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WO2025065398A1 - Systems and methods of transmission mode switching for ambient iot devices - Google Patents

Systems and methods of transmission mode switching for ambient iot devices Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2025065398A1
WO2025065398A1 PCT/CN2023/122255 CN2023122255W WO2025065398A1 WO 2025065398 A1 WO2025065398 A1 WO 2025065398A1 CN 2023122255 W CN2023122255 W CN 2023122255W WO 2025065398 A1 WO2025065398 A1 WO 2025065398A1
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WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
transmission mode
ambient
iot device
backscattering
wireless
Prior art date
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PCT/CN2023/122255
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French (fr)
Inventor
Hao DONG
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ZTE Corp
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ZTE Corp
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Publication date
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Priority to PCT/CN2023/122255 priority Critical patent/WO2025065398A1/en
Publication of WO2025065398A1 publication Critical patent/WO2025065398A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
    • H04W4/70—Services for machine-to-machine communication [M2M] or machine type communication [MTC]

Definitions

  • This document is directed generally to wireless communications, and in particular to IoT (Internet-of-Things) communications.
  • IoT Internet-of-Things
  • Ambient Internet of Things (IoT) device is an IoT device powered by energy harvesting, being either battery-less or with limited energy storage capability and the energy is provided through the harvesting of radio waves, light, motion, heat, or any other power source that could be seen suitable.
  • the Ambient IoT device has low complexity, small size and lower capabilities and lower power consumption than previously defined 3GPP (3rd generation partnership project) IoT devices.
  • the Ambient IoT devices can be maintenance free and can have long life span.
  • This document relates to methods, systems, and devices for Ambient IoT devices, and in particular to methods, systems, and devices for switching transmission modes of the Ambient IoT devices.
  • the present disclosure relates to a wireless communication method for use in an Ambient IoT device.
  • the method comprises:
  • the wireless communication method further comprises: receiving, from the wireless device, a confirmation in response to the indication before communicating with the wireless device by using another one of the independent signal transmission mode and the backscattering transmission mode.
  • the confirmation is received from the wireless device via an intermediate node configured to transfer signals between the Ambient IoT device and the wireless device.
  • the confirmation is received from the wireless device via an assisting node configured to transfer downlink signals from the wireless device to the Ambient IoT device.
  • the indication is transmitted to the wireless device via an intermediate node configured to transfer signals between the Ambient IoT device and the wireless device.
  • the indication is transmitted to the wireless device via an assisting node configured to transfer uplink signals from the Ambient IoT device to the wireless device.
  • the indication is configured to be transmitted to an ambient traffic management function via the wireless device.
  • the wireless communication method further comprises: receiving, from the ambient traffic management function, a confirmation in response to the indication.
  • the wireless device is a base station or a user equipment.
  • transmitting, to the wireless device, the indication of switching to another one of the independent signal transmission mode and the backscattering transmission mode comprises:
  • the present disclosure relates to a wireless communication method for use in a wireless device.
  • the method comprises:
  • the wireless communication method further comprises: transmitting, to the Ambient IoT device, a confirmation in response to the indication before communicating with the Ambient IoT device by using another one of the independent signal transmission mode and the backscattering transmission mode.
  • the confirmation is transmitted to the Ambient IoT device via an intermediate node configured to transfer signals between the Ambient IoT device and the wireless device.
  • the confirmation is transmitted to the Ambient IoT device via an assisting node configured to transfer downlink signals from the wireless device to the Ambient IoT device.
  • the indication is received from the Ambient IoT device via an intermediate node configured to transfer signals between the Ambient IoT device and the wireless device.
  • the indication is received from the Ambient IoT device via an assisting node configured to transfer uplink signals from the Ambient IoT device to the wireless device.
  • the wireless communication method further comprises: transmitting, to an ambient traffic management function, the indication of switching to another one of the independent signal transmission mode and the backscattering transmission mode for the Ambient IoT device before communicating with the Ambient IoT device by using another one of the independent signal transmission mode and the backscattering transmission mode.
  • the wireless communication method further comprises: receiving, from the ambient traffic management function, the confirmation in response to the indication before communicating with the Ambient IoT device by using another one of the independent signal transmission mode and the backscattering transmission mode.
  • the wireless device is a base station or a user equipment.
  • the present disclosure relates to a wireless communication method for use in an ambient traffic management function.
  • the method comprises:
  • the indication received from the Ambient IoT device via an intermediate node, an assisting node or a wireless network node.
  • the wireless communication method further comprises: transmitting, to the Ambient IoT device, a confirmation in response to the indication.
  • the confirmation is transmitted to the Ambient IoT device via a wireless network node, an intermediate node or an assisting node.
  • the present disclosure relates to an Ambient IoT device.
  • the Ambient IoT device comprises:
  • a communication unit configured to:
  • Various embodiments may preferably implement the following feature:
  • the Ambient IoT device further comprises a processor configured to perform any of aforementioned wireless communication methods.
  • the present disclosure relates to a wireless device.
  • the wireless device comprises:
  • a communication unit configured to:
  • Various embodiments may preferably implement the following feature:
  • the wireless device further comprises a processor configured to perform any of aforementioned wireless communication methods.
  • the present disclosure relates to a wireless network node.
  • the wireless network node comprises:
  • a communication unit configured to receive, from an Ambient IoT device, an indication of switching to from one of an independent signal transmission mode and a backscattering transmission mode to another one of the independent signal transmission mode and the backscattering transmission mode.
  • Various embodiments may preferably implement the following feature:
  • the wireless network node further comprises a processor configured to perform any of aforementioned wireless communication methods.
  • the present disclosure relates to a computer program product comprising a computer-readable program medium code stored thereupon, the code, when executed by a processor, causing the processor to implement a wireless communication method recited in any one of foregoing methods.
  • the present disclosure is not limited to the exemplary embodiments and applications described and illustrated herein. Additionally, the specific order and/or hierarchy of steps in the methods disclosed herein are merely exemplary approaches. Based upon design preferences, the specific order or hierarchy of steps of the disclosed methods or processes can be re-arranged while remaining within the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the methods and techniques disclosed herein present various steps or acts in a sample order, and the present disclosure is not limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented unless expressly stated otherwise.
  • FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a connectivity topology of the Ambient IoT device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a switching procedure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of a connectivity topology of the Ambient IoT device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of a switching procedure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIGS. 5A and 5B show schematic diagrams of connectivity topologies of the Ambient IoT device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram of a switching procedure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 7 shows a schematic diagram of a switching procedure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 8 shows a schematic diagram of a connectivity topology of the Ambient IoT device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 9 shows a schematic diagram of a switching procedure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 10 shows an example of a schematic diagram of a wireless terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 11 shows an example of a schematic diagram of a wireless network node according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 12 shows a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 13 shows a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 14 shows a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • 3GPP (3rd generation partnership project) discloses four connectivity topologies for Ambient IoT devices:
  • Topology 1 BS Ambient IoT device
  • Topology 2 BS Intermediate Node Ambient IoT device
  • Topology 3 BS Assisting Node Ambient IoT device BS;
  • Topology 4 UE Ambient IoT device.
  • the Ambient IoT devices are characterized as types A, B and C according to their energy storage capacity and capability of generating RF signals for their transmissions, wherein:
  • - Device type B With energy storage and no independent signal generation. That is the Ambient IoT devices of the device type B communicates by using the backscattering transmission.
  • the use of the stored energy may include amplification for reflected signals.
  • the Ambient IoT devices of the device type C have active RF (radio frequency) components for performing transmissions.
  • the 3GPP also recognizes two transmission modes for the Ambient IoT devices: backscattering transmission and independent signal transmission.
  • the present disclosure provides methods for switching the transmission modes of the Ambient IoT devices and devices and systems thereof.
  • the Ambient IoT devices uses the existing RF signals to transmit signal/data without using a battery or a power grid connection. Such devices use an antenna to pick up the existing RF signal and convert the existing signal into power and use the converted power to modify and reflect signal (s) with encoded data.
  • the Ambient IoT devices have active RF components and can initiatively generate and transmit signal/data by using their energy storage.
  • the Ambient IoT device may switch its transmission mode, e.g., based on the energy storage status. For example, the Ambient IoT devices may switch from the independent signal transmission to the backscattering transmission when/if the energy storage is exhausted. As an alternative, the Ambient IoT device may switch from the backscattering transmission to the independent signal transmission when/if its battery is recharged. In addition, the Ambient IoT device may also switch the transmission mode based on service requirements of different services or applications provided by the Ambient IoT device.
  • the Ambient IoT device sends an indication of the transmission mode to a BS (base station) or an Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function or a UE (user equipment) , to switch the transmission mode adopted by the Ambient IoT device, e.g., from the independent signal transmission to the backscattering transmission or vice versa.
  • the Ambient IoT devices After the BS or the Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function or the UE confirms the switching request from the Ambient IoT devices, the Ambient IoT devices starts using the indicated transmission mode to transfer the signal/data.
  • the Ambient IoT devices interact with the BS or the Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function or the UE to request the transmission mode switching.
  • FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a connectivity topology of the Ambient IoT device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • the Ambient IoT device directly interacts with the BS.
  • the Ambient IoT device transmits the signal/data to the BS (by/via) using either the independent signal transmission mode or the backscattering transmission mode.
  • the Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function may refer to “AITMF” in figures.
  • the Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function shown in FIG. 1 is a network element/function in core network and is configured to determine the transmission mode for the served Ambient IoT devices.
  • the Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function may interact with BS directly or through an access management function (e.g., AMF (access and mobility management function) ) .
  • AMF access and mobility management function
  • the Ambient IoT device decides to switch the transmission mode to another mode based on certain conditions (e.g., its energy battery status and/or specific service requirements)
  • the Ambient IoT device sends an indication/request of a new transmission mode to the BS.
  • the BS is configured to determine the transmission mode of the Ambient IoT device, the BS responds a confirmation to the Ambient IoT device.
  • the BS transfers the indication of the new transmission mode to the Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function.
  • the Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function determines the transmission mode of the Ambient IoT device and responds a confirmation to the Ambient IoT device through the BS. After receiving the confirmation, the Ambient IoT device transmits the signal/data to the BS (by) using the indicated transmission mode (e.g., backscattering transmission mode or independent signal transmission mode) .
  • the indicated transmission mode e.g., backscattering transmission mode or independent signal transmission mode
  • FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a switching procedure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • the switching procedure shown in FIG. 2 is for the connectivity topology of Ambient IoT device interacting with BS directly (e.g., FIG. 1) and comprises the following steps:
  • Step 200 The Ambient IoT device transmits the signal/data to BS (by) using either the independent signal transmission mode or the backscattering transmission mode.
  • Step 201 The Ambient IoT device sends an indication of the new transmission mode to the BS.
  • Step 202 The BS transfers the indication of the new transmission mode to the Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function.
  • Step 203 The Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function responds a confirmation to the Ambient IoT device.
  • Steps 201 and 202 are optional and may be executed (only) when/if the Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function is configured to decide the transmission mode of the Ambient IoT device.
  • Step 204 The BS responds or transfers the confirmation to the Ambient IoT device.
  • Step 205 The Ambient IoT device transmits the signal/data to BS (by) using the new/another transmission mode.
  • FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of a connectivity topology of the Ambient IoT device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • the Ambient IoT device interacts with the BS through an Intermediate Node.
  • the Ambient IoT device transmits signal/data to the BS using either the independent signal transmission mode or the backscattering transmission mode.
  • FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of a switching procedure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • the switching procedure shown in FIG. 4 is for the connectivity topology of the Ambient IoT device interacting with the BS through the Intermediate Node (e.g., FIG. 3) and comprises the following steps:
  • Step 400 The Ambient IoT device transmits signal/data to the BS through the Intermediate Node using either the independent signal transmission mode or the backscattering transmission mode.
  • Step 401 The Ambient IoT device sends an indication of a new transmission mode to the BS through Intermediate Node.
  • Step 402 The BS transfers the indication of the new transmission mode to the Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function.
  • Step 403 The Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function responds a confirmation to the Ambient IoT device.
  • steps 402 and 403 are optional and are executed (only) when/if the Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function is configured to decide the transmission mode of the Ambient IoT device.
  • Step 404 The BS responds or transfers the confirmation to the Ambient IoT device through Intermediate Node.
  • Step 405 The Ambient IoT device transmits signal/data to BS through the Intermediate Node (by) using the new/another transmission mode.
  • FIGS. 5A and 5B show schematic diagrams of connectivity topologies of the Ambient IoT device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • the Ambient IoT device interacts with the BS with the assistance from an Assisting Node in either uplink or downlink direction.
  • the BS is able to transmit downlink signals directly to the Ambient IoT device and receive uplink signals from the Ambient IoT device via the Assisting Node.
  • the BS can receive the uplink signals directly from the Ambient IoT device and transmit the downlink signals to the Ambient IoT device via the Assisting Node.
  • the Ambient IoT device transmits signal/data to the BS using either the independent signal transmission mode or the backscattering transmission mode.
  • FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram of a switching procedure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • the switching procedure shown in FIG. 6 is for the connectivity topology of the Ambient IoT device interacting with the BS with the downlink assistance from the Assisting Node (e.g., FIG. 5B) and comprises the following steps:
  • Step 600 The Ambient IoT device directly transmits signal/data to BS and receives the signal/data from the BS with the assistance from the Assisting Node (by) using either the independent signal transmission mode or the backscattering transmission mode.
  • Step 601 The Ambient IoT device sends an indication of a new transmission mode to the BS.
  • Step 602 The BS transfers the indication of the new transmission mode to the Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function.
  • Step 603 The Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function responds a confirmation to the Ambient IoT device.
  • steps 602 and 603 are optional.
  • steps 603 and 604 are executed (only) when/if the Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function is configured to decide the transmission mode of the Ambient IoT device.
  • Step 604 The BS responds or transfers the confirmation to the Ambient IoT device with the assistance from the Assisting Node.
  • Step 605 The Ambient IoT device transmits the signal/data to the BS and/or receives the signal/data from the BS via the Assisting Node (by) using the new/another transmission mode.
  • FIG. 7 shows a schematic diagram of a switching procedure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • the switching procedure shown in FIG. 7 is for the connectivity topology of the Ambient IoT device interacting with the BS with the uplink assistance from the Assisting Node (e.g., FIG. 5A) and comprises the following steps:
  • Step 700 The Ambient IoT device transmits signal/data to BS with the assistance from the Assisting Node and directly receives the sign/data from the BS (by) using either the independent signal transmission mode or the backscattering transmission mode.
  • Step 701 The Ambient IoT device sends an indication of a new transmission mode to the BS with the assistance from the Assisting Node.
  • Step 702 The BS transfers the indication of new transmission mode to the Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function.
  • Step 703 The Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function responds a confirmation to the Ambient IoT device.
  • steps 702 and 703 are optional.
  • steps 702 and 703 may be executed (only) when/if the Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function is configured to decide the transmission mode of the Ambient IoT device.
  • Step 704 The BS responds or transfers the confirmation to the Ambient IoT device.
  • Step 705 The Ambient IoT device transmits signal/data to BS with the assistance from the Assisting Node and directly receives the sign/data from the BS (by) using the new/another transmission mode.
  • FIG. 8 shows a schematic diagram of a connectivity topology of the Ambient IoT device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • the Ambient IoT device directly interacts with the UE.
  • the Ambient IoT device transmits signal/data to the UE using either the independent signal transmission mode or the backscattering transmission mode.
  • FIG. 9 shows a schematic diagram of a switching procedure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • the switching procedure shown in FIG. 9 is for the connectivity topology of the Ambient IoT device interacting with the UE directly (e.g., FIG. 8) and comprises the following steps:
  • Step 900 The Ambient IoT device transmits signal/data to the UE using either the independent signal transmission mode or the backscattering transmission mode.
  • Step 901 The Ambient IoT device sends an indication of a new transmission mode to the UE.
  • Step 902 The UE responds a confirmation to the Ambient IoT device.
  • the storage unit 1010 and the program code 1012 may be omitted and the processor 1000 may include a storage unit with stored program code.
  • the processor 1000 may implement any one of the steps in exemplified embodiments on the wireless terminal 100, e.g., by executing the program code 1012.
  • the communication unit 1120 may be a transceiver and is used to transmit and receive signals (e.g., messages or packets) according to processing results of the processor 1100.
  • the communication unit 1120 transmits and receives the signals via at least one antenna 1122 shown in FIG. 11.
  • the processor 1100 may implement any steps described in exemplified embodiments on the wireless network node 110, e.g., via executing the program code 1112.
  • the communication unit 1120 may be a transceiver.
  • the communication unit 1120 may as an alternative or in addition be combining a transmitting unit and a receiving unit configured to transmit and to receive, respectively, signals to and from a wireless terminal (e.g., a user equipment or another wireless network node) .
  • a wireless terminal e.g., a user equipment or another wireless network node
  • the interactions between the BS and the intermediate node or the assisting node are based on air interface (e.g., Uu interface) .
  • the wireless device/element/wireless network node comprising network function (s) refers to the network functions or the wireless device/wireless network node performing at least part of functionalities of the network functions.
  • Step 1201 Communicate with a wireless device by using one of an independent signal transmission mode and a backscattering transmission mode.
  • the Ambient IoT device receives a confirmation in response to the indication from the wireless device. After receiving the confirmation, the Ambient IoT device starts communicating with the wireless device by using another one of the independent signal transmission mode and the backscattering transmission mode.
  • the Ambient IoT device receives the confirmation from the wireless device via an intermediate node (e.g., FIGS. 3 and 4) or an assisting node (e.g., FIGS. 5B and 6) .
  • an intermediate node e.g., FIGS. 3 and 4
  • an assisting node e.g., FIGS. 5B and 6
  • the Ambient IoT device transmits the indication via an intermediate node (e.g., FIGS. 3 and 4) or an assisting node (e.g., FIGS. 5A and 7) .
  • an intermediate node e.g., FIGS. 3 and 4
  • an assisting node e.g., FIGS. 5A and 7 .
  • the Ambient IoT device transmits the indication to an Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function (via the wireless device (e.g., BS) ) .
  • the confirmation in response to the indication is received from the Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function (via the wireless device (e.g., BS) ) .
  • the Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function refers to the Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function.
  • the Ambient IoT device transmits the indication based on an energy storage status of the Ambient IoT device and/or service requirements of the Ambient IoT device. That is the Ambient IoT device determines whether to switch the transmission mode based on its energy storage status and/or service requirements. If/when/after determining to switch the transmission mode, the Ambient IoT device transmits the indication to the wireless device.
  • FIG. 13 shows a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • the method shown in FIG. 13 may be used in a wireless device (e.g., BS or UE) and comprises the following steps:
  • Step 1301 Communicate with an Ambient IoT device by using one of an independent signal transmission mode and a backscattering transmission mode.
  • Step 1302 Receive, from the Ambient IoT device, an indication of switching to another one of the independent signal transmission mode and the backscattering transmission mode.
  • Step 1303 Communicate with the Ambient IoT device by using another one of the independent signal transmission mode and the backscattering transmission mode.
  • the wireless device communicates with an ambient (IoT) device by using one of an independent signal transmission mode and a backscattering transmission mode. If/when/after receiving an indication of switching to another one of the independent signal transmission mode and the backscattering transmission mode from the Ambient IoT device, the wireless device changes to use another one of the independent signal transmission mode and the backscattering transmission mode to communicate with the Ambient IoT device. Note that, before changing to use another one of the independent signal transmission mode and the backscattering transmission mode to communicate with the Ambient IoT device, the wireless device needs to transmit a confirmation in response to the indication to the Ambient IoT device.
  • the wireless device transmits the confirmation to the Ambient IoT device via an intermediate node (e.g., FIGS. 3 and 4) or an assisting node (e.g., FIG. 5B and 6) .
  • an intermediate node e.g., FIGS. 3 and 4
  • an assisting node e.g., FIG. 5B and 6
  • the wireless device receives the indication form the Ambient IoT device via an intermediate node (e.g., FIGS. 3 and 4) or an assisting node (e.g., FIG. 5A and 7) .
  • an intermediate node e.g., FIGS. 3 and 4
  • an assisting node e.g., FIG. 5A and 7 .
  • the wireless device transmits the indication to an Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function (before changing the transmission mode which is used for communicating with the Ambient IoT device) .
  • the wireless device may receive the confirmation in response to the indication from the Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function.
  • FIG. 14 shows a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • the method shown in FIG. 14 may be used in a wireless network element/node (e.g., the Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function, a wireless network element/node comprising the Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function or a wireless network element/node performing at least part of functionalities of the Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function) and comprises the following step:
  • a wireless network element/node e.g., the Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function, a wireless network element/node comprising the Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function or a wireless network element/node performing at least part of functionalities of the Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function
  • Step 1401 Receive, from an Ambient IoT device, an indication of switching from one of an independent signal transmission mode and a backscattering transmission mode to another one of the independent signal transmission mode and the backscattering transmission mode.
  • the Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function receives an indication from an ambient (IoT) device, wherein the indication indicates a switch from one of an independent signal transmission mode and a backscattering transmission mode to another one of the independent signal transmission mode and the backscattering transmission mode.
  • the Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function transmits a confirmation to the Ambient IoT device (e.g., if determining the switch is allowed. )
  • the Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function is equal to ambient traffic management function.
  • the confirmation is transmitted to the Ambient IoT device via:
  • any reference to an element herein using a designation such as “first, “ “second, “ and so forth does not generally limit the quantity or order of those elements. Rather, these designations can be used herein as a convenient means of distinguishing between two or more elements or instances of an element. Thus, a reference to first and second elements does not mean that only two elements can be employed, or that the first element must precede the second element in some manner.
  • any one of the various illustrative logical blocks, units, processors, means, circuits, methods and functions described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein can be implemented by electronic hardware (e.g., a digital implementation, an analog implementation, or a combination of the two) , firmware, various forms of program or design code incorporating instructions (which can be referred to herein, for convenience, as "software” or a “software unit” ) , or any combination of these techniques.
  • a processor, device, component, circuit, structure, machine, unit, etc. can be configured to perform one or more of the functions described herein.
  • IC integrated circuit
  • DSP digital signal processor
  • ASIC application specific integrated circuit
  • FPGA field programmable gate array
  • the logical blocks, units, and circuits can further include antennas and/or transceivers to communicate with various components within the network or within the device.
  • a general purpose processor can be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor can be any conventional processor, controller, or state machine.
  • a processor can also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other suitable configuration to perform the functions described herein. If implemented in software, the functions can be stored as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Thus, the steps of a method or algorithm disclosed herein can be implemented as software stored on a computer-readable medium.
  • Computer-readable media includes both computer storage media and communication media including any medium that can be enabled to transfer a computer program or code from one place to another.
  • a storage media can be any available media that can be accessed by a computer.
  • such computer-readable media can include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer.
  • unit refers to software, firmware, hardware, and any combination of these elements for performing the associated functions described herein. Additionally, for purpose of discussion, the various units are described as discrete units; however, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, two or more units may be combined to form a single unit that performs the associated functions according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • memory or other storage may be employed in embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • memory or other storage may be employed in embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • any suitable distribution of functionality between different functional units, processing logic elements or domains may be used without detracting from the present disclosure.
  • functionality illustrated to be performed by separate processing logic elements, or controllers may be performed by the same processing logic element, or controller.
  • references to specific functional units are only references to a suitable means for providing the described functionality, rather than indicative of a strict logical or physical structure or organization.

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Abstract

A wireless communication method for use in an Ambient IoT device is disclosed. The method comprises: communicating with a wireless device by using one of an independent signal transmission mode and a backscattering transmission mode, transmitting, to the wireless device, an indication of switching to another one of the independent signal transmission mode and the backscattering transmission mode, and communicating with the wireless device by using another one of the independent signal transmission mode and the backscattering transmission mode.

Description

SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF TRANSMISSION MODE SWITCHING FOR AMBIENT IOT DEVICES TECHNICAL FIELD
This document is directed generally to wireless communications, and in particular to IoT (Internet-of-Things) communications.
BACKGROUND
Ambient Internet of Things (IoT) device is an IoT device powered by energy harvesting, being either battery-less or with limited energy storage capability and the energy is provided through the harvesting of radio waves, light, motion, heat, or any other power source that could be seen suitable. The Ambient IoT device has low complexity, small size and lower capabilities and lower power consumption than previously defined 3GPP (3rd generation partnership project) IoT devices. The Ambient IoT devices can be maintenance free and can have long life span.
SUMMARY
This document relates to methods, systems, and devices for Ambient IoT devices, and in particular to methods, systems, and devices for switching transmission modes of the Ambient IoT devices.
The present disclosure relates to a wireless communication method for use in an Ambient IoT device. The method comprises:
communicating with a wireless device by using one of an independent signal transmission mode and a backscattering transmission mode,
transmitting, to the wireless device, an indication of switching to another one of the independent signal transmission mode and the backscattering transmission mode, and
communicating with the wireless device by using another one of the independent signal transmission mode and the backscattering transmission mode.
Various embodiments may preferably implement the following features:
Preferably, the wireless communication method further comprises: receiving, from the wireless  device, a confirmation in response to the indication before communicating with the wireless device by using another one of the independent signal transmission mode and the backscattering transmission mode.
Preferably, the confirmation is received from the wireless device via an intermediate node configured to transfer signals between the Ambient IoT device and the wireless device.
Preferably, the confirmation is received from the wireless device via an assisting node configured to transfer downlink signals from the wireless device to the Ambient IoT device.
Preferably, the indication is transmitted to the wireless device via an intermediate node configured to transfer signals between the Ambient IoT device and the wireless device.
Preferably, the indication is transmitted to the wireless device via an assisting node configured to transfer uplink signals from the Ambient IoT device to the wireless device.
Preferably, the indication is configured to be transmitted to an ambient traffic management function via the wireless device.
Preferably, the wireless communication method further comprises: receiving, from the ambient traffic management function, a confirmation in response to the indication.
Preferably, the wireless device is a base station or a user equipment.
Preferably, transmitting, to the wireless device, the indication of switching to another one of the independent signal transmission mode and the backscattering transmission mode comprises:
transmitting, to the wireless device, the indication of switching to another one of the independent signal transmission mode and the backscattering transmission mode based on an energy storage status of the Ambient IoT device and/or service requirements of the Ambient IoT device.
The present disclosure relates to a wireless communication method for use in a wireless device. The method comprises:
communicating with an Ambient IoT device by using one of an independent signal transmission mode and a backscattering transmission mode,
receiving, from the Ambient IoT device, an indication of switching to another one of the independent signal transmission mode and the backscattering transmission mode, and
communicating with the Ambient IoT device by using another one of the independent signal transmission mode and the backscattering transmission mode.
Various embodiments may preferably implement the following features:
Preferably, the wireless communication method further comprises: transmitting, to the Ambient IoT device, a confirmation in response to the indication before communicating with the Ambient IoT device by using another one of the independent signal transmission mode and the backscattering transmission mode.
Preferably, the confirmation is transmitted to the Ambient IoT device via an intermediate node configured to transfer signals between the Ambient IoT device and the wireless device.
Preferably, the confirmation is transmitted to the Ambient IoT device via an assisting node configured to transfer downlink signals from the wireless device to the Ambient IoT device.
Preferably, the indication is received from the Ambient IoT device via an intermediate node configured to transfer signals between the Ambient IoT device and the wireless device.
Preferably, the indication is received from the Ambient IoT device via an assisting node configured to transfer uplink signals from the Ambient IoT device to the wireless device.
Preferably, the wireless communication method further comprises: transmitting, to an ambient traffic management function, the indication of switching to another one of the independent signal transmission mode and the backscattering transmission mode for the Ambient IoT device before communicating with the Ambient IoT device by using another one of the independent signal transmission mode and the backscattering transmission mode.
Preferably, the wireless communication method further comprises: receiving, from the ambient traffic management function, the confirmation in response to the indication before communicating with the Ambient IoT device by using another one of the independent signal transmission mode and the backscattering transmission mode.
Preferably, the wireless device is a base station or a user equipment.
The present disclosure relates to a wireless communication method for use in an ambient traffic management function. The method comprises:
receiving, from an Ambient IoT device, an indication of switching from one of an independent  signal transmission mode and a backscattering transmission mode to another one of the independent signal transmission mode and the backscattering transmission mode.
Various embodiments may preferably implement the following features:
Preferably, the indication received from the Ambient IoT device via an intermediate node, an assisting node or a wireless network node.
Preferably, the wireless communication method further comprises: transmitting, to the Ambient IoT device, a confirmation in response to the indication.
Preferably, the confirmation is transmitted to the Ambient IoT device via a wireless network node, an intermediate node or an assisting node.
The present disclosure relates to an Ambient IoT device. The Ambient IoT device comprises:
a communication unit, configured to:
communicate with a wireless device by using one of an independent signal transmission mode and a backscattering transmission mode,
transmit, to the wireless device, an indication of switching to another one of the independent signal transmission mode and the backscattering transmission mode, and
communicate with the wireless device by using another one of the independent signal transmission mode and the backscattering transmission mode.
Various embodiments may preferably implement the following feature:
Preferably, the Ambient IoT device further comprises a processor configured to perform any of aforementioned wireless communication methods.
The present disclosure relates to a wireless device. The wireless device comprises:
a communication unit, configured to:
communicate with an Ambient IoT device by using one of an independent signal transmission mode and a backscattering transmission mode,
receive, from the Ambient IoT device, an indication of switching to another one of the independent signal transmission mode and the backscattering transmission mode, and
communicate with the Ambient IoT device by using another one of the independent signal transmission mode and the backscattering transmission mode.
Various embodiments may preferably implement the following feature:
Preferably, the wireless device further comprises a processor configured to perform any of aforementioned wireless communication methods.
The present disclosure relates to a wireless network node. The wireless network node comprises:
a communication unit, configured to receive, from an Ambient IoT device, an indication of switching to from one of an independent signal transmission mode and a backscattering transmission mode to another one of the independent signal transmission mode and the backscattering transmission mode.
Various embodiments may preferably implement the following feature:
Preferably, the wireless network node further comprises a processor configured to perform any of aforementioned wireless communication methods.
The present disclosure relates to a computer program product comprising a computer-readable program medium code stored thereupon, the code, when executed by a processor, causing the processor to implement a wireless communication method recited in any one of foregoing methods.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The exemplary embodiments disclosed herein are directed to providing features that will become readily apparent by reference to the following description when taken in conjunction with the accompany drawings. In accordance with various embodiments, exemplary systems, methods, devices and computer program products are disclosed herein. It is understood, however, that these embodiments are presented by way of example and not limitation, and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art who read the present disclosure that various modifications to the disclosed embodiments can be made while remaining within the scope of the present disclosure.
Thus, the present disclosure is not limited to the exemplary embodiments and applications described and illustrated herein. Additionally, the specific order and/or hierarchy of steps in the methods disclosed herein are merely exemplary approaches. Based upon design preferences, the specific order or hierarchy of steps of the disclosed methods or processes can be re-arranged while remaining within the scope of the present disclosure.  Thus, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the methods and techniques disclosed herein present various steps or acts in a sample order, and the present disclosure is not limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented unless expressly stated otherwise.
The invention is specified by the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims. In the following description, although numerous features may be designated as optional, it is nevertheless acknowledged that all features comprised in the independent claims are not to be read as optional.
The above and other aspects and their implementations are described in greater detail in the drawings, the descriptions, and the claims.
FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a connectivity topology of the Ambient IoT device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a switching procedure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of a connectivity topology of the Ambient IoT device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of a switching procedure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIGS. 5A and 5B show schematic diagrams of connectivity topologies of the Ambient IoT device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram of a switching procedure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 7 shows a schematic diagram of a switching procedure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 8 shows a schematic diagram of a connectivity topology of the Ambient IoT device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 9 shows a schematic diagram of a switching procedure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 10 shows an example of a schematic diagram of a wireless terminal according to an  embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 11 shows an example of a schematic diagram of a wireless network node according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 12 shows a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 13 shows a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 14 shows a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
3GPP (3rd generation partnership project) discloses four connectivity topologies for Ambient IoT devices:
- Topology 1: BSAmbient IoT device;
- Topology 2: BSIntermediate NodeAmbient IoT device;
- Topology 3: BSAssisting NodeAmbient IoT deviceBS;
- Topology 4: UEAmbient IoT device.
In an embodiment, the Ambient IoT devices are characterized as types A, B and C according to their energy storage capacity and capability of generating RF signals for their transmissions, wherein:
- Device type A: No energy storage and no independent signal generation/amplification. That is the Ambient IoT devices of the Device type A adopts the backscattering transmission.
- Device type B: With energy storage and no independent signal generation. That is the Ambient IoT devices of the device type B communicates by using the backscattering transmission. The use of the stored energy may include amplification for reflected signals.
- Device type C: With energy storage and with independent signal generation (scheme/circuits/modules) . In other words, the Ambient IoT devices of the device type C have active RF (radio frequency) components for performing transmissions.
The 3GPP also recognizes two transmission modes for the Ambient IoT devices: backscattering transmission and independent signal transmission. The present disclosure provides methods for switching the transmission modes of the Ambient IoT devices and devices and systems thereof.
Specifically, there are two transmission modes: the backscattering transmission (Device types A and B) and the independent signal transmission (Device type C) . For the backscattering transmission mode, the Ambient IoT devices uses the existing RF signals to transmit signal/data without using a battery or a power grid connection. Such devices use an antenna to pick up the existing RF signal and convert the existing signal into power and use the converted power to modify and reflect signal (s) with encoded data. For the independent signal transmission mode, the Ambient IoT devices have active RF components and can initiatively generate and transmit signal/data by using their energy storage.
In an embodiment, the Ambient IoT device may switch its transmission mode, e.g., based on the energy storage status. For example, the Ambient IoT devices may switch from the independent signal transmission to the backscattering transmission when/if the energy storage is exhausted. As an alternative, the Ambient IoT device may switch from the backscattering transmission to the independent signal transmission when/if its battery is recharged. In addition, the Ambient IoT device may also switch the transmission mode based on service requirements of different services or applications provided by the Ambient IoT device.
In an embodiment, the Ambient IoT device sends an indication of the transmission mode to a BS (base station) or an Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function or a UE (user equipment) , to switch the transmission mode adopted by the Ambient IoT device, e.g., from the independent signal transmission to the backscattering transmission or vice versa. After the BS or the Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function or the UE confirms the switching request from the Ambient IoT devices, the Ambient IoT devices starts using the indicated transmission mode to transfer the signal/data.
In embodiments for different connectivity topologies, the Ambient IoT devices interact with the BS or the Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function or the UE to request the transmission mode switching.
FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a connectivity topology of the Ambient IoT device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG. 1, the Ambient IoT device directly interacts with the BS. In this embodiment, the Ambient IoT device transmits the signal/data to the BS (by/via) using either the independent signal transmission mode or the backscattering transmission mode. In the present disclosure, the Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function may refer to “AITMF” in figures.
The Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function shown in FIG. 1 is a network element/function in core network and is configured to determine the transmission mode for the served Ambient IoT devices. The Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function may interact with BS directly or through an access management  function (e.g., AMF (access and mobility management function) ) . When/If the Ambient IoT device decides to switch the transmission mode to another mode based on certain conditions (e.g., its energy battery status and/or specific service requirements) , the Ambient IoT device sends an indication/request of a new transmission mode to the BS. If the BS is configured to determine the transmission mode of the Ambient IoT device, the BS responds a confirmation to the Ambient IoT device. If the Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function, rather than the BS, is configured to decide the transmission mode of the Ambient IoT device, the BS transfers the indication of the new transmission mode to the Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function. The Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function determines the transmission mode of the Ambient IoT device and responds a confirmation to the Ambient IoT device through the BS. After receiving the confirmation, the Ambient IoT device transmits the signal/data to the BS (by) using the indicated transmission mode (e.g., backscattering transmission mode or independent signal transmission mode) .
FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a switching procedure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The switching procedure shown in FIG. 2 is for the connectivity topology of Ambient IoT device interacting with BS directly (e.g., FIG. 1) and comprises the following steps:
Step 200: The Ambient IoT device transmits the signal/data to BS (by) using either the independent signal transmission mode or the backscattering transmission mode.
Step 201: The Ambient IoT device sends an indication of the new transmission mode to the BS.
Step 202: The BS transfers the indication of the new transmission mode to the Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function.
Step 203: The Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function responds a confirmation to the Ambient IoT device.
Steps 201 and 202 are optional and may be executed (only) when/if the Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function is configured to decide the transmission mode of the Ambient IoT device.
Step 204: The BS responds or transfers the confirmation to the Ambient IoT device.
Step 205: The Ambient IoT device transmits the signal/data to BS (by) using the new/another transmission mode.
FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of a connectivity topology of the Ambient IoT device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG. 3, the Ambient IoT device interacts with the BS through an  Intermediate Node. In this embodiment, the Ambient IoT device transmits signal/data to the BS using either the independent signal transmission mode or the backscattering transmission mode.
FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of a switching procedure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The switching procedure shown in FIG. 4 is for the connectivity topology of the Ambient IoT device interacting with the BS through the Intermediate Node (e.g., FIG. 3) and comprises the following steps:
Step 400: The Ambient IoT device transmits signal/data to the BS through the Intermediate Node using either the independent signal transmission mode or the backscattering transmission mode.
Step 401: The Ambient IoT device sends an indication of a new transmission mode to the BS through Intermediate Node.
Step 402: The BS transfers the indication of the new transmission mode to the Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function.
Step 403: The Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function responds a confirmation to the Ambient IoT device.
Note that steps 402 and 403 are optional and are executed (only) when/if the Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function is configured to decide the transmission mode of the Ambient IoT device.
Step 404: The BS responds or transfers the confirmation to the Ambient IoT device through Intermediate Node.
Step 405: The Ambient IoT device transmits signal/data to BS through the Intermediate Node (by) using the new/another transmission mode.
FIGS. 5A and 5B show schematic diagrams of connectivity topologies of the Ambient IoT device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIGS. 5A and 5B, the Ambient IoT device interacts with the BS with the assistance from an Assisting Node in either uplink or downlink direction. Specifically, in FIG. 5A, the BS is able to transmit downlink signals directly to the Ambient IoT device and receive uplink signals from the Ambient IoT device via the Assisting Node. In FIG. 5B, the BS can receive the uplink signals directly from the Ambient IoT device and transmit the downlink signals to the Ambient IoT device via the Assisting Node.
In this embodiment, the Ambient IoT device transmits signal/data to the BS using either the independent signal transmission mode or the backscattering transmission mode.
FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram of a switching procedure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The switching procedure shown in FIG. 6 is for the connectivity topology of the Ambient IoT device interacting with the BS with the downlink assistance from the Assisting Node (e.g., FIG. 5B) and comprises the following steps:
Step 600: The Ambient IoT device directly transmits signal/data to BS and receives the signal/data from the BS with the assistance from the Assisting Node (by) using either the independent signal transmission mode or the backscattering transmission mode.
Step 601: The Ambient IoT device sends an indication of a new transmission mode to the BS.
Step 602: The BS transfers the indication of the new transmission mode to the Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function.
Step 603: The Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function responds a confirmation to the Ambient IoT device.
Note that steps 602 and 603 are optional. For example, steps 603 and 604 are executed (only) when/if the Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function is configured to decide the transmission mode of the Ambient IoT device.
Step 604: The BS responds or transfers the confirmation to the Ambient IoT device with the assistance from the Assisting Node.
Step 605: The Ambient IoT device transmits the signal/data to the BS and/or receives the signal/data from the BS via the Assisting Node (by) using the new/another transmission mode.
FIG. 7 shows a schematic diagram of a switching procedure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The switching procedure shown in FIG. 7 is for the connectivity topology of the Ambient IoT device interacting with the BS with the uplink assistance from the Assisting Node (e.g., FIG. 5A) and comprises the following steps:
Step 700: The Ambient IoT device transmits signal/data to BS with the assistance from the Assisting Node and directly receives the sign/data from the BS (by) using either the independent signal transmission mode  or the backscattering transmission mode.
Step 701: The Ambient IoT device sends an indication of a new transmission mode to the BS with the assistance from the Assisting Node.
Step 702: The BS transfers the indication of new transmission mode to the Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function.
Step 703: The Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function responds a confirmation to the Ambient IoT device.
In this embodiment, steps 702 and 703 are optional. For instance, steps 702 and 703 may be executed (only) when/if the Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function is configured to decide the transmission mode of the Ambient IoT device.
Step 704: The BS responds or transfers the confirmation to the Ambient IoT device.
Step 705: The Ambient IoT device transmits signal/data to BS with the assistance from the Assisting Node and directly receives the sign/data from the BS (by) using the new/another transmission mode.
FIG. 8 shows a schematic diagram of a connectivity topology of the Ambient IoT device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG. 8, the Ambient IoT device directly interacts with the UE. In this embodiment, the Ambient IoT device transmits signal/data to the UE using either the independent signal transmission mode or the backscattering transmission mode.
FIG. 9 shows a schematic diagram of a switching procedure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The switching procedure shown in FIG. 9 is for the connectivity topology of the Ambient IoT device interacting with the UE directly (e.g., FIG. 8) and comprises the following steps:
Step 900: The Ambient IoT device transmits signal/data to the UE using either the independent signal transmission mode or the backscattering transmission mode.
Step 901: The Ambient IoT device sends an indication of a new transmission mode to the UE.
Step 902: The UE responds a confirmation to the Ambient IoT device.
Step 903: The Ambient IoT device transmits the signal/data to the UE using the new/another transmission mode.
In an embodiment, the Ambient IoT device transmits the signal/data to BS or UE (by) using either the independent signal transmission mode or the backscattering transmission mode. The Ambient IoT device sends an indication of (switching) transmission mode to the BS or the Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function or the UE to switch the currently adopted transmission mode, e.g., from the independent signal transmission to the backscattering transmission, or vice versa. After the BS or the Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function or the UE confirms the switching request from the Ambient IoT devices, the Ambient IoT device uses the new transmission mode to transfer signal/data to the BS or the UE.
FIG. 10 relates to a schematic diagram of a wireless terminal 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The wireless terminal 100 may be a user equipment (UE) , a mobile phone, a laptop, a tablet computer, an electronic book or a portable computer system and is not limited herein. In an embodiment, the wireless terminal may be an Ambient IoT device. The wireless terminal 100 may include a processor 1000 such as a microprocessor or Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) , a storage unit 1010 and a communication unit 1020. The storage unit 1010 may be any data storage device that stores a program code 1012, which is accessed and executed by the processor 1000. Embodiments of the storage unit 1010 include but are not limited to a subscriber identity module (SIM) , read-only memory (ROM) , flash memory, random-access memory (RAM) , hard-disk, and optical data storage device. The communication unit 1020 may a transceiver and is used to transmit and receive signals (e.g., messages or packets) according to processing results of the processor 1000. In an embodiment, the communication unit 1020 transmits and receives the signals via at least one antenna 1022 shown in FIG. 10.
In an embodiment, the storage unit 1010 and the program code 1012 may be omitted and the processor 1000 may include a storage unit with stored program code.
The processor 1000 may implement any one of the steps in exemplified embodiments on the wireless terminal 100, e.g., by executing the program code 1012.
The communication unit 1020 may be a transceiver. The communication unit 1020 may as an alternative or in addition be combining a transmitting unit and a receiving unit configured to transmit and to receive, respectively, signals to and from a wireless network node (e.g., a base station) .
In an embodiment, the Ambient IoT device shown in FIGS. 2 to 9 can be realized by the wireless terminal shown in FIG. 10.
FIG. 11 relates to a schematic diagram of a wireless network node/element 110 according to an  embodiment of the present disclosure. The wireless network node 110 may be a satellite, a base station (BS) , a network entity, a Mobility Management Entity (MME) , Serving Gateway (S-GW) , Packet Data Network (PDN) Gateway (P-GW) , a radio access network (RAN) node, a next generation RAN (NG-RAN) node, a gNB, an eNB, a gNB central unit (gNB-CU) , a gNB distributed unit (gNB-DU) a data network, a core network or a Radio Network Controller (RNC) , and is not limited herein. In addition, the wireless network node 110 may comprise (perform) at least one network function such as an access and mobility management function (AMF) , a session management function (SMF) , a user place function (UPF) , a policy control function (PCF) , an application function (AF) , Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function, etc. The wireless network node 110 may include a processor 1100 such as a microprocessor or ASIC, a storage unit 1110 and a communication unit 1120. The storage unit 1110 may be any data storage device that stores a program code 1112, which is accessed and executed by the processor 1100. Examples of the storage unit 1110 include but are not limited to a SIM, ROM, flash memory, RAM, hard-disk, and optical data storage device. The communication unit 1120 may be a transceiver and is used to transmit and receive signals (e.g., messages or packets) according to processing results of the processor 1100. In an example, the communication unit 1120 transmits and receives the signals via at least one antenna 1122 shown in FIG. 11.
In an embodiment, the storage unit 1110 and the program code 1112 may be omitted. The processor 1100 may include a storage unit with stored program code.
The processor 1100 may implement any steps described in exemplified embodiments on the wireless network node 110, e.g., via executing the program code 1112.
The communication unit 1120 may be a transceiver. The communication unit 1120 may as an alternative or in addition be combining a transmitting unit and a receiving unit configured to transmit and to receive, respectively, signals to and from a wireless terminal (e.g., a user equipment or another wireless network node) .
In an embodiment, the BS shown in FIGS. 2 to 9, the Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function shown in FIGS. 2 to 7, the intermediate node shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 and the assisting node shown in FIGS. 5A to FIG. 7 can be realized by the wireless network node/element shown in FIG. 11.
In an embodiment, the interactions between the BS and the intermediate node or the assisting node (see, e.g., FIG. 3, 5A or 5B) are based on air interface (e.g., Uu interface) .
In the present disclosure, the wireless device/element/wireless network node comprising network  function (s) refers to the network functions or the wireless device/wireless network node performing at least part of functionalities of the network functions.
FIG. 12 shows a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method shown in FIG. 12 may be used in an Ambient IoT device (e.g., the wireless terminal 100 shown in FIG. 10) and comprises the following steps:
Step 1201: Communicate with a wireless device by using one of an independent signal transmission mode and a backscattering transmission mode.
Step 1202: Transmit, to the wireless device, an indication of switching to another one of the independent signal transmission mode and the backscattering transmission mode.
Step 1203: Communicate with the wireless device by using another one of the independent signal transmission mode and the backscattering transmission mode.
In FIG. 12, the Ambient IoT device communicates with a wireless device (e.g., BS or UE) by using one of the independent signal transmission mode and the backscattering transmission mode. To switch the transmission mode, the Ambient IoT device transmits an indication of switching to another one of the independent signal transmission mode and the backscattering transmission mode to the wireless device.
In an embodiment, the Ambient IoT device receives a confirmation in response to the indication from the wireless device. After receiving the confirmation, the Ambient IoT device starts communicating with the wireless device by using another one of the independent signal transmission mode and the backscattering transmission mode.
In an embodiment, the Ambient IoT device receives the confirmation from the wireless device via an intermediate node (e.g., FIGS. 3 and 4) or an assisting node (e.g., FIGS. 5B and 6) .
In an embodiment, the Ambient IoT device transmits the indication via an intermediate node (e.g., FIGS. 3 and 4) or an assisting node (e.g., FIGS. 5A and 7) .
In an embodiment, the Ambient IoT device transmits the indication to an Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function (via the wireless device (e.g., BS) ) . In this embodiment, the confirmation in response to the indication is received from the Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function (via the wireless device (e.g., BS) ) . Note that, in the present disclosure, the Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function refers to the Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function.
In an embodiment, the Ambient IoT device transmits the indication based on an energy storage status of the Ambient IoT device and/or service requirements of the Ambient IoT device. That is the Ambient IoT device determines whether to switch the transmission mode based on its energy storage status and/or service requirements. If/when/after determining to switch the transmission mode, the Ambient IoT device transmits the indication to the wireless device.
FIG. 13 shows a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method shown in FIG. 13 may be used in a wireless device (e.g., BS or UE) and comprises the following steps:
Step 1301: Communicate with an Ambient IoT device by using one of an independent signal transmission mode and a backscattering transmission mode.
Step 1302: Receive, from the Ambient IoT device, an indication of switching to another one of the independent signal transmission mode and the backscattering transmission mode.
Step 1303: Communicate with the Ambient IoT device by using another one of the independent signal transmission mode and the backscattering transmission mode.
In FIG. 13, the wireless device communicates with an ambient (IoT) device by using one of an independent signal transmission mode and a backscattering transmission mode. If/when/after receiving an indication of switching to another one of the independent signal transmission mode and the backscattering transmission mode from the Ambient IoT device, the wireless device changes to use another one of the independent signal transmission mode and the backscattering transmission mode to communicate with the Ambient IoT device. Note that, before changing to use another one of the independent signal transmission mode and the backscattering transmission mode to communicate with the Ambient IoT device, the wireless device needs to transmit a confirmation in response to the indication to the Ambient IoT device.
In an embodiment, the wireless device transmits the confirmation to the Ambient IoT device via an intermediate node (e.g., FIGS. 3 and 4) or an assisting node (e.g., FIG. 5B and 6) .
In an embodiment, the wireless device receives the indication form the Ambient IoT device via an intermediate node (e.g., FIGS. 3 and 4) or an assisting node (e.g., FIG. 5A and 7) .
In an embodiment, if/when/after receiving the indication, the wireless device transmits the indication to an Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function (before changing the transmission mode which is used for communicating with the Ambient IoT device) . In this embodiment, the wireless device may receive the  confirmation in response to the indication from the Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function.
FIG. 14 shows a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method shown in FIG. 14 may be used in a wireless network element/node (e.g., the Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function, a wireless network element/node comprising the Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function or a wireless network element/node performing at least part of functionalities of the Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function) and comprises the following step:
Step 1401: Receive, from an Ambient IoT device, an indication of switching from one of an independent signal transmission mode and a backscattering transmission mode to another one of the independent signal transmission mode and the backscattering transmission mode.
In FIG. 14, the Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function receives an indication from an ambient (IoT) device, wherein the indication indicates a switch from one of an independent signal transmission mode and a backscattering transmission mode to another one of the independent signal transmission mode and the backscattering transmission mode. In response to the indication, the Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function transmits a confirmation to the Ambient IoT device (e.g., if determining the switch is allowed. ) 
In the present disclosure, the Ambient IoT Traffic Management Function is equal to ambient traffic management function.
In an embodiment, the indication received from the Ambient IoT device via:
- a wireless network node,
- an intermediate node and a wireless network node, or
- an assisting node and a wireless network node.
In an embodiment, the confirmation is transmitted to the Ambient IoT device via:
- a wireless network node,
- a wireless network node and an intermediate node, or
- a wireless network node and an assisting node.
While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not by way of limitation. Likewise, the  various diagrams may depict an example architectural or configuration, which are provided to enable persons of ordinary skill in the art to understand exemplary features and functions of the present disclosure. Such persons would understand, however, that the present disclosure is not restricted to the illustrated example architectures or configurations, but can be implemented using a variety of alternative architectures and configurations. Additionally, as would be understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art, one or more features of one embodiment can be combined with one or more features of another embodiment described herein. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any one of the above-described exemplary embodiments.
It is also understood that any reference to an element herein using a designation such as "first, " "second, " and so forth does not generally limit the quantity or order of those elements. Rather, these designations can be used herein as a convenient means of distinguishing between two or more elements or instances of an element. Thus, a reference to first and second elements does not mean that only two elements can be employed, or that the first element must precede the second element in some manner.
Additionally, a person having ordinary skill in the art would understand that information and signals can be represented using any one of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits and symbols, for example, which may be referenced in the above description can be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.
A skilled person would further appreciate that any one of the various illustrative logical blocks, units, processors, means, circuits, methods and functions described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein can be implemented by electronic hardware (e.g., a digital implementation, an analog implementation, or a combination of the two) , firmware, various forms of program or design code incorporating instructions (which can be referred to herein, for convenience, as "software" or a "software unit” ) , or any combination of these techniques.
To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware, firmware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, units, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware, firmware or software, or a combination of these techniques, depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans can implement the described functionality in various ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions do not cause a departure from the scope of the present disclosure. In accordance  with various embodiments, a processor, device, component, circuit, structure, machine, unit, etc. can be configured to perform one or more of the functions described herein. The term “configured to” or “configured for” as used herein with respect to a specified operation or function refers to a processor, device, component, circuit, structure, machine, unit, etc. that is physically constructed, programmed and/or arranged to perform the specified operation or function.
Furthermore, a skilled person would understand that various illustrative logical blocks, units, devices, components and circuits described herein can be implemented within or performed by an integrated circuit (IC) that can include a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP) , an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) , a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, or any combination thereof. The logical blocks, units, and circuits can further include antennas and/or transceivers to communicate with various components within the network or within the device. A general purpose processor can be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor can be any conventional processor, controller, or state machine. A processor can also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other suitable configuration to perform the functions described herein. If implemented in software, the functions can be stored as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Thus, the steps of a method or algorithm disclosed herein can be implemented as software stored on a computer-readable medium.
Computer-readable media includes both computer storage media and communication media including any medium that can be enabled to transfer a computer program or code from one place to another. A storage media can be any available media that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media can include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer.
In this document, the term "unit" as used herein, refers to software, firmware, hardware, and any combination of these elements for performing the associated functions described herein. Additionally, for purpose of discussion, the various units are described as discrete units; however, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, two or more units may be combined to form a single unit that performs the associated functions according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
Additionally, memory or other storage, as well as communication components, may be employed in embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that, for clarity purposes, the above description has described embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to different functional units and processors. However, it will be apparent that any suitable distribution of functionality between different functional units, processing logic elements or domains may be used without detracting from the present disclosure. For example, functionality illustrated to be performed by separate processing logic elements, or controllers, may be performed by the same processing logic element, or controller. Hence, references to specific functional units are only references to a suitable means for providing the described functionality, rather than indicative of a strict logical or physical structure or organization.
Various modifications to the implementations described in this disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other implementations without departing from the scope of the claims. Thus, the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the implementations shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the novel features and principles disclosed herein, as recited in the claims below.

Claims (26)

  1. A wireless communication method for use in an Ambient Internet-of-Things (IoT) device, the method comprising:
    communicating with a wireless device by using one of an independent signal transmission mode and a backscattering transmission mode,
    transmitting, to the wireless device, an indication of switching to another one of the independent signal transmission mode and the backscattering transmission mode, and
    communicating with the wireless device by using another one of the independent signal transmission mode and the backscattering transmission mode.
  2. The wireless communication method of claim 1, further comprising:
    receiving, from the wireless device, a confirmation in response to the indication before communicating with the wireless device by using another one of the independent signal transmission mode and the backscattering transmission mode.
  3. The wireless communication method of claim 2, wherein the confirmation is received from the wireless device via:
    an intermediate node configured to transfer signals between the Ambient IoT device and the wireless device, or
    an assisting node configured to transfer downlink signals from the wireless device to the Ambient IoT device.
  4. The wireless communication method of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the indication is transmitted to the wireless device via:
    an intermediate node configured to transfer signals between the Ambient IoT device and the wireless device, or
    an assisting node configured to transfer uplink signals from the Ambient IoT device to the wireless device.
  5. The wireless communication method of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the indication is configured to be transmitted to an ambient traffic management function via the wireless device.
  6. The wireless communication method of claim 5, further comprising:
    receiving, from the ambient traffic management function, a confirmation in response to the indication.
  7. The wireless communication method of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the wireless device is a base station or a user equipment.
  8. The wireless communication method of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein transmitting, to the wireless device, the indication of switching to another one of the independent signal transmission mode and the backscattering transmission mode comprises:
    transmitting, to the wireless device, the indication of switching to another one of the independent signal transmission mode and the backscattering transmission mode based on an energy storage status of the Ambient IoT device and/or service requirements of the Ambient IoT device.
  9. A wireless communication method for use in a wireless device, the method comprising:
    communicating with an Ambient Internet-of-things (IoT) device by using one of an independent signal transmission mode and a backscattering transmission mode,
    receiving, from the Ambient IoT device, an indication of switching to another one of the independent signal transmission mode and the backscattering transmission mode, and
    communicating with the Ambient IoT device by using another one of the independent signal transmission mode and the backscattering transmission mode.
  10. The wireless communication method of claim 9, further comprising:
    transmitting, to the Ambient IoT device, a confirmation in response to the indication before communicating with the Ambient IoT device by using another one of the independent signal transmission mode and the backscattering transmission mode.
  11. The wireless communication method of claim 10, wherein the confirmation is transmitted to the Ambient IoT device via:
    an intermediate node configured to transfer signals between the Ambient IoT device and the wireless device, or
    an assisting node configured to transfer downlink signals from the wireless device to the Ambient IoT device.
  12. The wireless communication method of any of claims 9 to 11, wherein the indication is received from the Ambient IoT device via:
    an intermediate node configured to transfer signals between the Ambient IoT device and the wireless device, or
    an assisting node configured to transfer uplink signals from the Ambient IoT device to the wireless device.
  13. The wireless communication method of any of claims 9 to 12, further comprising:
    transmitting, to an ambient traffic management function, the indication of switching to another one of the independent signal transmission mode and the backscattering transmission mode for the Ambient IoT device before communicating with the Ambient IoT device by using another one of the independent signal transmission mode and the backscattering transmission mode.
  14. The wireless communication method of claim 13, further comprising:
    receiving, from the ambient traffic management function, the confirmation in response to the indication before communicating with the Ambient IoT device by using another one of the independent signal transmission mode and the backscattering transmission mode.
  15. The wireless communication method of any of claims 9 to 14, wherein the wireless device is a base station or a user equipment.
  16. A wireless communication method for use in an ambient traffic management function, the method comprising:
    receiving, from an Ambient IoT device, an indication of switching from one of an independent signal transmission mode and a backscattering transmission mode to another one of the independent signal transmission mode and the backscattering transmission mode.
  17. The wireless communication method of claim 16, wherein the indication received from the Ambient IoT device via an intermediate node, an assisting node or a wireless network node.
  18. The wireless communication method of claim 16 or 17, further comprising:
    transmitting, to the Ambient IoT device, a confirmation in response to the indication.
  19. The wireless communication method of claim 18, wherein the confirmation is transmitted to the Ambient IoT device via a wireless network node, an intermediate node or an assisting node.
  20. An Ambient Internet-of-Things (IoT) device, comprising:
    a communication unit, configured to:
    communicate with a wireless device by using one of an independent signal transmission mode and a backscattering transmission mode,
    transmit, to the wireless device, an indication of switching to another one of the independent signal  transmission mode and the backscattering transmission mode, and
    communicate with the wireless device by using another one of the independent signal transmission mode and the backscattering transmission mode.
  21. The Ambient IoT device of claim 20, further comprising a processor configured to perform the wireless communication method of any of claims 2 to 8.
  22. A wireless device, comprising:
    a communication unit, configured to:
    communicate with an Ambient IoT device by using one of an independent signal transmission mode and a backscattering transmission mode,
    receive, from the Ambient IoT device, an indication of switching to another one of the independent signal transmission mode and the backscattering transmission mode, and
    communicate with the Ambient IoT device by using another one of the independent signal transmission mode and the backscattering transmission mode.
  23. The wireless device of claim 22, further comprising a processor configured to perform the wireless communication method of any of claims 10 to 15.
  24. A wireless network node, comprising:
    a communication unit, configured to receive, from an Ambient IoT device, an indication of switching to from one of an independent signal transmission mode and a backscattering transmission mode to another one of the independent signal transmission mode and the backscattering transmission mode.
  25. The wireless network node of claim 24, further comprising a processor configured to perform the wireless communication method of any of claims 16 to 19.
  26. A computer program product comprising a computer-readable program medium code stored thereupon, the code, when executed by a processor, causing the processor to implement a wireless communication method recited in any one of claims 1 to 19.
PCT/CN2023/122255 2023-09-27 2023-09-27 Systems and methods of transmission mode switching for ambient iot devices Pending WO2025065398A1 (en)

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WO2023281546A1 (en) * 2021-07-08 2023-01-12 Universita' Degli Studi Di Trento Method and device to communicate the energy availability of a processing system based on intermittent microarchitectures, without electricity consumption
WO2023070453A1 (en) * 2021-10-28 2023-05-04 Oppo广东移动通信有限公司 Wireless communication method, first device, and second device
US20230179247A1 (en) * 2020-05-04 2023-06-08 Orange Device for controlling the operation of a wireless fdd communication device, and associated control method
US20230189269A1 (en) * 2021-12-14 2023-06-15 Qualcomm Incorporated Uplink relay for wireless powered internet of things (iot)
US20230254886A1 (en) * 2022-02-10 2023-08-10 Qualcomm Incorporated Energy-state feedback for efficient wireless power transfer to iot devices

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20230179247A1 (en) * 2020-05-04 2023-06-08 Orange Device for controlling the operation of a wireless fdd communication device, and associated control method
WO2023281546A1 (en) * 2021-07-08 2023-01-12 Universita' Degli Studi Di Trento Method and device to communicate the energy availability of a processing system based on intermittent microarchitectures, without electricity consumption
WO2023070453A1 (en) * 2021-10-28 2023-05-04 Oppo广东移动通信有限公司 Wireless communication method, first device, and second device
US20230189269A1 (en) * 2021-12-14 2023-06-15 Qualcomm Incorporated Uplink relay for wireless powered internet of things (iot)
US20230254886A1 (en) * 2022-02-10 2023-08-10 Qualcomm Incorporated Energy-state feedback for efficient wireless power transfer to iot devices

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