identifier for a data buffer that would be used for collecting the data from the third apparatus, as part of the transaction.

[0022] According to a fourteenth exemplary aspect, a method performed by a second apparatus is provided. The method comprises receiving, from a core network entity, a transaction request for a service. The method comprises transmitting a configuration, to a first apparatus, for data buffering functionality, wherein the configurationcomprises an indicator enabling the first apparatus to buffer data collected from a third apparatus. The configuration comprises at least one of: a service identity and a session identity associated with the transaction request in which the first apparatus collects the data from the third apparatus; or an identifier for a data buffer that would be used for collecting the data from the third apparatus, as part of the transaction request.

[0023] According to a fifteenth exemplary aspect, a method performed by a fourth apparatus is provided. The method comprises receiving, from a second apparatus, a message requesting handover (HO) of a first apparatus to the fourth apparatus, the message including a context of a transaction in which the first apparatus collects data from a third apparatus, and the context comprising at least one of: a service identity of the transaction; a session identity of the transaction; an identifier of a data buffer that would be used for collecting the data from the third apparatus, as part of the transaction; or an identifier or an address of a core network entity associated with the transaction.

[0024] According to a sixteenth exemplary aspect, a first apparatus is provided. The first apparatus comprises at least one memory storing a plurality of instructions, and at least one processor configured to execute the plurality of instructions to cause the first apparatus to perform the method of the thirteenth exemplary aspect.

[0025] According to a seventeenth exemplary aspect, a second apparatus is provided. The second apparatus comprises at least one memory storing a plurality of instructions, and at least one processor configured to execute the plurality of instructions to cause the second apparatus to perform the method of the fourteenth exemplary aspect.

[0026] According to an eighteenth exemplary aspect, a fourth apparatus is provided. The fourth apparatus comprises at least one memory storing a plurality of instructions, and at least one processor configured to execute the plurality of instructions to cause the fourth apparatus to perform the method of the fifteenth exemplary aspect.

[0027] According to a nineteenth exemplary aspect, a first apparatus is provided. The first apparatus comprises means for performing the method of the thirteenth exemplary aspect.

[0028] According to a twentieth exemplary aspect, a second apparatus is provided. The second apparatus comprises means for performing the method of the fourteenth exemplary aspect.

[0029] According to a twenty-first exemplary aspect, a fourth apparatus is provided. The fourth apparatus comprises means for performing the method of the fifteenth exemplary aspect.

[0030] The means for the nineteenth, twentieth, and twenty-first exemplary aspects may be implemented in hardware and / or software. They comprise for instance, at least one processor for executing computer program code / instructions for causing the respective entity to perform the respective method, and at least one memory storing the computer program code / instructions. The means could also comprise circuitry (as defined in the disclosure herein) for performing the respective method.

[0031] According to a twenty-second exemplary aspect, a computer-readable medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable medium) is provided. The computer-readable medium comprises instructions that when executed by a processor result in the performance of the method of the thirteenth exemplary aspect.

[0032] According to a twenty-third exemplary aspect, a computer-readable medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable medium) is provided. The computer-readable medium comprises instructions that when executed by a processor result in the performance of the method of the fourteenth exemplary aspect.

[0033] According to a twenty-fourth exemplary aspect, a computer-readable medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable medium) is provided. The computer-readable medium comprises instructions that when executed by a processor result in the performance of the method of the fifteenth exemplary aspect.

[0034] The details of the embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.Brief Description of Drawings:

[0035] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.FIG. 1 illustrates a wireless communication system in which example embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented;FIGS. 2A to 2B illustrate a signaling diagram of a first signaling mechanism, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;FIG. 3 illustrates a method performed by a first apparatus, based on the first signaling mechanism, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;FIG. 4 illustrates a method performed by a second apparatus, based on the first signaling mechanism, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;FIG. 5 illustrates a method performed by a fourth apparatus, based on the first signaling mechanism, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;FIGS. 6A to 6B illustrate a signaling diagram, based on a second signaling mechanism, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;FIG. 7 illustrates a method performed by a first apparatus, based on the second signaling mechanism, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;FIG. 8 illustrates a method performed by a second apparatus, based on the second signaling mechanism, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;FIG. 9 illustrates a method performed by a fourth apparatus, based on the second signaling mechanism, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; andFIG. 10 illustrates a block diagram of a device for implementing one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure.Detailed Description

[0036] The present disclosure will now be described with reference to some exemplary embodiments. The term “exemplary embodiment” is meant to be interpreted as being an example embodiment and is not meant to be interpreted as a preferred embodiment. It may be understood that these embodiments are described only for the purpose of illustration and help those skilled in the art to understand and implement the present disclosure, without suggesting any limitation as to the scope of the disclosure. Embodiments described herein may be implemented in various manners other than the ones described below. The terminology used in the detailed description of the particular exemplary embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings is not intended to be limiting. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements.

[0037] It shall be understood that although the terms “first,” “second” and the like may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of example embodiments. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.

[0038] The specification may refer to “an,” “one,” or “some,” embodiment(s) in several locations. This does not necessarily imply that each such reference is to the same embodiment(s), or that the feature only applies to a single embodiment. Single features of different embodiments may also be combined to provide other embodiments.

[0039] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the,” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless explicitly stated otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “includes,” “comprises,” “including,” and / or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations,elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0040] As used herein, whenever the phrase “at least one of’ or “one or more of’ precedes a list of elements, wherein the elements are joined by “and” or “or”, it means that at least any one of the elements or at least all the elements are present. As used herein, whenever the phrase “one of’ precedes a list of elements, wherein the elements are joined by “and” or “or”, it means that only one of the elements are present at a given instant, unless the context permits a meaning that allows the inclusion of more than one element. The usage of the term “or” is to be understood as “inclusive or” instead of “exclusive or”, unless indicated otherwise by the relevant context. Conditional language, such as among others, “can” or “may”, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments could include, while other embodiments may not include certain features, elements, and / or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and / or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments. It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. Furthermore, “connected” or “coupled” as used herein may include wirelessly connected or coupled. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations and arrangements of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0041] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0042] The figures depict a simplified structure only showing some elements and functional entities, all being logical units whose implementation may differ from what is shown.The connections shown are logical connections; the actual physical connections may be different. In addition, all logical units described and depicted in the figures include the software and / or hardware components required for the unit to function. Further, each unit may comprise within itself one or more components, which are implicitly understood. These components may be operatively coupled to each other and be configured to communicate with each other to perform the function of the said unit.

[0043] As used herein, the term “circuitry” may refer to at least one of the following: a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analog and / or digital circuitry); b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as (as applicable): (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuit(s) with software / firmware and (ii) any portions of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions); or c) hardware circuit(s) and or processor(s), such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that requires software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but the software may not be present when it is not needed for operation.

[0044] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example and if applicable to the particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in server, a cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

[0045] Before explaining in detail, the example embodiments of the present disclosure, certain general principles of a wireless communication system and mobile communication devices are briefly explained with reference to FIG. 1 to assist in understanding the technology underlying the described examples.

[0046] In the following, different exemplifying embodiments will be described using, as an example of a communication network to which examples of embodiments may be applied, a communication network architecture based on 3GPP standards for a communication network, such as 5G NR, without restricting the embodiments to such an architecture, however. It is apparent for a person skilled in the art that example embodiments may also be applied to other kinds of communication networks where mobile communication principles are integrated with a D2D (device-to-device) or V2X (vehicle to everything) configuration, such as SL (sidelink), e.g., Wi-Fi, worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX), Bluetooth, personal communications services, ZigBee, wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), systems using ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, mobile ad-hoc networks (MANETs), wired access etc. Furthermore, without loss of generality, the description of some examples of embodiments is related to a mobile communication network, but principles of the disclosure may be extended and applied to any other type of communication network, such as a wired communication network.

[0047] FIG. 1 illustrates an example wireless communication system 100 in which example embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented. The system 100 comprises base stations 110A / 110B, a user equipment (UE) 120, an ambient Internet of Things (AIoT) device 130, and a core network (CN) 140.

[0048] The UE 120 may be any wireless communication device that is capable of sending and receiving radio signals. The UE 120 may be used to communicate with a radio access network (RAN) via an uplink channel. Non-limiting examples of the UE 120 include a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop computer, or the like. The UE 120 may be interchangeably referred to as a mobile device, a mobile terminal, a mobile station (MS), a wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU), or by another name.

[0049] The base station 110 (e.g. , base station 110A or base station HOB), may be known by other names in some implementations, such as a radio access network (RAN) node, a next Generation nodeB (gNB), a radio unit etc. The base station 110 may operate according to one of several Radio Access Technology (RAT) in communication with the UE 120, and may be a part of the radio access network (RAN) 160. The basestation 110 may be a part of the RAN and may communicate with the UE 120 via a downlink channel. The UE 120 may access a communication network and receive services therefrom via the base station 110. In an example embodiment, the UE 120 may be associated with the base station 110A, wherein the base station 110A may be referred to as a serving base station of the UE 120. The base station HOB may be a target base station of the UE 120, wherein the UE 120 may be associated with the target base station 110B after undergoing a mobility procedure (e.g., handover (HO)).

[0050] The AIoT device 130 may communicate bidirectionally with the UE 120 reader, via an AIoT interface, wherein the UE 120 may transmit a signal to the AIoT device 130, and the AIoT device 130 may amplify the received signal and transmit it back to the UE 120, via backscattering.

[0051] The CN 140, which communicates with the base station 110, may comprise network entities / functions, such as gate way network entities / functions, mobile management entities etc. The CN 140 may, for example, comprise an AIoT core network entity for receiving data from the AIoT device 130.

[0052] Although FIG. 1 illustrates a certain number of components within the wireless communication system 100, any reasonable number of these components may be included in the wireless communication system 100.

[0053] As used herein, the terms “user equipment” (UE) and “base station” are not specific to or otherwise limited to any particular Radio Access Technology (RAT), unless otherwise noted.

[0054] When a UE 120 performs a handover from a first base station (e.g., serving base station 110A) to a second base station (e.g., target base station 110B), the UE may or may not continue performing communication services for AIoT device(s) 130. If the UE 120 has already collected data from the AIoT devices 130 and the HO procedure is complete, this collected data is to be sent to the network via the second base station (which becomes the new serving base station of the UE 120). Currently, there exist no mechanisms for supporting AIoT data collection from the UE 120, after the completion of the handover, through the new serving base station. In other words, at the new serving base station 110B, it is not addressed how to retrieve the data collectedbefore or during a handover, by the UE 120, for an AIoT transaction, and how the data collected is to be transferred to a relevant AIoT core network entity associated with the AIoT transaction.

[0055] The embodiments disclosed herein provide a signaling mechanism to handle AIoT data after the handover (HO) procedure.First Signaling Mechanism

[0056] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a first signaling mechanism for handling AIoT data after the HO procedure, according to an embodiment disclosed herein. FIGS. 2 A and 2B illustrate four entities: first apparatus 201, second apparatus 202, third apparatus 203, and fourth apparatus 204. By way of example, rather than limitation, the first apparatus 201 may comprise a user equipment (UE) 120, the second apparatus 202 may comprise a serving base station 110A, the third apparatus 203 may comprise an ambient Internet of Things (AIoT) device 130, and fourth apparatus 204 may comprise a target base station HOB.

[0057] At step 1 (as shown in FIG. 2A), the second apparatus 202 (e.g., serving base station 110) may transmit a configuration to the first apparatus 201 (e.g., UE 120) for data buffering functionality, for example, for an AIoT service. The configuration may comprise an indicator enabling the first apparatus 201 to buffer data collected from one or more third apparatus 203 (e.g., an AIoT device 130). The configuration may also comprise a unique data identifier for data collection (e.g., AIoT data collection) for a communication service request (e.g., an AIoT transaction request). This unique data identifier may be unique to a first apparatus 201 per communication session (e.g., an AIoT communication), as more than one of a first apparatus 201 may serve as a reader for the same communication session. In other words, the unique data identifier may be associated with a particular first apparatus 201 for a particular communication session involving data collection from the third apparatus 203.

[0058] At step 2 A, there may be bidirectional communication between the first apparatus 201 and the third apparatus 208, wherein the first apparatus 201 may collect the data from the third apparatus 208 and buffer the data collected. At step 2B, the first apparatus201 may forward the data collected to the second apparatus 202, based on the configuration transmitted by the second apparatus 202.

[0059] At step 3, the first apparatus 201 may be handed over from the second apparatus 202 to the fourth apparatus 204. As previously mentioned, the second apparatus 202 may act as a serving base station of the first apparatus 201, and the fourth apparatus 204 may act as a target base station 208 of the first apparatus 201. The first apparatus 201 may continue to buffer the data collected during the HO procedure. In another embodiment, the first apparatus 201 may continue to buffer the data collected until the HO procedure is complete. After the first apparatus 201 is handed over to the fourth apparatus 204, the fourth apparatus 204 may now act as a new serving base station of the first apparatus 201.

[0060] At step 4A, after the completion of the handover (HO) procedure, the first apparatus 201 may indicate, to the fourth apparatus 204, that it has buffered the data collected from the third apparatus 203 during a prior session. The indication to the fourth apparatus 204 may also comprise the unique identifier(s), wherein the unique identifier(s) are associated with the first apparatus 201 and the session(s) in which the first apparatus 201 collected the data from the third apparatus 203. Optionally, the first apparatus 201 may also transmit to the fourth apparatus 204 the size of the data collected from the third apparatus 203. The size of the data may be relevant to the second apparatus 202, for example, any implementation related aspect. In other words, the first apparatus 201 may transmit to the fourth apparatus 204 at least one of an indication that the data collected has been buffered, the unique identifier(s), or the size of the data collected.

[0061] At step 4B, the fourth apparatus 204 transmits information to the second apparatus 202, wherein the information comprises at least one of an indication of the availability of data collected from the third apparatus 203, the unique identifier(s) provided to the first apparatus 201, or the size of the data collected from the third apparatus 203 (or from the session(s) associated with the unique identifier(s)).

[0062] At step 5A (as shown in FIG. 2B), upon receiving the information from the fourth apparatus 204, the second apparatus 202 may decide whether it requires, from the first apparatus 201, the data collected, or decide whether the first apparatus 201 is todiscard the data collected. Accordingly, the second apparatus 202 may transmit a request to the fourth apparatus 204. The request may comprise requesting the fourth apparatus 204 to obtain, from the first apparatus 201, the data collected from the third apparatus 203. The request may further comprise requesting the fourth apparatus 204, upon obtaining the data collected, to transmit the data collected to either the second apparatus 202 or to a core network entity (e.g., an AIoT core network entity). In another embodiment, the request may comprise requesting the fourth apparatus 204 to inform the first apparatus 201 to delete / discard the data collected from the third apparatus 203. In an embodiment where the second apparatus 202 requests the fourth apparatus 204 to inform the first apparatus 201 to delete the data collected, it may happen for any one of the following conditions / e vents: a. the second apparatus 202 has already received the data collected, for example, the second apparatus 202 could have received said data from another of the first apparatus 201 before or after the HO; b. the data collected is undesirable to the second apparatus 202, for example, the data collected could be obsolete or not useful; or c. the data collected is small (based on a size threshold defined by, for example, a data size parameter) and recollection of data is required. For instance, if the first apparatus 201 has collected data from some of the third apparatus 203 and the communication service was not complete, the second apparatus 202 may have to request service from another (e.g., a further) first apparatus 201 regardless of this data.

[0063] At step 5B, based on the request transmitted by the second apparatus 202 to the fourth apparatus 204, the fourth apparatus 204 may send a message to the first apparatus 201 to discard the data collected. Upon receiving the message, the first apparatus 201 may discard the data collected, and may also inform the fourth apparatus 204 that the data collected has been discarded. In another embodiment, at step 5B, based on the request transmitted by the second apparatus 202 to the fourth apparatus 204, the fourth apparatus 204 may transmit resources to the first apparatus 201 to send to the fourth apparatus 204 the data collected.

[0064] At step 6A, based on the response from the fourth apparatus 204, the first apparatus 201 may transmit to the fourth apparatus 204 the data collected, using the resources transmitted to the first apparatus 201 at step 5B.

[0065] At step 6B, the fourth apparatus 204 may aggregate the data that is to be transmitted to the second apparatus 202.

[0066] At step 6C, based on the request from the second apparatus 202, the fourth apparatus 204 may transmit the data collected to the second apparatus 202. Alternatively, at step 6C (Alt), based on the request from the second apparatus 202, the fourth apparatus 204 may transmit the data collected directly to a core network entity. In an embodiment where the second apparatus 202 receives the data collected from the fourth apparatus 204, the second apparatus 202 may further process this data prior to sending it to the core network entity.

[0067] FIG. 3 illustrates a method 300 performed by a first apparatus 201 (e.g., UE 120), as part of the first signaling mechanism, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. At step 302, the first apparatus 201 receives, from a second apparatus 202 (e.g., a serving base station 110A of the UE 120), a configuration for data buffering functionality, for example, for an AIoT data transaction request. The configuration comprises an indicator enabling the first apparatus 201 to buffer the data collected from a third apparatus 203 (e.g., an AIoT device 130). The configuration also comprises a unique identifier, wherein the unique identifier is associated with the first apparatus 201 and a session in which the data is collected from the third apparatus 203. The session in which the data is collected from the third apparatus 203 may also be interpreted as a session in which data is to be collected.

[0068] FIG. 4 illustrates a method 400 performed by a second apparatus 202 (e.g., a serving base station 110A of the first apparatus), as part of the first signaling mechanism, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. At step 402, the second apparatus 202 transmits a configuration to the first apparatus 201 (e.g., UE 120) for data buffering functionality. The configuration comprises an indicator enabling the first apparatus to buffer data collected from a third apparatus 203 (e.g., an AIoT device 130). The configuration comprises a unique identifier, wherein the unique identifieris associated with the first apparatus 201 and a session in which the data is collected from the third apparatus 203.

[0069] FIG. 5 illustrates a method 500 performed by a fourth apparatus 204 (e.g., a target base station HOB of the first apparatus), as part of the first signaling mechanism, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. At step 502, the fourth apparatus 204 receives, from the first apparatus 201 — after a handover procedure of the first apparatus 201 to the fourth apparatus 204 — information indicating at least one of the following: a. that the first apparatus 201 (e.g., UE 120) has buffered data collected from a third apparatus 203 (e.g., AIoT device 130); b. a unique identifier associated with the first apparatus and a session in which the first apparatus has collected the data from the third apparatus; or c. a size of the data collected.

[0070] The embodiments disclosed herein enable the network to collect the data that has been collected and buffered by the first apparatus (e.g., UE 120), using resources allocated by the fourth apparatus (e.g., target base station HOB) after the HO procedure is complete. This is beneficial, as resources that have been allocated to the first apparatus by the second apparatus (e.g., serving base station 110A of the first apparatus) before the HO procedure are not valid. Further, because the fourth apparatus is unaware of the data collected and buffered by the first apparatus, by transmitting this buffered data, from the first apparatus to the fourth apparatus, the embodiments disclosed herein avoid the usage of resources for recollection of data from the third apparatus (e.g., AIoT device 130). This is also beneficial because as the third apparatus may have limited energy, it allows for better utilization of the energy of the third apparatus. In an event where the first apparatus does not receive a configuration for data buffering functionality, the first apparatus will not buffer any data collected from the third apparatus, in case of a handover, and may discard it immediately. This may result in the wastage of energy of both the third apparatus 203 and the first apparatus 201 when it comes to data collection, and may also result in a delay in the first apparatus 201 collecting the data from the third apparatus 203. Therefore, because the first apparatus 201 receives the configuration for data buffering functionality, the aforementioneddisadvantages associated with energy wastage and delay in collection of data, are obviated.Second signaling mechanism

[0071] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a second signaling mechanism for handling AIoT data after the HO procedure, according to an embodiment disclosed herein. FIGS. 6 A and 6B illustrate four entities: first apparatus 201, second apparatus 202, third apparatus 203, and fourth apparatus 204. By way of example, rather than limitation, the first apparatus 201 may comprise a user equipment (UE) 120, the second apparatus 202 may comprise a serving base station 110A, the third apparatus 203 may comprise an ambient Internet of Things (AIoT) device 130, and fourth apparatus 204 may comprise a target base station HOB.

[0072] At step 1A (as shown in FIG. 6A), the second apparatus 202 (e.g., serving base station 110A of the first apparatus) may receive, from a core network entity (e.g., an AIoT core network entity) (not shown in FIG. 6A-6B), a transaction request for a service (e.g., an AIoT data transaction request). At step IB, after receiving the transaction request for the service, the second apparatus 202 may transmit a configuration to the first apparatus 201 for data buffering functionality. The configuration may comprise an indicator enabling the first apparatus 201 to buffer data collected from a third apparatus 203 (e.g., AIoT device 130). The configuration may comprise at least one of: a service identity and a session identity associated with the transaction request (e.g., an AIoT transaction data request) in which the first apparatus 201 collects the data from the third apparatus 203; or an identifier for a data buffer that would be used for collecting the data from the third apparatus 203, as part of the transaction request, during the handover for the relevant transaction.

[0073] At step 2 A, there may be bidirectional communication between the first apparatus 201 and the third apparatus 208, wherein the first apparatus 201 may collect the data from the third apparatus 208 and buffer the data collected. At step 2B, the first apparatus 201 may forward the data collected to the second apparatus 202, based on the configuration transmitted by the second apparatus 202

[0074] At step 3A, the second apparatus 202 may transmit to the fourth apparatus 204 a message requesting handover (e.g., a XnAP handover request message) of the first apparatus 201 to the fourth apparatus 204. The message may include a context of the transaction request, wherein the context may comprise at least one of: the service identity; the session identity; the data buffer identifier, a service type associated with the transaction request; or an identifier or an address of the core network entity associated with the transaction request.

[0075] At step 3B, the second apparatus 202 may receive from the fourth apparatus 209, a message indicating acceptance / acknowledgement of the handover (HO) request. This message may also comprise the HO command or Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconfiguration. At step 3C, the second apparatus 202 may transmit the HO command or the RRC reconfiguration message to the first apparatus 201.

[0076] After receiving the HO command, the first apparatus 201 may undergo the HO procedure to the fourth apparatus 204. During the HO procedure, the first apparatus 201 may continue to keep the data buffered. In another embodiment, the first apparatus 201 may continue to keep the data buffered until the HO procedure is complete. At step 4A, the first apparatus 201 may transmit to the fourth apparatus 204 a notification, wherein the notification comprises at least one of: a. an indication of availability of the data collected from the third apparatus; or b. information for identifying the transaction in which the first apparatus collected the data from the third apparatus, wherein the information comprises at least one of:• the service identity;• the session identity;• a service type associated with the transaction; or• the identifier for the data buffer.

[0077] The notification from the first apparatus 201 may be sent, to the fourth apparatus 204, either in a message indicating the completion of the HO, or in a separate message that is subsequent to the message indicating the completion of the HO.

[0078] At step 4B (as shown in FIG. 6B), the fourth apparatus 204 may match / compare the availability of the collected data, based on the notification information reported by the first apparatus 201, with the context received at step 3A. Based on the matching, the fourth apparatus 204 may decide whether to ignore and discard the data collected, or whether to obtain, from the first apparatus 201, the data collected.

[0079] Accordingly, based on the matching, at step 5, the fourth apparatus 204 may inform the first apparatus 201 whether to discard the data collected or to transmit the data collected to the fourth apparatus 204.

[0080] In the case of the fourth apparatus 204 informing the first apparatus 201 to discard the data collected, the first apparatus 201 may then discard the data collected, and may also send a confirmation to the fourth apparatus 204 that the data collected has been discarded. The decision of the fourth apparatus 204 to inform the first apparatus 201 to discard the data collected may be influenced by a determination by the fourth apparatus 204 that the data collected is undesired. The data may be undesired when, for example, the data is obsolete or not useful.

[0081] In the case of the fourth apparatus 204 informing the first apparatus 201 to transmit the data collected, the fourth apparatus 204 may provide the first apparatus 201 with at least one of the following: the service identity, the service type associated with the transaction, the session identity, or the identifier of the data buffer. The fourth apparatus may also provide the first apparatus 201 with resources for the transmitting to the fourth apparatus 204 the data collected.

[0082] At step 6 A, using the resources provided to the first apparatus 201, the first apparatus 201 may transmit to the fourth apparatus 204 the (buffered) data collected from the third apparatus 203.

[0083] At step 6B, the fourth apparatus 204 may aggregate the data collected and transmit the data collected to the core network entity, using the identifier or the address of the core network entity associated with transaction request, wherein said identifier or address was stored in the context. At step 6B (Alt), the fourth apparatus 204 may transmit the data collected to the second apparatus 202, if, for example, the second apparatus 202wishes to further process the data collected prior to the data being delivered to the core network entity.

[0084] FIG. 7 illustrates a method 700 performed by a first apparatus 201 (e.g., UE 120), based on a second signaling mechanism, according to an embodiment disclosed herein. At step 702, the first apparatus 201 receives, from a second apparatus 202 (e.g., a serving base station 110A of the first apparatus), a configuration for data buffering functionality. The configuration comprises an indicator enabling the first apparatus to buffer data collected from a third apparatus 203 (e.g., an AIoT device 130). The configuration comprises at least one of: a service identity and a session identity, that identifies a transaction in which the first apparatus 201 collects the data from the third apparatus; or an identifier for a data buffer that would be used for collecting the data from the third apparatus, as part of the transaction.

[0085] FIG. 8 illustrates a method 800 performed by a second apparatus 202 (e.g., a serving base station 110A), based on a second signaling mechanism, according to an embodiment disclosed herein. At step 802, the second apparatus 202 receives from a core network entity (e.g., an AIoT CN entity), a transaction request (e.g., an AIoT data transaction request) for a service. At step 804, the second apparatus 202 transmits a configuration, to a first apparatus 201 (e.g., UE 120), for data buffering functionality, wherein the configuration comprises an indicator enabling the first apparatus 201 to buffer data collected from a third apparatus 203 (e.g., AIoT device 130). The configuration comprises at least one of: a service identity and a session identity, associated with a transaction request in which the first apparatus 201 collects the data from the third apparatus; or an identifier for a data buffer that would be used for collecting the data from the third apparatus, as part of the transaction request.

[0086] FIG. 9 illustrates a method 900 performed by a fourth apparatus 204 (e.g., a target base station), based on a second signaling mechanism, according to an embodiment disclosed herein. At step 902, the fourth apparatus 204 receives from a second apparatus 202 (e.g., a serving base station), a message requesting handover (HO) of a first apparatus 201 to the fourth apparatus 204, wherein the message includes a context of a transaction in which the first apparatus 201 collects data from a third apparatus 203 (e.g., AIoT device 130), and the context comprises at least one of: a service identity of the transaction; a session identity of the transaction; an identifier of a databuffer that would be used for collecting the data from the third apparatus 203, as part of the transaction; or an identifier or an address of a core network entity, associated with the transaction.

[0087] The embodiments disclosed herein enable the network to collect the data that has been collected and buffered by the first apparatus (e.g., UE 120), using resources allocated by the fourth apparatus (e.g., target base station HOB) after the HO procedure is complete. This is beneficial, as resources that have been allocated to the first apparatus by the second apparatus (e.g., serving base station 110A of the first apparatus) before the HO procedure are not valid. Further, because the fourth apparatus is unaware of the data collected and buffered by the first apparatus, by transmitting this buffered data, from the first apparatus to the fourth apparatus, the embodiments disclosed herein avoid the usage of resources for recollection of data from the third apparatus (e.g., AIoT device 130). This is also beneficial because as the third apparatus may have limited energy, it allows for better utilization of the energy of the third apparatus. In an event where the first apparatus does not receive a configuration for data buffering functionality, the first apparatus will not buffer any data collected from the third apparatus, in case of a handover, and may discard it immediately. This may result in the wastage of energy of both the third apparatus 203 and the first apparatus 201 when it comes to data collection, and may also result in a delay in the first apparatus 201 collecting the data from the third apparatus 203. Therefore, because the first apparatus 201 receives the configuration for data buffering functionality, the aforementioned disadvantages associated with energy wastage and delay in collection of data, are obviated.

[0088] It is to be noted that in some embodiments, the various steps outlined in FIGS. 2 to 9, while described in a sequential manner, may be performed in a different order or parallelly, and that in some embodiments, some of the steps in FIGS. 2 to 9 may also be omitted

[0089] FIG. 10 illustrates a block diagram of an apparatus 1000 for implementing one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure. The apparatus 1000 may be implemented as the first apparatus 201 (e.g., UE 120), the second apparatus 202 (e.g., serving base station 110A), and / or the fourth apparatus 204 (e.g., target base station HOB).

[0090] The apparatus 1000 comprises a processor 1004 which can control the apparatus’ operations. The processor 1004 may also be referred to as a central processing unit (CPU). The memory 1002, which may include both read-only memory (ROM) and random access memory (RAM), can provide instructions and data to the processor 1004. The memory 1002 and the processor 1004 may be operatively coupled. The memory 1002 may store computer readable instructions / computer program code. The computer readable instructions / computer program code may be pre-stored to the memory 1002 or, alternatively or additionally, they may be received, by the apparatus 1000, via an electromagnetic carrier signal and / or may be copied from a physical entity such as a computer program product. Execution of the computer readable instructions by the processor 1004, can cause the apparatus 1000 to carry out the example embodiments described herein, such as the steps as outlined in FIGS. 2 to 9..

[0091] As referred to herein, “memory” (also referred to as “computer-readable media” or “computer-readable medium”) may be any non-transitory media or medium or means that can contain, store, communicate, propagate or transport the instructions for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer. The term “non-transitory,” as used herein, is a limitation of the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not a signal) as opposed to a limitation on data storage persistency (e.g., RAM vs. ROM).

[0092] The transmitter / receiver (TX / RX) circuitry 1006 may comprise a transmitter 1008 and a receiver 1010 that can enable the apparatus 1000 to transmit or receive data. The apparatus 1000 may comprise (not shown) multiple antennas, transmitters, and receivers.

[0093] In some example embodiments, the apparatus 1000 may comprise means that enable it to perform the steps / operations in FIGS. 2 to 9. The means may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the means may at least be implemented in a circuitry, a combination of the memory 1002, processor 1004, TX / RX circuitry 1006, or a software module.

[0094] In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. It will be apparent to those having ordinary skill in this art that various modifications and variations may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein, consistent with the present disclosure, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Other embodiments consistent with the present disclosure will become apparent from consideration of the specification and the practice of the description disclosed herein.25

Claims

We Claim:

1. A method performed by a first apparatus, comprising: receiving, from a second apparatus, a configuration for data buffering functionality, wherein the configuration comprises: an indicator enabling the first apparatus to buffer data collected from a third apparatus; and at least one of: a service identity and a session identity, that identifies a transaction in which the first apparatus collects the data from the third apparatus; or an identifier for a data buffer that would be used for collecting the data from the third apparatus, as part of the transaction.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, comprising: collecting the data from the third apparatus; and buffering the data collected from the third apparatus.

3. The method as claimed in claim 2, comprising: sending, to the second apparatus, the data collected from the third apparatus, based on the configuration.

4. The method as claimed in claim 2, comprising: receiving, from the second apparatus, a handover (HO) command for a HO procedure to a fourth apparatus; and continuing to buffer the data collected from the third apparatus during the HO procedure.

5. The method as claimed in claim 4, comprising: transmitting, to the fourth apparatus, a notification comprising at least one of: an indication of availability of the data collected from the third apparatus; or information for identifying the transaction in which the first apparatus collected the data from the third apparatus, the information comprising at least one of: the service identity;the session identity; a service type associated with the transaction; or the identifier for the data buffer.

6. The method as claimed in claim 5 wherein the notification is received in: a message indicating that the HO is complete; or a separate message subsequent to the message indicating that the HO is complete.

7. The method as claimed in claim in any one of claims 5 and 6, further comprising: receiving, from the fourth apparatus, an indication to: discard the data collected; or send, to the fourth apparatus, the data collected, wherein the indication comprises at least one of: the service identity; or the session identity; or the service type; or the identifier for the data buffer.

8. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first apparatus receives the indication to discard the data collected, in case of one of the following: the fourth apparatus has already received the data collected; or the data collected is undesired.

9. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein based on the indication, the method comprises at least one of: transmitting, to the fourth apparatus, the data collected; or discarding the data collected; or transmitting, to the fourth apparatus, a confirmation that the data collected has been discarded.

10. The method as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein:27the first apparatus comprises a user equipment (UE); the second apparatus comprises a serving base station of the UE; the third apparatus comprises an ambient Internet of Things (AIoT) device; and the fourth apparatus comprises a target base station of the UE.

11. A method performed by a second apparatus, comprising: receiving, from a core network entity, a transaction request for a service; transmitting, to a first apparatus, a configuration for data buffering functionality, wherein the configuration comprises: an indicator enabling the first apparatus to buffer data collected from a third apparatus; and at least one of: a service identity and a session identity associated with the transaction request in which the first apparatus collects the data from the third apparatus; or an identifier for a data buffer that would be used for collecting the data from the third apparatus, as part of the transaction request.

12. The method as claimed in claim 11, comprising: receiving, from the first apparatus, the data collected from the third apparatus, based on the configuration.

13. The method as claimed in claim 11, comprising: sending, to a fourth apparatus, a message requesting handover (HO) of the first apparatus to the fourth apparatus, the message including a context of the transaction request, the context comprising at least one of: the service identity; or the session identity; or the data buffer identifier; or a service type associated with the transaction request; or an identifier or an address of the core network entity associated with the transaction request.

14. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein upon sending to the fourth apparatus the context, the method comprises: receiving, from the fourth apparatus, a message indicating acceptance of the HO, the message comprising a HO command or RRC reconfiguration; and transmitting, to the second apparatus, the HO command or the RRC reconfiguration.

15. The method as claimed in claim 14, further comprising: receiving, from the fourth apparatus, the data collected by the first apparatus prior to or during the HO; and transmitting, to the core network entity, the data collected.

16. The method as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein: the first apparatus comprises a user equipment (UE); the second apparatus comprises a serving base station of the UE; the third apparatus comprises an ambient Internet of Things (AIoT) device; and the fourth apparatus comprises a target base station of the UE.

17. A method performed by a fourth apparatus, comprising: receiving, from a second apparatus, a message requesting handover (HO) of a first apparatus to the fourth apparatus, the message including a context of a transaction in which the first apparatus collects data from a third apparatus, and the context comprising at least one of: a service identity of the transaction; or a session identity of the transaction; or an identifier of a data buffer that would be used for collecting the data from the third apparatus, as part of the transaction; or an identifier or an address of a core network entity associated with the transaction.

18. The method as claimed in claim 17, comprising: transmitting, to the second apparatus, a message indicating acceptance of the HO, the message comprising a HO command or RRC reconfiguration; andreceiving, from the first apparatus, a notification comprising at least one of: an indication of availability of the data collected from the third apparatus; or information for identifying the transaction in which the first apparatus collected the data from the third apparatus, the information comprising at least one of: the service identity; the session identity; a service type associated with the transaction; or the identifier for the data buffer.

19. The method as claimed in claim 17 wherein the notification is received in: a message indicating that the HO is complete; or in a separate message subsequent to the message indicating that the HO is complete.

20. The method as claimed in claim 18, comprising: comparing the availability of the data collected from the third apparatus, based on the notification information, with the context; and in response to the comparing, transmitting, to the first apparatus, an indication to: discard the data collected; or send, to the fourth apparatus, the data collected, wherein the indication comprises at least one of: the service identity; or the session identity; or the service type; or the identifier for the data buffer.

21. The method as claimed in claim 20, wherein based on the indication, the method comprises: receiving, from the first apparatus, the data collected; or receiving, from the first apparatus, a confirmation that the data collected has been discarded.

22. The method as claimed in claim 21, wherein upon receiving the data collected, the method further comprises: sending the data collected to at least one of: the core network entity; or the second apparatus.

23. The method as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 22, wherein: the first apparatus comprises a user equipment (UE); the second apparatus comprises a serving base station of the UE; the third apparatus comprises an ambient Internet of Things (AIoT) device; and the fourth apparatus comprises a target base station of the UE.

24. A first apparatus, comprising: at least one memory storing a plurality of instructions; and at least one processor, configured to execute the plurality of instructions to cause the first apparatus to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10.

25. A second apparatus, comprising: at least one memory storing a plurality of instructions; and at least one processor, configured to execute the plurality of instructions to cause the second apparatus to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 16.

26. A fourth apparatus, comprising: at least one memory storing a plurality of instructions; and at least one processor, configured to execute the plurality of instructions to cause the fourth apparatus to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 23.31

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