WO2026012565A1 - Composite device with energy supply device and energy consumption device - Google Patents

Abstract

There is provided a composite device (100). The composite device (100) comprises an energy supply device (110), and an energy consumption device (120). The composite device (100) comprises a network subscription module holding subscription information (130) of at least one of the energy supply device (110) and the energy consumption device (120). The composite device (100) comprises a storage holding credentials (150) of at least one of the energy supply device (110) and the energy consumption device (120). The energy consumption device (120, 220) comprises a radio modem (140) configured to establish a wireless connection to a network node based on the subscription information (130), to register the composite device (100) to the network node based on the credentials (150), and to communicate messages on behalf of the composite device (100) with the network node.

Description

COMPOSITE DEVICE WITH

ENERGY SUPPLY DEVICE AND ENERGY CONSUMPTION DEVICE

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments presented herein relate to an energy supply device, an energy consumption device to be powered by the energy supply device, and a composite device comprising the energy supply device and the energy consumption devices.

BACKGROUND

In recent years, the proliferation of battery-powered devices, and other energy consumption devices, such as tools, electric vehicles (EVs), fuel cell vehicles, and electrical bicycles (e-bikes), just to mention a few, has transformed numerous industries, enhancing mobility, efficiency, and convenience. These devices offer significant benefits including portability, reduced emissions, and ease of use.

There is a growing interest from users, owners, and producers in collecting and analyzing usage data from these devices. Such data is invaluable for multiple reasons. Some examples will be provided next.

User Insights. Understanding how devices are used can help users optimize their habits, leading to more efficient and effective use. For instance, data on riding patterns can help e-bike owners maximize battery life and performance.

Maintenance and Service. Usage data can alert owners and service providers to maintenance needs before issues become critical, thereby preventing breakdowns and extending the lifespan of the devices. For example, data from electric vehicles can predict when battery replacements or other services are necessary.

Product Improvement. Manufacturers can use collected data to identify common issues, understand customer needs, and improve future product designs. For instance, power tool manufacturers can determine which tools are used most frequently and under what conditions, leading to more durable and user-friendly designs.

Operational Efficiency. Companies that rely on fleets of energy consumption devices can streamline operations by monitoring device usage and performance. For example, construction companies can track the usage of battery-powered tools to ensure they are used efficiently and maintained properly.

Additionally, integrating sensors into energy consumption devices can automate the collection of detailed usage data. These sensors can monitor various parameters, such as operational time, battery status, and mechanical stress, providing comprehensive insights without requiring user intervention.

One challenge is the cost and complexity associated with integrating Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards, or other type of subscription information, into these devices, which would enable them to function as User Equipment (UE) and communicate over mobile networks. This transformation facilitates real-time data transmission, remote monitoring, and integration into the Internet of Things (loT). However, the cost and complexity of incorporating telecommunication hardware and services often outweighs the benefits, especially for devices that are not inherently expensive. Consequently, many energy consumption devices do not justify the additional cost, leaving a gap in their potential for data connectivity and analysis.

Given the cost constraints of integrating SIM cards, there has been an interest in alternative, cost-effective solutions for data collection and connectivity. Potential solutions include the use of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Wi-Fi, or other short-range communication protocols. These technologies enable the transmission of usage data to nearby devices, such as smartphones or dedicated data hubs, which can then upload the data to cloud servers for analysis. However, just like SIM card integration, these technologies also require some hardware and software for facilitating the communication.

Hence, there is still a need for improved technologies for enabling energy consumption devices to communicate with a network.

SUMMARY

An object of embodiments herein is to address the above issues.

A particular object is to enable energy consumption devices to communicate with a network even though the energy consumption devices lack some of the components needed for such communication.

A further particular object is to enable energy supply devices to communicate with a network even though the energy supply devices lack some of the components needed for such communication.

According to a first aspect there is presented an energy supply device. The energy supply device comprises an energy supply module. The energy supply device comprises a power connector configured to provide energy to an energy consumption device from the energy supply module. The energy supply device comprises a communications connector configured to receive credentials from the energy consumption device and to communicate messages with the energy consumption device. The energy supply device comprises a network subscription module holding subscription information of the energy supply device. The energy supply device comprises a radio modem configured to establish a wireless connection to a network node based on the subscription information, to register the energy supply device to the network node based on the credentials of the energy consumption device, and to communicate messages on behalf of the energy consumption device with the network node.

According to a second aspect there is presented an energy consumption device. The energy consumption device comprises a power connector configured to receive energy from an energy supply device external to the energy consumption device and to power the energy consumption device with the received energy. The energy consumption device comprises a storage holding credentials of the energy consumption device. The energy consumption device comprises a communications connector configured to provide the credentials to the energy supply device and to communicate messages with a network node via the energy supply device.

According to a third aspect there is presented a composite device. The composite device comprises an energy supply device, and energy consumption device. The energy supply device comprises an energy supply module, a first power connector configured to provide energy the energy consumption device from the energy supply module, and a first communications connector configured to communicate messages with the energy consumption device. The energy consumption device comprises a second power connector configured to receive energy from the energy supply device and to power the energy consumption device with the received energy, and a second communications connector configured to communicate messages with the energy supply device. The composite device comprises a network subscription module holding subscription information of at least one of the energy supply device and the energy consumption device. The composite device comprises a storage holding credentials of at least one of the energy supply device and the energy consumption device. The energy consumption device comprises a radio modem configured to establish a wireless connection to a network node based on the subscription information, to register the composite device to the network node based on the credentials, and to communicate messages on behalf of the composite device with the network node.

Advantageously, these aspects enable the energy consumption device to communicate with the network even though the energy consumption devices lack some of the components needed for such communication.

Advantageously, these aspects enable the energy supply device to communicate with the network even though the energy supply devices lack some of the components needed for such communication.

Advantageously, these aspects enable the composite device as a whole to communicate with a network, although some of the components needed for such communication are provided in the energy supply device and some components needed for such communication are provided in the energy consumption device.

Advantageously, these aspects enable the energy supply device to operate as a device tied to a user equipment identity (for tracking, monitoring, re-cycling, etc.).

Advantageously, these aspects enable tools, EVs, e-bikes, and other energy consumption devices to communicate with a network, even if lacking a radio modem and/or subscription information.

Advantageously, these aspects enable control of which energy consumption devices to be powered by which energy supply devices.

Other objectives, features and advantages of the enclosed embodiments will be apparent from the following detailed disclosure, from the attached dependent claims as well as from the drawings. Generally, all terms used in the claims are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly defined otherwise herein. All references to "a/an/the element, apparatus, component, means, module, step, etc." are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of the element, apparatus, component, means, module, step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise. The steps of any method disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless explicitly stated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The inventive concept is now described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a composite device according to embodiments;

Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a system comprising an energy supply device, an energy consumption device, and a network node according to an embodiment;

Figs. 3 and 4 are signalling diagrams of methods according to embodiments;

Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing structural units of a composite device according to an embodiment;

Fig. 6 shows one example of a computer program product comprising computer readable storage medium according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The inventive concept will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which certain embodiments of the inventive concept are shown. This inventive concept may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of example so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the inventive concept to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the description. Any step or feature illustrated by dashed lines should be regarded as optional.

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a composite device 100 according to embodiments. The composite device 100 comprises an energy supply device 110 and an energy consumption device 120. Although the composite device 100 here is exemplified by comprising a first device (the energy supply device 110) and a second device (the energy consumption device 120) having certain capabilities, the composite device 100 can in similar manner comprise more than these two devices. In any case, one of the devices might be configured to assume a managing role for exchanging capabilities (e.g., by executing an enquiry/response procedure) between the devices. Further, one of the devices might be configured to take the role as termination point to the later disclosed enquiry/response procedure towards a network. In any case, the energy supply device 110 is configured to provide the energy consumption device 120 with energy for the energy consumption device 120 to perform its intended functionality. In the illustrative example of Fig. 1, the energy consumption device 120 is illustrated as a power tool in the form of a drill and the energy supply device 120 is a rechargeable battery pack that is attachable to the energy consumption device 120 for the energy consumption device 120 to perform its intended functionality, namely drilling. In case the energy consumption device 120 is a vehicle, such as an EV or an e-bike, then the intended functionality is to propel the vehicle, etc.

As will be further disclosed below, the energy supply device 110 is detachable from the energy consumption device 120. Generally, the energy supply device 110 can be attached to different energy consumption devices 120, possibly of different types (such as different types of power tools, different types of vehicles, etc.). It is assumed that the composite device 100 is to communicate with a network. For this purpose, the composite device 100 comprises subscription information 130, a radio modem 140, credentials 150, identity information 160 of the energy supply device 110 and identity information 170 of the energy consumption device 120. The subscription information 130 might be provided in a traditional SIM card, an embedded SIM (eSIM) card, an integrated SIM (ISIM) card, or the like. As will be disclosed next, the subscription information 130, the radio modem 140, and the credentials 150 might be provided in either the energy supply device 110 or the energy consumption device 120. Different configurations of the energy supply device 110 and the energy consumption device 120 with respect to the subscription information 130, the radio modem 140, and the credentials 150 will be disclosed below, starting with Fig. 2.

Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a system 200 comprising an energy supply device 210, an energy consumption device 220, and a network node 230 (representing a network). As in Fig. 1, the energy supply device 210 and the energy consumption device 220 are part of a composite device. That is, the composite device 100 comprises an energy supply device 110, 210, and an energy consumption device 120, 220. The energy supply device 210 comprises an energy supply module 212. e.g., in the form of a (re-chargeable) battery, one or more fuel cells, or the like. That is, in some examples, the energy supply module 212 is a battery or a fuel cell. Collectively, the energy supply device 210 and the energy consumption device 220 comprises components (in terms of subscription information 130a, 130b, radio modem 140a, 140b, credentials 150a, 150b, and identity information) for the composite device to communicate with the network. That is, the composite device 100 comprises a network subscription module holding subscription information 130a, 130b of at least one of the energy supply device 110, 210 and the energy consumption device 120, 220, and a storage 214, 224 holding credentials 150a, 150b of at least one of the energy supply device 110, 210 and the energy consumption device 120, 220.

The energy supply device 210 and the energy consumption device 220 are configured to communicate with each other over a communication interface 240 provided between a (first) communications connector 216 in the energy supply device 210 and a (second) communications connector 226 in the energy consumption device 220. In particular, in some embodiments, the energy supply device 110, 210 comprises a communications connector 216 configured to receive credentials 150b from the energy consumption device 120, 220 and to communicate messages with the energy consumption device 120, 220. Further, the communications connector 216 in the energy supply device 110, 210 may be configured to receive identity information 170 of the energy consumption device 120, 220 from the energy consumption device 120, 220. Likewise, in some embodiments, the energy consumption device 120, 220 comprises a communications connector 226 configured to provide the credentials 150b to the energy supply device 110, 210 and to communicate messages with a network node 230 via the energy supply device 110, 210.

The intended functionality of the energy consumption device 220 is represented by an application 222. In turn, the application 222 comprises the hardware and software required for the energy consumption device 220 to perform its intended functionality. The application 222 is configured to be powered by the energy storage of the energy supply device 210 over a power interface 250 between a (first) power connector 218 in the energy supply device 210 and a (second) power connector 228 in the energy consumption device 220. Thus, in some embodiments, the energy supply device 110, 210 comprises a power connector 218 configured to provide energy to an energy consumption device 120, 220 from the energy supply module 212. Likewise, in some embodiments, the energy consumption device 120, 220 comprises a power connector 228 configured to receive energy from an energy supply device 110, 210 external to the energy consumption device 120, 220 and to power the energy consumption device 120, 220 with the received energy.

The energy supply device 110, 210 might collect data from the energy consumption device 120, 220, store the data, and transfer the data to a charging station during a charging procedure of the energy supply device 110, 210. Hence, in some embodiments, the communications connector 216 in the energy supply device 110, 210 is configured to receive data from the energy consumption device 120, 220, and to provide the data to a charging station during charging of the energy supply module 212.

Subscription information might be provided either in the energy supply device 210 (illustrated as SIM-1) and/or in the energy consumption device 220 (illustrated as SIM-2). Thus, in some embodiments, the energy supply device 110, 210 comprises a network subscription module holding subscription information 130a of the energy supply device 110, 210. Further, the energy consumption device 120, 220 may also comprises a network subscription module holding subscription information 130b of the energy consumption device 120, 220. The communications connector 226 of the energy consumption device 120, 220 may then be configured to provide the subscription information 130b to the energy supply device 110, 210. Credentials 150a, 150b might be provided either in the energy supply device 210 (illustrated as Cred.-1) and/or in the energy consumption device 220 (illustrated as Cred. -2). Thus, in some embodiments, the energy consumption device 120, 220 comprises a storage 224 holding credentials 150b of the energy consumption device 120, 220. For this purpose each of the energy supply device 210 and the energy consumption device 220 comprises a respective storage 214, 224. A radio modem 140a, 140b might be provided either in the energy supply device 210 and/or in the energy consumption device 220. Thus, in some embodiments, the energy supply device 110, 210 comprises a radio modem 140a configured to establish a wireless connection to a network node 230 based on the subscription information 130a, 130b, to register the energy supply device 110, 210 to the network node 230 based on the credentials 150b of the energy consumption device 120, 220, and to communicate messages on behalf of the energy consumption device 120, 220 with the network node 230. The energy supply device 110, 210 might provide a request to the energy consumption device 120, 220 to provide its credentials 150b for the energy supply device 110, 210 to communicate with the network node 230. Particularly, in some embodiments, the communications connector 226 is configured to provide a request to the energy supply device 110, 210 for the energy consumption device 120, 220 to communicate with the network node 230, to receive a request for the credentials 150b from the energy supply device 110, 210, and to provide the credentials 150b to the energy supply device 110, 210 in response thereto.

For example, the energy supply device 110, 210 might receive a request from the energy consumption device 120, 220 for energy consumption device 120, 220 to communicate with the network node 230 via the energy supply device 110, 210. Therefore, in some embodiments, the radio modem 140a is configured to provide the identity information 170 to the network node 230 in a request for the energy consumption device 120, 220 to be allowed to communicate with the network node 230 via the energy supply device 110, 210 and to receive an acceptance from the network node 230 of the energy consumption device 120, 220 being allowed to communicate with the network node 230 via the energy supply device 110, 210. Therefore, in some embodiments, the storage 224 in the energy consumption device 120, 220 holds identity information 170 of the energy consumption device 120, 220, and the communications connector 226 in the energy consumption device 120, 220 is configured to provide this identity information 170 to the energy supply device 110, 210.

In case both the energy supply device 210 and the energy consumption device 220 hold subscription information, then two wireless connections could be established to the network node 230 via the energy supply device 110, 210. That is, in some embodiments, the wireless connection is a first wireless connection, and the communications connector 216 in the energy supply device 110, 210 the is configured to receive subscription information 130b from the energy consumption device 120, 220, and the radio modem 140a in the energy supply device 110, 210 is configured to establish a second wireless connection to the network node 230 based on the subscription information 130b as received from the energy consumption device 120, 220. Likewise, in some embodiments, the energy consumption device 120, 220 comprises a radio modem 140b configured to establish a wireless connection to a network node 230 based on the subscription information 130a, 130b, to register the composite device 100 to the network node 230 based on the credentials 150a, 150b, and to communicate messages on behalf of the composite device 100 with the network node 230.

For example, depending on in which of the energy supply device 210 and the energy consumption device 220 the subscription information 130a, 130b and the radio modem 140a, 140b is located, different types of information might be conveyed from one of the energy supply device 210 and the energy consumption device 220 to the other of the energy supply device 210 and the energy consumption device 220. In non-limiting examples, the information pertains to any, or any combination of: a first data entry (such as devicej D, devicejype, etc.), a second data entry (batteryJD, battery Jevel, UE_ID, etc.), a third data entry (such as time constants, voltage resolution, etc.), a fourth data entry (such as outbound data attributes, message sizes/bytes, etc.), a fifth data entry (such as inbound data acquisition attributes, message/byte sizes, etc.). In some aspects, the energy supply device 210 and the energy consumption device 220 are configured to exchange information with each other on the network protocol layer (i.e., not on the application protocol layer).

In a first example, the energy supply device 110, 210 is tied to one user and UE ID (as above represented by the parameter “UE_ID”). In this example all energy consumption devices 120, 220 owned by the same user as the energy supply device 110, 210 can be registered. A network connection cannot be established for energy consumption devices 120, 220 without the proper credentials (i.e., not belonging to the user of the energy supply device 110, 210).

In a second example, the energy supply device 110, 210 is tied to a set of users and UE IDs, as for example represented by a group of users within the same company, all users in a common pool of users, etc. In this example all energy consumption devices 120, 220 owned by the same set of users as the energy supply device 110, 210 can be registered. A network connection cannot be established for energy consumption devices 120, 220 without the proper credentials (i.e., not belonging to the set of users of the energy supply device 110, 210).

Further embodiments of the energy supply device 110, 210 and the energy consumption device 120, 220 will be disclosed next.

The credentials 150b of the energy consumption device 120, 220 might be requested over the the communications connector 216 of the energy supply device 110, 210. That is, the energy supply device 110, 210 might provide a request over its communications connector 226 to the energy consumption device 120, 220 for the credentials 150b of the energy consumption device 120, 220 for energy supply device 110, 210 to communicate with the network node 230.

In some aspects, the energy supply device 110, 210 also communicates with the network node 230 on behalf of itself. That is, in some embodiments, the radio modem 140a is configured to communicate messages of the energy supply device 110, 210 with the network node 230. For example, the energy supply device 110, 210 might register its own credentials 150a with the network. Therefore, in some embodiments, the storage 214 holds credentials 150a of the energy supply device 110, 210, and the radio modem 140a is configured to register the energy supply device 110, 210 to the network node 230 based on the credentials 150a of the energy supply device 110, 210. The radio modem 140a can then be configured to, based on the credentials 150b of the energy consumption device 120, 220 and the credentials 150a of the energy supply device 110, 210, create an interface for the energy supply device 110, 210 and the energy consumption device 120, 220 to establish a unique trusted entity towards the network node 230. Further, the energy supply device 110, 210 can be configured to, based on the credentials 150b of the energy consumption device 120, 220 and the credentials 150a of the energy supply device 110, 210, create an application-layer identifier of the energy supply device 110, 210 and the energy consumption device 120, 220.

As disclosed above, in some examples, the energy supply device 110, 210 is tied to one user and UE ID. The energy supply device 110, 210 might then check that the energy consumption device 120, 220 is allowed to access the energy provided by the energy supply device 110, 210. Hence, in some embodiments, the energy supply device 110, 210 is configured to verify the identity information 170 before providing energy to the energy consumption device 120, 220 as needed for the energy consumption device 120, 220 to operate. In relation to this, in some examples, the energy is provided according to some policy. For this purpose the identity information 170 might be mapped to one or more policies, where the energy is then provided from the energy supply device 110, 210 to the energy consumption device 120, 220 in accordance with that one or more policies.

Further, the energy supply device 110, 210 may have to report back to its managing node the identifier of the energy consumption device 120, 220, and acquire from the managing node information if an energy consumption device 120, 220 with that identifier is allowed to receive energy from the energy supply device 110, 210 or not. That is, in some embodiments, the radio modem 140a is configured to provide the identity information 170 to the network node 230 and to receive an acknowledgement of positive verification of the energy consumption device 120, 220 from the network node 230.

As disclosed above, capabilities (e.g., by executing an enquiry/response procedure) might be exchanged between the energy supply device 110, 210 and the energy consumption device 120, 220. Capabilities can be exchanged as the above noted first data item, second data item, third data item and/or fifth data item. In particular, in some embodiments the radio modem 140a in the energy supply device 110, 210 is configured to receive a UE capability enquiry message from the network node 230, and to respond to the network node 230 with a UE capability information message, where the UE capability information message comprises capabilities of both the energy supply device 110, 210 and the energy consumption device 120, 220. Further, the communications connector 216 in the energy supply device 110, 210 might be configured to acquire the capabilities of the energy consumption device 120, 220 from the energy consumption device 120, 220, and to provide the energy consumption device 120, 220 the capabilities of the energy consumption device 120, 220 and the capabilities of the energy supply device 110, 210 to the radio modem 140a in the energy supply device 110, 210. Hence, in some embodiments, the communications connector 226 in the energy consumption device 120, 220 is configured to provide capabilities of the energy consumption device 120, 220 to the energy supply device 110, 210. In some embodiments, the radio modem 140a is configured to respond to the network node 230 with the UE capability information message only in case having identified the UE capability enquiry message as pertaining to composite devices 100.

Embodiments of a composite device 100 with different distributions of components between the energy supply device 110, 210 and the energy consumption device 120, 220 for the composite device 100 to communicate with the network, as represented by the network node 230, will be disclosed next. In all embodiments it is assumed that the energy supply device 110, 210 is configured to provide the energy consumption device 120, 220 with energy for the energy consumption device 120 to perform its intended functionality. Further, in all embodiments it is assumed that the composite device 100 comprises a storage 214, 224 holding identity information 160 of the energy supply device 110, 210 and identity information 170 of the energy consumption device 120, 220.

In a first embodiment, the energy supply device 110, 210 carries the subscription information 130, the credentials 150, and the radio modem 140 for connectivity. Each of the energy supply device 110, 210 and the energy consumption device 120, 220 holds their own identity information 160, 170. The energy consumption device 120, 220 can thus be regarded as an external capability that is powered by the energy supply device 110, 210. That is, in some embodiments, the subscription information 130 is of the energy supply device 110, 210, the credentials 150 are of the energy supply device 110, 210, and the radio modem 140 is comprised in the energy supply device 110, 210.

As a non-limiting example, the energy supply device 110, 210 can, to a management node, report the identifier of the energy consumption device 120, 220 to which the energy supply device 110, 210 is attached. The energy supply device 110, 210 can then from the management node acquire information whether an energy supply device 110, 210 with that particular identifier should be supplied power or not. For example, one company might provide energy supply devices 110, 210 that fit energy consumption devices 120, 220 of a plethora of brands present at a site. Then, although having a galvanic connection, the energy supply devices 110, 210 might still not provide any charging power to the energy consumption devices 120, 220 of some of the brands. Further, different fees may be associated with the supply of power how much and/or for how long for different types, or brands, of energy consumption devices 120, 220, etc. In these aspects, the energy consumption devices 120, 220 need to have a trustful identity that the management node of the energy supply devices 110, 210 could request and evaluate.

In a second embodiment, the energy consumption device 120, 220 carries the subscription information 130, the credentials 150, and the radio modem 140 for connectivity. Each of the energy supply device 110, 210 and the energy consumption device 120, 220 holds their own identity information. That is, in some embodiments, the subscription information 130 is of the energy consumption device 120, 220, the credentials 150 are of the energy consumption device 120, 220, and the radio modem 140 is comprised in the energy consumption device 120, 220.

Here, the energy consumption device 120, 220 might request some information from the energy supply device 110, 210 that the energy consumption devices 120, 220 provides to the management node for evaluation, for example to ensure that the energy consumption device 120, 220 is supplied power from an approved energy supply device 110, 210. This requires the identifier of the energy supply device 110, 210 to be provided to the energy consumption devices 120, 220. In a third embodiment, the energy supply device 110, 210 carries the subscription information 130 and the credentials 150, and the energy consumption device 120, 220 carries the radio modem 140 for connectivity. Each of the energy supply device 110, 210 and the energy consumption device 120, 220 holds their own identity information. That is, in some embodiments, the subscription information 130 is of the energy consumption device 120, 220, the credentials 150 are of the energy consumption device 120, 220, and the radio modem 140 is comprised in the energy consumption device 120, 220.

Since the energy supply device 110, 210 carries the subscription information it represents the anchor entity in relation to the network, and in that role requests the energy consumption device 120, 220 to, via the radio modem 140, share relevant information with the network. Here, either the managing entity could be defined as the combination {battery, subscription information} whereas the managed entity is defined as the combination {radio modem, application}, or vice versa.

In a fourth embodiment, the energy supply device 110, 210 carries subscription information 130a and credentials 150a, and the energy consumption device 120, 220 carries the radio modem 140 for connectivity and also subscription information 130b and credentials 150b. Each of the energy supply device 110, 210 and the energy consumption device 120, 220 holds their own identity information 160, 170. That is, in some embodiments, the subscription information 130 is of the energy supply device 110, 210, the credentials 150 are of the energy supply device 110, 210, and the radio modem 140 is comprised in the energy consumption device 120, 220.

Here, the energy supply device 110, 210 thus has subscription information and credentials but no capability for connectivity, whereas the energy consumption device 120, 220 has the capability for connectivity but is without power unless powered by the energy supply device 110, 210. Further, since both the energy supply device 110, 210 and the energy consumption device 120, 220 have subscription information and credentials, either can represent the anchor entity in relation to the network and in that role, via the radio modem, share relevant information with the network. Further, depending on the capabilities of the radio modem, either one connection to the network is shared by both the energy supply device 110, 210 and the energy consumption device 120, 220, or each of the energy supply device 110, 210 and the energy consumption device 120, 220 has its own connection to the network.

In a fifth embodiment, the energy supply device 110, 210 has access to the subscription information 130 and credentials 150 via an external authentication entity (such as a user tag), and the energy consumption device 120, 220 carries the radio modem 140 for connectivity. Each of the energy supply device 110, 210 and the energy consumption device 120, 220 holds their own identity information 160, 170. In this case, the energy supply device 110, 210 thus needs to access the authentication entity for the subscription information 130 and credentials 150. The authentication entity might be carried by a user of the composite device 100. For this purpose, the energy supply device 110, 210 needs to be provided with a communication interface that is configured for accessing the information from the authentication entity. Further, the authentication entity might, before providing the information to the energy supply device 110, 210, request identity information at least for the energy consumption device 120, 220. This allows a user of the authentication entity to verify that the energy consumption device 120, 220 is allowed to be powered by the energy supply device 110, 210 (i.e., that the energy consumption device 120, 220 has the necessary access rights).

In some aspects, an enquiry/response procedure is performed between the composite device 100 and the network, as represented by the network node 230. In turn, this enquiry/response procedure also involves an enquiry/response procedure as performed between the energy supply device 110, 210 and the energy consumption device 120, 220. Depending on the distributions of components between the energy supply device 110, 210 and the energy consumption device 120, 220, one of the energy supply device 110, 210 and the energy consumption device 120, 220 takes the role of the first device and the other of the energy supply device 110, 210 and the energy consumption device 120, 220 takes the role of the second device. A signalling diagram of such an enquiry/response procedure is provided in Fig. 3.

A connection is established between the composite device and the network node by means of steps S101, S102, S103.

S101 : A radio resource control (RRC) setup procedure is performed between the network node and the second device.

A typical message structure for a device-to-network-including-attached-device's-capabilities may be updated with a post of a FirstSecondDeviceAttributeContainer, or CompositeDeviceAttributeContainer, and/or any other appropriate naming convention, and according to the intended purpose (e.g. either critical or non-critical information), placed as a non-critical extension since a plausible scenario is that not all devices will recognize the request in step S101.

S102: An authentication procedure is performed between the network node and the second device.

S103: A non-access stratum (NAS) security procedure is performed between the network node and the second device.

Next, the network node sends a capability enquiry to the composite device (as in step S104), and after the enquiry/response procedure (as in steps S105 and S106), the second device on behalf of the composite device responds to the network node with the capability information (as in step S107.

S104: The network node sends, to the composite device, and with respect of conveying attributes of the composite device, an updated UECapability Enquiry message.

S105: The second device forwards the request to the first device. In further detail, the second device might in its radio modem have legacy cellular modem capabilities. However, the network might also benefit from knowing other low-level capabilities of the first device that the network would benefit from having information of and/or means to provide time/byte-relevant communications channels (such as in terms of scheduling, resource allocation, etc.), this is one reason as to why the second device might forward the request to the first device.

S106: The first device responds with its capabilities to the first device.

In some non-limiting examples, these capabilities can be provided in an enumerated list, as a pointer of clear text list {sensor, actuator, etc.} somehow predefined, as a type of message data, time constants of data being aggregated, read, or gathered, time constants of data being transmitted over an interface, time constants of data being received from other higher-layer node(s), data processing filtering constants, or parameters, size of data message body (bytes), message body in clear text {type of capabilities}, etc.

S107: The second device compiles and sends capability information in a reply to the network node. The capability information comprises the capabilities of the first device and the capabilities of the second device. The information is not conveyed over the application layer, but rather reflects properties of the communication on the application layer.

The second device might thus, based on information as acquired from the first device, construct, or assemble, an information entity to be conveyed in an updated UECapabilitylnformation message going from the composite device to the network node in response to a previously received UECapability Enquiry request. In context of the composite character, the second device might have some communication requirements (periodicity, bytes, contextual MessageBody, etc.) that may be relevant for the network node to further know (or to pass forward to the core network or data network).

Whilst the procedure in Fig. 3 takes advantage of piggybacking on an existing procedure, a dedicated capability requirement request/response procedure is envisioned only for composite devices only. This would offload regular communication devices, such as traditional UEs, from the burden of evaluating/reporting anything more than already intended in the already extensive UECapabilityEnquiry/U ECapabilityinformation structure.

Aspects of a registration procedure as performed by the composite device with the network will be disclosed next with reference to the signalling diagram of Fig. 4. Depending on the distributions of components between the energy supply device 110, 210 and the energy consumption device 120, 220, one of the energy supply device 110, 210 and the energy consumption device 120, 220 takes the role of the first device and the other of the energy supply device 110, 210 and the energy consumption device 120, 220 takes the role of the second device. It is assumed that, as in Fig. 3, that the second device comprises the radio modem. S201 : The composite device sends a registration request to the network node. The registration request comprises a network identifier as previously allocated to the composite device by the network. The registration optionally comprises an identifier of the first device.

Based on registration type, the network might either require just a network identifier or a network identifier plus exposed application identifier to register or validate the composite device.

In one alternative, the network identifier is mapped to a device capability or subscription type (where the core network can extract the subscription information using a unified data management function or an authentication server function, or similar, upon receiving the network identifier). In one alternative, the network identifiers or application identifiers or capability reporting can indicate a device type which has a fixed network identifier and a set of application identifiers for each first device. In one alternative, instead of having a set of application identifiers corresponding to each first device, each first device is allocated just one identifier. This identifier can be used similar to the identifiers of the applications, but allows for easier handling as it does need to be provided in an application payload, but rather in the form of a device identity, which the core network can interpret along with the network identifier. In the present disclosure, the application identifier is represented by the identifier of the first device.

In further detail, the composite device can be registered to the network according to different procedures. According to one example, the registration is performed without the impact of any application identifiers; hence only network allocated identifiers are needed, e.g., SUPI or SUCI from the subscription information for authentication or validation or context allocation, etc. According to another example, the registration requires identification of the first device. This means that besides network identifiers, the network will also need at least one application identifier that can be exposed to the core network or data network, as needed.

S202: The network node performs authentication and validation of the composite device based on the information provided in step S201.

S203: The network node, based on a successful registration, allocates a context to the composite device. Security keys are generated by the network node and the composite device.

S204: The composite device transmits data, as signed by the context, in a security protected message, optionally together with the identifier of the first device.

In one alternative, the network will block communication from a composite device where the identifier of the first device corresponds to an identifier of a first device flagged as stolen, etc. In one alternative, the network reports information to the composite device which originally provided this identifier about identification of the stolen first device, e.g., its location. In this respect, the network can from a database extract information of the original composite device associated with the identifier in question. Further, there is no need to perform a new registration procedure for the composite device in case the first device in the composite device is replaced with a new first device. The only difference is that the identifier of the new first device might be transmitted to the network, if required. This might require the second device to hold or save context even if the second device is not connected with the first device.

S205: The composite device transmits data, as signed by the context, in a security protected message, optionally together with the identifier of the new first device.

Hence, if the identifier of the energy consumption device was required in step S204, then the identifier of the new energy consumption device will be likewise required in step S205.

Fig. 5 schematically illustrates, in terms of a number of structural units, the components of a composite device 600 according to an embodiment. Processing circuitry 510 is provided using any combination of one or more of a suitable central processing unit (CPU), multiprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor (DSP), etc., capable of executing software instructions stored in a computer program product 610 (as in Fig. 6), e.g. in the form of a storage medium 530. The processing circuitry 510 may further be provided as at least one application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or field programmable gate array (FPGA).

Particularly, the processing circuitry 510 is configured to cause the composite device 600 to perform a set of operations, or steps, as disclosed above. For example, the storage medium 530 may store the set of operations, and the processing circuitry 510 may be configured to retrieve the set of operations from the storage medium 530 to cause the composite device 600 to perform the set of operations. The set of operations may be provided as a set of executable instructions.

Thus the processing circuitry 510 is thereby arranged to execute methods as herein disclosed. The storage medium 530 may also comprise persistent storage, which, for example, can be any single one or combination of magnetic memory, optical memory, solid state memory or even remotely mounted memory. The composite device 600 may further comprise a communications (comm.) interface 520 at least configured for communications with other entities, functions, nodes, and devices, as in Fig. 2. As such the communications interface 520 may comprise one or more transmitters and receivers, comprising analogue and digital components. The processing circuitry 510 controls the general operation of the composite device 600 e.g. by sending data and control signals to the communications interface 520 and the storage medium 530, by receiving data and reports from the communications interface 520, and by retrieving data and instructions from the storage medium 530. Other components, as well as the related functionality, of the composite device 600 are omitted in order not to obscure the concepts presented herein.

A first portion of the instructions performed by the composite device 600 may be executed in the energy supply device, and a second portion of the of the instructions performed by the composite device 600 may be executed in the energy consumption device. Therefore, although a single processing circuitry 510 is illustrated in Fig. 5 the processing circuitry 510 may be distributed among at least these two devices. The same applies to the computer program 620 of Fig. 6.

Fig. 6 shows one example of a computer program product 610 comprising computer readable storage medium 630. On this computer readable storage medium 630, a computer program 620 can be stored, which computer program 620 can cause the processing circuitry 510 and thereto operatively coupled entities and devices, such as the communications interface 520 and the storage medium 530, to execute methods according to embodiments described herein. The computer program 620 and/or computer program product 610 may thus provide means for performing any steps as herein disclosed.

In the example of Fig. 6, the computer program product 610 is illustrated as an optical disc, such as a CD (compact disc) or a DVD (digital versatile disc) or a Blu-Ray disc. The computer program product 610 could also be embodied as a memory, such as a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), or an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) and more particularly as a non-volatile storage medium of a device in an external memory such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or a Flash memory, such as a compact Flash memory. Thus, while the computer program 620 is here schematically shown as a track on the depicted optical disk, the computer program 620 can be stored in any way which is suitable for the computer program product 610.

The inventive concept has mainly been described above with reference to a few embodiments. However, as is readily appreciated by a person skilled in the art, other embodiments than the ones disclosed above are equally possible within the scope of the inventive concept, as defined by the appended patent claims.

Claims

1. An energy supply device (110, 210), the energy supply device (110, 210) comprising: an energy supply module (212); a power connector (218) configured to provide energy to an energy consumption device (120, 220) from the energy supply module (212); a communications connector (216) configured to receive credentials (150) from the energy consumption device (120, 220) and to communicate messages with the energy consumption device (120, 220); a network subscription module holding subscription information (130) of the energy supply device (110, 210); and a radio modem (140) configured to establish a wireless connection to a network node (230) based on the subscription information (130), to register the energy supply device (110, 210) to the network node (230) based on the credentials (150) of the energy consumption device (120, 220), and to communicate messages on behalf of the energy consumption device (120, 220) with the network node (230).

2. The energy supply device (110, 210) according to claim 1, wherein the radio modem (140) is configured to communicate messages of the energy supply device (110, 210) with the network node (230).

3. The energy supply device (110, 210) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the energy supply device (110, 210) further comprises: a storage (214) holding credentials (150) of the energy supply device (110, 210); and wherein the radio modem (140) is configured to register the energy supply device (110, 210) to the network node (230) based on the credentials (150) of the energy supply device (110, 210).

4. The energy supply device (110, 210) according to claim 3, wherein the radio modem (140) is configured to, based on the credentials (150) of the energy consumption device (120, 220) and the credentials (150) of the energy supply device (110, 210), create an interface for the energy supply device (110, 210) and the energy consumption device (120, 220) to establish a unique trusted entity towards the network node (230).

5. The energy supply device (110, 210) according to claim 4, wherein the energy supply device (110, 210) is configured to, based on the credentials (150) of the energy consumption device (120, 220) and the credentials (150) of the energy supply device (110, 210), create an application-layer identifier of the energy supply device (110, 210) and the energy consumption device (120, 220).

6. The energy supply device (110, 210) according to any preceding claim, wherein the communications connector (216) is configured to request the credentials (150) from the energy consumption device (120, 220).

7. The energy supply device (110, 210) according to any preceding claim, wherein the wireless connection is a first wireless connection, wherein the communications connector (216) is configured to receive subscription information (130) from the energy consumption device (120, 220), and wherein the radio modem (140) is configured to establish a second wireless connection to the network node (230) based on the subscription information (130) as received from the energy consumption device (120, 220).

8. The energy supply device (110, 210) according to any preceding claim, wherein the communications connector (216) is configured to receive identity information (170) of the energy consumption device (120, 220) from the energy consumption device (120, 220).

9. The energy supply device (110, 210) according to claim 8, wherein the battery-device is configured to verify the identity information (170) before providing energy to the energy consumption device (120, 220) as needed for the energy consumption device (120, 220) to operate.

10. The energy supply device (110, 210) according to claim 9, wherein the radio modem (140) is configured to provide the identity information (170) to the network node (230) and to receive an acknowledgement of positive verification of the energy consumption device (120, 220) from the network node (230).

11. The energy supply device (110, 210) according to claim 8, 9, or 10, wherein the radio modem (140) is configured to provide the identity information (170) to the network node (230) in a request for the energy consumption device (120, 220) to be allowed to communicate with the network node (230) via the energy supply device (110, 210) and to receive an acceptance from the network node (230) of the energy consumption device (120, 220) being allowed to communicate with the network node (230) via the energy supply device (110, 210).

12. The energy supply device (110, 210) according to any preceding claim, wherein the communications connector (216) is configured to receive data from the energy consumption device (120, 220), and to provide the data to a charging station during charging of the energy supply module (212).

13. The energy supply device (110, 210) according to any preceding claim, wherein the radio modem (140) is configured to receive a UE capability enquiry message from the network node (230), and to respond to the network node (230) with a UE capability information message, wherein the UE capability information message comprises capabilities of both the energy supply device (110, 210) and the energy consumption device (120, 220).

14. The energy supply device (110, 210) according to claim 13, wherein the communications connector (216) is configured to acquire the capabilities of the energy consumption device (120, 220) from the energy consumption device (120, 220), and to provide the energy consumption device (120, 220) the capabilities of the energy consumption device (120, 220) and the capabilities of the energy supply device (110, 210) to the radio modem (140).

15. The energy supply device (110, 210) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the radio modem (140) is configured to respond to the network node (230) with the UE capability information message only in case having identified the UE capability enquiry message as pertaining to composite devices (100).

16. The energy supply device (110, 210) according to any preceding claim, wherein the energy supply module (212) is a battery or a fuel cell.

17. An energy consumption device (120, 220), the energy consumption device (120, 220) comprising: a power connector (228) configured to receive energy from an energy supply device (110, 210) external to the energy consumption device (120, 220) and to power the energy consumption device (120, 220) with the received energy; a storage (224) holding credentials (150) of the energy consumption device (120, 220); and a communications connector (226) configured to provide the credentials (150) to the energy supply device (110, 210) and to communicate messages with a network node (230) via the energy supply device (110, 210).

18. The energy consumption device (120, 220) according to claim 17, wherein the communications connector (226) is configured to provide a request to the energy supply device (110, 210) for the energy consumption device (120, 220) to communicate with the network node (230), to receive a request for the credentials (150) from the energy supply device (110, 210), and to provide the credentials (150) to the energy supply device (110, 210) in response thereto.

19. The energy consumption device (120, 220) according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the energy consumption device (120, 220) further comprises: a network subscription module holding subscription information (130) of the energy consumption device (120, 220); and wherein the communications connector (226) is configured to provide the subscription information (130) to the energy supply device (110, 210).

20. The energy consumption device (120, 220) according to any of claims 17 to 19, wherein the storage (224) holds identity information (170) of the energy consumption device (120, 220), and wherein the communications connector (226) is configured to provide the identity information (170) to the energy supply device (110, 210).

21. The energy consumption device (120, 220) according to any of claims 17 to 20, wherein the communications connector (226) is configured to provide capabilities of the energy consumption device (120, 220) to the energy supply device (110, 210).

22. A composite device (100), the composite device (100) comprising: an energy supply device (110, 210), and an energy consumption device (120, 220), wherein the energy supply device (110, 210) comprises an energy supply module (212), a first power connector (218) configured to provide energy the energy consumption device (120, 220) from the energy supply module (212), and a first communications connector (216) configured to communicate messages with the energy consumption device (120, 220), wherein the energy consumption device (120, 220) comprises a second power connector (228) configured to receive energy from the energy supply device (110, 210) and to power the energy consumption device (120, 220) with the received energy, and a second communications connector (226) configured to communicate messages with the energy supply device (110, 210), and wherein the composite device (100) comprises a network subscription module holding subscription information (130) of at least one of the energy supply device (110, 210) and the energy consumption device (120, 220); wherein the composite device (100) comprises a storage (214, 224) holding credentials (150) of at least one of the energy supply device (110, 210) and the energy consumption device (120, 220); and wherein the energy consumption device (120, 220) comprises a radio modem (140) configured to establish a wireless connection to a network node (230) based on the subscription information (130), to register the composite device (100) to the network node (230) based on the credentials (150), and to communicate messages on behalf of the composite device (100) with the network node (230).

23. The composite device (100) according to claim 22, wherein the composite device (100) comprises a storage (214, 224) holding identity information (160) of the energy supply device (110, 210) and identity information (170) of the energy consumption device (120, 220).

24. The composite device (100) according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the subscription information (130) is of the energy supply device (110, 210), the credentials (150) are of the energy supply device (110, 210), and the radio modem (140) is comprised in the energy supply device (110, 210).

25. The composite device (100) according to any of claims 22 to 24, wherein the subscription information (130) is of the energy consumption device (120, 220), the credentials (150) are of the energy consumption device (120, 220), and the radio modem (140) is comprised in the energy consumption device (120, 220).

26. The composite device (100) according to any of claims 22 to 25, wherein the subscription information (130) is of the energy consumption device (120, 220), the credentials (150) are of the energy consumption device

(120, 220), and the radio modem (140) is comprised in the energy consumption device (120, 220).

27. The composite device (100) according to any of claims 22 to 26, wherein the subscription information (130) is of the energy supply device (110, 210), the credentials (150) are of the energy supply device (110, 210), and the radio modem (140) is comprised in the energy consumption device (120, 220).