Patent Description:
The 'Internet of Things' is likely to introduce a very large number of remote, battery-powered devices that wirelessly communicate with telecommunications networks. Such devices include, for example, smart meters, implantable (medical) devices and smart thermostats.

Given that these such devices may often be located in remote and/or relatively difficult-to-access locations, as well as the potentially high numbers of devices, it is desirable that they report their status, and that this is performed via wireless communication. However, for the same reasons, it is also desirable to maximise battery life to avoid having to replace batteries/devices frequently. As a result, there is a conflict between balancing battery life and having accurate and sufficiently up-to-date status information from such devices.

It is an aim of the present invention to at least alleviate some of the aforementioned problems.

<CIT> discloses an apparatus and method for initiating discontinuous reception (DRX) operation in a user equipment (UE), in which applications running on the UE are monitored by the UE to identify one or more inactivity trigger events associated with the application(s). The UE includes an application-radio cross layer to process the application information, including the in activity trigger event, for use by a radio layer. The radio layer of the UE determines initiation of the DRX operation in accordance with the application information, including the inactivity trigger event, provided by the application-radio cross layer and device characteristics information.

<CIT> discloses a new discontinuous reception (DRX) parameter change that may be received in user equipment while the user equipment is using an existing DRX parameter. The user equipment continues to use the existing parameter and determines when a new discontinuous reception cycle is starting. The change to the next discontinuous reception parameter is implemented in the new discontinuous reception cycle.

<CIT> discloses a dynamic, adaptive discontinuous reception (DRX) period based on available battery power of a mobile device. A mobile device can be assigned a DRX period based on a battery power level of the mobile device, and the assigned DRX period can be dynamically changed to reflect changes to the battery power level. In one embodiment, the mobile device initiates changes to the DRX period.

<CIT> discloses an alarm that includes a battery power supply; a sensor section that outputs an anomaly detection signal in the case of detecting an anomaly; an alert section that outputs an alarm based on the anomaly detection signal; a reception circuit section that discontinuously receives an event signal from another alarm device at every predetermined reception cycle; a transmission circuit section that transmits an event signal to the other alarm device in a transmission time that is at least the predetermined reception cycle; an anomaly monitoring section that, when the sensor section has detected an anomaly, causes the alert section to output the anomaly alarm based on the anomaly detection signal and causes the transmission of an event signal relating to the anomaly of the alarm device to the other alarm device by the transmission circuit section, and on the other hand, when the reception circuit section has received from the other alarm device an event signal relating to an anomaly of the other alarm device, causes the alert section to output the anomaly alarm; and a low battery monitoring section that, upon detecting a voltage drop of the battery power supply, causes a low battery alarm of the alarm device to be output by the alert section, and stops the transmission and reception of event signals in the transmission circuit section and the reception circuit section.

Document <CIT> is another example of prior art.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of retrieving status information according to Claim <NUM>.

In this way, improved energy conservation may be achieved, as well as an energy-efficient manner of triggering and configuring the retrieval of status information. Furthermore, the invention may also help conserve network bandwidth, up-time and capacity, for example, by reducing the number of active devices.

Preferably, as used herein the term "discontinuous reception" includes a state in which a telecommunications device utilises scheduled periods, of a predefined length, of inactivity and activity with respect to its interaction with the wireless telecommunications network, at least so as to conserve power and/or reduce network signalling, and preferably includes Discontinuous Reception (DRX), extended Discontinuous Reception (eDRX), Polling and Power Save Mode (PSM).

Optionally, the method further comprises the step of triggering, by the telecommunications device, the change in discontinuous reception. Preferably, the telecommunications device remains registered with said telecommunications network whilst the telecommunications device is in the discontinuous reception mode.

Preferably, the step of retrieving status information is performed in response to detecting the change in discontinuous reception. Optionally, the step of communicating the retrieved status information is performed in response to retrieving the status information. Preferably, the change in discontinuous reception is initiation of discontinuous reception.

Preferably, the change in discontinuous reception is cessation of discontinuous reception. Optionally, a change to or from the discontinuous reception mode is performed (or initiated) by the wireless telecommunications network. Preferably, the change in discontinuous reception is completion of a predefined number of discontinuous reception cycles. Preferably, as used herein a "discontinuous reception cycle" is a repeating unit of the scheduled periods, of a predefined length, of inactivity and activity by the telecommunications device. Optionally, the change is exceeding a predefined duration in discontinuous reception. Preferably, the change in discontinuous reception is reconfiguration of the discontinuous reception. Optionally, reconfiguration of the discontinuous reception is: a change in the duration of a discontinuous reception cycle; a change in the duration in which the telecommunications device is to remain in discontinuous reception; and/or a change in type of discontinuous reception.

Preferably, a method according to any preceding claim, wherein the change in discontinuous reception is performed at a predefined frequency. Optionally, the frequency is predefined by the telecommunications device and/or by the wireless telecommunications network.

Preferably, communicating the retrieved status information is performed on every occasion of the change in discontinuous reception. Optionally, retrieving the status information is performed on every occasion of the change in discontinuous reception. Optionally, retrieving the status information and/or communicating the retrieved status information is performed at non-sequential occasions of the change in discontinuous reception. Optionally, the step/s of retrieving the status information and/or communicating the retrieved status information is/are repeated a predefined number of times, and more preferably regardless of a subsequent change in change in discontinuous reception occurring during repetition of said steps.

Preferably, as used herein, said "without interaction" connotes without sending or receiving a telecommunications signal, in particular a wireless telecommunications signal. Preferably, the status information is retrieved without interaction with a wide area network (such as a cellular network). Optionally, the status information is retrieved only by means of wired communication. Optionally, the status information is retrieved whilst the telecommunications device is in discontinuous reception. Optionally, the telecommunications device comprises a transceiver for communicating with the wireless telecommunications network and/or a telecommunications network, and wherein the status information is retrieved whilst the transceiver is inactive.

Preferably, the telecommunications device comprises a sensor, and wherein the status information is a reading from the sensor. Optionally, the sensor is (and the status information therefore pertains to readings from): a geographic, position, orientation and/or navigation sensor; a mechanical sensor, including a pressure, flow, strain and kinematic sensor; a thermal sensor; a chemical sensor; an optic sensor; a proximity and/or presence sensor; an electric and/or magnetic sensor, including a battery level sensor; and/or an acoustic sensor. Optionally, the status information is data from memory in the telecommunications device, and for example: a software version; hardware specifications; and/or operational information.

Preferably, the telecommunications device compares the retrieved status information to a predefined value and then communicates the retrieved status information to the wireless telecommunications network in dependence on the comparison of retrieved the status information to said value. Optionally, the telecommunications device communicates the retrieved status information to the wireless telecommunications network in dependence on the retrieved status being equal to, less than and/or greater than said value. Optionally, the value is a threshold value. Optionally, the value is stored in the telecommunications device. Optionally, the value is reconfigurable by means of the telecommunications device and/or by means of a network communication from the, or a, wireless telecommunications network. Optionally, the value is a battery level.

Preferably, the method further comprises the step of preventing the telecommunications device from retrieving the status information and/or communicating the retrieved status information to the wireless telecommunications network if status information has previously been communicated by the telecommunications device to the wireless telecommunications network within a predefined time window. Optionally, the time window is predefined and may be reconfigurable by the telecommunications device and/or by the wireless telecommunications network.

Preferably, the retrieved status information is communicated to the wireless telecommunications network whilst the telecommunications device is in discontinuous reception. Preferably, the retrieved status information is communicated in a network communication, between the telecommunications device and the wireless telecommunications network, for changing discontinuous reception, and more preferably by means of a message compliant with a Radio Resource Control protocol. Preferably, the retrieved status information is communicated to the wireless telecommunications network as part of a field of the network communication that is not intended to communicate said retrieved status information, but which field is predefined (and redefined) amongst - and therefore unambiguously intelligible to - the telecommunications device and the wireless telecommunications network as communicating the status information (rather than the original significance of the field). Optionally, the field is a gateway number.

Preferably, the retrieved status information is communicated to the wireless telecommunications network whilst the telecommunications device has ceased discontinuous reception. Preferably, the telecommunications device emerges from discontinuous reception (if not already having done so) in response to communicating the retrieved status information to the wireless telecommunications network.

Preferably, the method further comprises the step of the telecommunications device performing an operation if the retrieved status information is equal to, less than or greater than a predefined value. Preferably, said operation is performed without interaction with the, or a, wireless telecommunications network. Preferably, said operation is performed without the telecommunications device operating a transceiver for communicating with the wireless telecommunications network. Preferably, the operation is to power down the telecommunications device; perform a software update; reconfigure the telecommunications device and/or change an operating parameter of the telecommunications device; perform further retrieval of status information from the telecommunications device; and/or perform a mechanical and/or electrical operation.

Preferably, the method further comprises the step of communicating data from the wireless telecommunications network and/or a telecommunication network to the telecommunications device in response to the wireless telecommunications network receiving the retrieved status information. Optionally, said data may be a software update or, for synchronisation, time.

Preferably, the data is an instruction. Preferably, said instruction is communicated to the telecommunications device in response to the retrieved status information being equal to, less than or greater than a (or the aforementioned) predefined value. The instructions may be executable by the telecommunications device so as to perform an operation.

Preferably, the instruction is to: trigger a further change in discontinuous reception; power down the telecommunications device; perform a software update; reconfigure the telecommunications device and/or change an operating parameter of the telecommunications device; perform further retrieval of status information from the telecommunications device; and/or perform a mechanical and/or electrical operation.

Preferably, the wireless telecommunications network comprises: a cellular wide area network; a Long Range Wide Area Network (LoRWAN); a Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN); a satellite network; and/or a wireless local area network.

Preferably, the telecommunications device is a battery-powered device. The telecommunications device may only be battery powered. Preferably, the telecommunications device is integrated as part of a: smart meter and/or sensor; a vehicle; a weather station; a chemical and/or physical sensor; a security apparatus; and/or a domestic appliance.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a telecommunications device according to Claim <NUM>.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provide a system for retrieving status information in relation to a telecommunications device, comprising: a wireless telecommunications network; a telecommunications device as described above.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a processor associated with a telecommunications device, causes the telecommunications device to perform a method as described above.

The invention extends to any novel aspects or features described and/or illustrated herein. The invention extends to methods and/or apparatus substantially as herein described and/or as illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings. The invention also provides a computer program and a computer program product for carrying out any of the methods described herein and/or for embodying any of the apparatus features described herein, and a computer readable medium having stored thereon a program for carrying out any of the methods described herein and/or for embodying any of the apparatus features described herein.

The invention also provides a signal embodying a computer program for carrying out any of the methods described herein and/or for embodying any of the apparatus features described herein, a method of transmitting such a signal, and a computer product having an operating system which supports a computer program for carrying out any of the methods described herein and/or for embodying any of the apparatus features described herein.

Any apparatus feature as described herein may also be provided as a method feature, and vice versa. As used herein, means plus function features may be expressed alternatively in terms of their corresponding structure, such as a suitably programmed processor and associated memory.

Any feature in one aspect of the invention may be applied to other aspects of the invention, in any appropriate combination. In particular, method aspects may be applied to apparatus aspects, and vice versa. Furthermore, any, some and/or all features in one aspect can be applied to any, some and/or all features in any other aspect, in any appropriate combination. It should also be appreciated that particular combinations of the various features described and defined in any aspects of the invention can be implemented and/or supplied and/or used independently.

In this specification the word 'or' can be interpreted in the exclusive or inclusive sense unless stated otherwise. Furthermore, features implemented in hardware may generally be implemented in software, and vice versa. Any reference to software and hardware features herein should be construed accordingly.

The invention extends to method of retrieving status information, a telecommunications device and to a system as described herein and/or substantially as illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention is now described, purely by way of example, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which:.

<FIG> shows an exemplary wireless telecommunications network <NUM>. The network <NUM> is a mobile cellular network comprising a plurality of telecommunications devices or ("user equipment") <NUM>.

The telecommunications devices <NUM> are battery-powered devices that are configured wirelessly to communicate with the network <NUM>, and include so-called "Internet of Things" devices, such as telecommunications devices incorporated as part of: a security and/or a surveillance apparatus <NUM>-<NUM>; a network-enabled vehicle (in particular a semi- or fully autonomous vehicle) <NUM>-<NUM>; a dwelling and/or domestic appliance <NUM>-<NUM>; public spaces and/or infrastructure <NUM>-<NUM>; industrial processing and/or manufacturing plants <NUM>-<NUM>; and/or energy production plants and/or devices <NUM>-<NUM>.

The network <NUM> includes a Radio Access Network (RAN) <NUM> provided by a RAN access point <NUM> (e.g. in the form of a macro-, micro-, pico- or femto-cell site), which is connected to a core <NUM> of the network <NUM>. The telecommunications devices <NUM> are available to communicate with the network <NUM> by accessing the RAN <NUM>.

The core network <NUM> in turn comprises the following functional components:.

The telecommunications devices <NUM> are configured to enter a Discontinuous Reception (DRX) mode, in which a telecommunications device is sent into an idle mode in terms of its interaction with the network <NUM>; this helps conserve battery power of the device and helps reduces network signalling. The DRX mode is described in the <NUM>rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Technical Specification <NUM>, version <NUM>. <NUM>, section <NUM>, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

The DRX mode provides periods in which a telecommunications device is receptive to network communications (e.g., monitors of a Physical Downlink Control CHannel (PDCCH) of the network <NUM>), or an "active state", and also provides periods in the telecommunications device is unreceptive to the network (e.g. it does not monitor the PDCCH), or an "inactive state"; these periods of active and inactive states form a DRX cycle.

The RAN access point <NUM> (in the form of, for example, a gNodeB or eNodeB) instructs the telecommunications devices <NUM> to enter the DRX mode, for example by issuing a message in accordance with Radio Resource Control (RRC) protocols.

<FIG> shows an overview of a method <NUM> of retrieving status information from a telecommunications device <NUM> via the network <NUM>.

In a first step <NUM>, a change in the DRX mode of the telecommunications device <NUM>-<NUM> (e.g. entering or emerging from the DRX mode) is triggered by the network <NUM> (in particular the RAN access point <NUM> serving the telecommunications device <NUM>-<NUM>), and the telecommunications device <NUM>-<NUM> therefore effects an appropriate change to its DRX mode.

In response to the change in the DRX mode of the telecommunications device <NUM>-<NUM>, in a next step <NUM>, the telecommunications device <NUM>-<NUM> triggers retrieval of information regarding its status (herein "status information"). The status information is retrieved from the telecommunications device <NUM>-<NUM> and without interaction with the network <NUM>.

For example, status information includes: a battery level reading; a reading from a sensor associated with a telecommunications device (e.g. temperature, state of an electronic switch, fluid pressure, etc.); and/or data stored in memory associated with a telecommunications device.

Once the status information has been retrieved by the telecommunications device <NUM>-<NUM>, the telecommunications device <NUM>-<NUM> subsequently communicates the status information to the network <NUM> at step <NUM>.

The communication of the status information from the telecommunications device <NUM>-<NUM> at stage <NUM> is available to be performed as follows:.

The status information is received from the telecommunications device <NUM>-<NUM> by the RAN access points <NUM>, then forwarded to the core network <NUM> and ultimately, at least, to the DMS <NUM>. The DMS <NUM> stores and processes incoming status information thereby to aggregate data and/or manage telecommunications devices <NUM> (e.g. to perform remote operation and upgrading, as well as for forecasting and triggering site visits to a telecommunications device).

Advantageously, by incorporating the DMS <NUM> in the core network <NUM> battery consumption and network bandwidth usage may be reduced when compared to locating the DMS as part of a server that is remote from the network core <NUM>.

Once the status information has been communicated to the network <NUM> (regardless of the manner in which this communication is performed), process <NUM> reiterates, either by:.

The parameters of the DRX mode are available to be configured by the network <NUM>, and in particular a duration of the active and inactive states of the DRX cycle; this is performed by RRC protocol-compliant messages, such as: RRC Connection Setup; RRC Connection Reconfiguration; and RRC Connection Re-establishment messages.

In this way, the frequency with which a telecommunications device <NUM> retrieves and/or communicates its status information is effectively available to be configured by the network <NUM>.

Accordingly, power consumption by the telecommunications device due to retrieving and communicating status information is therefore also centrally configurable by the network <NUM>.

For example, where status information is in the form of battery level of the telecommunications device <NUM>-<NUM>, it may be desirable to increase frequency with which status information is communicated to the network <NUM> towards the expected end of life of the telecommunications device and/or during winter months so as more accurately to predict remaining battery, and therefore better to forecast repair or replacement.

In another example, the telecommunications device <NUM>-<NUM> is a smart domestic natural gas meter and the status information includes a measure of gas usage. For greater accuracy (and to minimise the extent of over- or under-charging at a given point for the supply of gas), it may be desirable to report gas usage more frequently in winter months (when it is reasonable to expect higher gas usage) than in summer months. Accordingly, the frequency of retrieving and communicating the status information by the telecommunications device <NUM>-<NUM> is increased by reconfiguring the parameters of the DRX mode so as to decrease the DRX cycle period length, thereby more frequently to trigger status information retrieval and communication.

Advantageously, by using a network function (i.e. the DRX mode), there is provided a centralised network-implemented process of managing the retrieval and communication of status information from a telecommunications device <NUM>. Furthermore, by using an existing network function that is complementary to the purpose of conserving battery power (i.e. the DRX mode), retrieval and communication of status information may be achieved in a more power-efficient manner (at least, from the perspective of a telecommunications device), than by incorporating an otherwise new function, such as a trigger based on a dedicated timer running (continuously) on a telecommunications device. A timer-based trigger may also cause reporting of outdated status information where a device is out of network coverage for a long period of time.

When a telecommunications device <NUM> is out of network coverage, it may be continually polling for a network to which to attach; this will drain battery power. Accordingly, a network-based trigger (i.e. the DRX mode) allows a telecommunications device to retrieve and/or communicate status information only when in network coverage, in this way the retrieved status information will therefore be up-to-date and polling for network coverage so as to communicate the retrieved status information may be avoided.

<FIG> shows, in more detail, an exemplary process <NUM> of retrieving and communicating status information from a telecommunications device.

In the example of <FIG>, the telecommunications device <NUM>-<NUM> is a battery-powered parking space availability sensor. The status information includes a battery level of the telecommunications device <NUM>-<NUM>, as well as the time at which the battery level was retrieved.

In a first step <NUM>, the telecommunications device <NUM>-<NUM> enters the DRX mode, and the device subsequently commences a DRX cycle <NUM>.

The telecommunications device <NUM>-<NUM> is configured to retrieve status information upon completing a pre-determined total number of DRX cycles since the telecommunications device most-recently entered the DRX mode <NUM> (i.e. since step <NUM>); these total number of DRX cycles are counted by a counter incorporated as part of the telecommunications device <NUM>-<NUM>.

In one example, the telecommunications devices <NUM> are configured only to communicate the status information to the network <NUM> if the status information is a pre-defined value or if it exceeds a pre-defined threshold value. In this way, power conservation may be improved, and this may be significant over the lifetime of a telecommunications device if the device must emerge out of the DRX mode to report its status information. In the example of <FIG>, the telecommunications device <NUM>-<NUM> is configured to communicate the retrieved battery level to the network if it determines that the retrieved battery level is less than <NUM>%, as per step <NUM>. In such an event, the network <NUM> triggers the telecommunications device to emerge from the DRX mode (e.g. by issuing an RRC Connect message) <NUM>. Accordingly, the telecommunications device <NUM>-<NUM> re-establishes bearers with the network <NUM> at step <NUM> and then reports the battery level (and time of retrieval) to the network; this is then stored in the DMS <NUM> at step <NUM>, and the process <NUM> reiterates from step <NUM>.

In a further example, the telecommunications devices <NUM> are configured to override communicating status information to the network <NUM> if such reporting has already been performed within a predefined time period and/or number of DRX cycles; this helps prevent such communication occurring at too great a frequency. In the example of <FIG>, if the battery level of the telecommunications device <NUM>-<NUM> is equal to or greater than <NUM>% (as determined at step <NUM>), the device then queries whether the retrieved battery level has been reported to the network <NUM> within the last <NUM> hours in step <NUM>. If so, the telecommunications device <NUM>-<NUM> stores the most recently retrieved battery level until a further iteration (or further iterations) of the process <NUM> from step <NUM> permit reporting, as per from step <NUM>.

If, however, battery level has not been reported to the network within the last <NUM> hours (and the most recently retrieved battery level is greater than or equal to <NUM>%), the process <NUM> continues from step <NUM>.

In this way, the frequency with which status information is reported to the network may be limited (in this example to, at most, every <NUM> hours) when the value of the retrieved status information does not justify any greater frequency of reporting (in this example, when the battery level is greater than or equal to <NUM>%).

In a further example, once the network <NUM> has received status information from a telecommunications device <NUM>, the network is configured to respond to the telecommunications device <NUM> from which the status information originated. Issuance of a response, and the nature of the response, is dependent on the retrieved status information.

Such a response from the network <NUM> includes:.

In this way, updates and changes to the telecommunications devices <NUM> are available to be centrally administered via the network <NUM>.

In an alternative example, the telecommunications device <NUM> is available to perform the aforementioned commands automatically, without the response from the network, and instead in response only to assessing (at the telecommunications device) whether the retrieved status information is equal to a predefined value or if it exceeds a predefined threshold value. According to this example, a telecommunications device enters a low power mode, without command from the network <NUM>, if the telecommunications device determines that the retrieved battery level is less than <NUM>%.

<FIG> shows a timeline of DRX mode activity, and in particular triggers for retrieving and communicating status information from a telecommunications device <NUM> to the network <NUM> due to changes in such DRX mode activity.

In <FIG>, each block <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> represents an active state of the DRX mode for a given telecommunications device <NUM>, the absence of such a block indicates an inactive state. In particular, <FIG> illustrate:.

<FIG> show the same sequence of changes in the DRX mode activity of a given telecommunications device, and each figure varies in the trigger for retrieving and/or reporting status information. In particular, the different triggers include when a telecommunications device <NUM>:.

Any of the aforementioned triggers <NUM> are available to be combined, for example so that status information is retrieved both when entering and emerging from the DRX mode.

In one example, a telecommunications device <NUM> communicates with the network <NUM> so as to update status information and/or to retrieve status information from the network; such operations by the telecommunications device <NUM> are available to be queued (in a network server and/or on the telecommunications device <NUM>), for the duration that the telecommunications device is connected to the network; Open Mobile Alliance standards such as Lightweight M2M are appropriate for use in this regard.

In the aforementioned, the network <NUM> is generally shown and described as a cellular wide area network in accordance with <NUM> technology. However, in one alternative the network <NUM> is any kind of wireless telecommunications network, including a cellular wide area network based on: <NUM> technology; Long Range Wide Area Network (LoRWAN); a Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN); a satellite-enabled telecommunications network; a wireless local area network; or a combination of any wireless networks.

In one example, different changes to the DRX mode of a telecommunications device <NUM> trigger retrieval and/or communicating of different status information from the same telecommunications device, for example a different trigger is provided for retrieving and communicating battery level to that for a reading from a sensor.

In the aforementioned, reference is made throughout to a DRX mode. However, alternative forms of discontinuous reception modes are available to be used within the spirit of the invention, such as: polling (in the case of wireless local area networks); Power Save Mode (for example, as described in 3GPP Technical Specification <NUM>, version <NUM>. <NUM>, section <NUM>. <NUM>, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference); and extended DRX (eDRX). Furthermore, the aforementioned examples are also available to operate in accordance with publish-subscribe messaging patterns and with push notifications.

In one example, RRC protocol-compliant messages are used to synchronise time between the telecommunications devices <NUM> and the remainder of the network <NUM>, therefore achieving synchronisation in a power-efficient and centralised manner.

Claim 1:
A method of retrieving status information from a telecommunications device (<NUM>) via a wireless telecommunications network (<NUM>), said telecommunications device comprising a sensor, the method comprising the steps of:
detecting, at the telecommunications device, a change in discontinuous reception of the telecommunications device (<NUM>); and
the telecommunications device retrieving status information (<NUM>), wherein said status information is a reading from the sensor and wherein the status information is retrieved without interaction with the wireless telecommunications network and/or a telecommunications network; and
characterised in that:
in response to the telecommunications device detecting the change in discontinuous reception, the telecommunications device communicating the retrieved status information to the wireless telecommunications network (<NUM>).