CN101258686A - Methods, devices, and systems to support "listen before talk" measurements for identifying one or more unoccupied RF subbands - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method of performing listen-before-talk measurements to support identification of one or more free radio frequency sub-bands applicable to radio frequency identification (RFID) reader operably radio frequency identification (RFID) communication by a wireless communication subsystem; the method comprising obtaining timing information related to one or more periods of activity of the wireless communication subsystem; deriving information about one or more periods of inactivity from the timing information configuring the wireless communication subsystem to perform the listen-before-talk measurement in conjunction with the one or more periods of inactivity; and performing the listen-before-talk measurement by the wireless communication subsystem to identify the one or more unoccupied RF subbands.

Description

Methods, devices, and systems to support "listen before talk" measurements for identifying one or more unoccupied RF subbands

technical field

The present invention relates to short-range communication systems. In particular, the present invention relates to radio frequency identification (RFID) communication technology.

Background technique

Radio frequency identification (RFID) technology relates primarily to the field of local communication technology, and more particularly to local communication technology including electromagnetic and/or electrostatic coupling technology. Electromagnetic and/or electrostatic coupling is achieved in the radio frequency (RF) portion of the electromagnetic spectrum using, for example, radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, which primarily includes radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders (also known as radio frequency identification (RFID) tags ) and a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader interface (also referred to simply as a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader) for radio frequency transponders.

In the near future, an increasing number of different wireless technologies will be integrated into mobile terminals. The expanding range of different applications drives the need and demand to provide wireless access methodologies with different data rates, ranges, robustness and performances that are particularly adapted to the application environment and use case, respectively. As a result, the issue of multi-radio scenarios in the interoperability of multi-radio enabled mobile terminals will be a challenge in development.

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology is a newly emerging technology in terminal integration. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) communication enables new usage paradigms, such as device pairing, key exchange, or obtaining product information by touching an RFID-enabled terminal to an item provided with a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag. Typically, the operating range between a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag and a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader interface is considered to be only a few centimeters in consumer applications.

In fact, products in radio frequency identification (FRID) readers integrated in mobile phones have been released. The current implementation is based on Near Field Communication (NFC) technology operating at 13.56 MHz. Communication in this technique is achieved by inductive coupling, and thus requires larger coil antennas in both the reader and tag. Furthermore, inductive coupling has limitations as it reaches the range of the wireless connection. Typically, at 13.56MHz, the maximum range with reasonable excitation current and antenna size is about lm to 2m.

At 13.56 MHz, the limited range of radio frequency identification (RFID) systems has increased interest in enabling supply chain management and logic applications to compete towards higher frequencies, namely UHF (very high frequency) from 860 MHz to 960 MHz and Microwave frequencies in the 2.4GHz ISM band. At UH frequencies (approximately 868 MHz in Europe and 915 MHz in the US according to frequency allocation) the achievable range in industrial and professional fixed installations is up to ten meters, which quite allows new applications compared to 13.56 MHz. The operation of radio frequency identification (RFID) at UHF and microwave frequencies is based on backscatter, i.e. the radio frequency identification (RFID) reader (or interrogator) generates an excitation/interrogation signal, and the radio frequency identification (RFID) reply A machine (or radio frequency identification (RFID) tag) adjusts its antenna impedance according to a certain data-dependent pattern.

Currently, the most prominent standardization forum for UHF bands is EPCglobal, which leads industry-driven standards for Electronic Product Codes (EPCs) to support the use of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology in today's rapidly evolving information-rich business networks . The short-term goal is to replace barcodes on pallets, while the long-term goal is to replace barcodes on packaging and some individual products. If these goals become a reality, users will obtain product information or pointers to more detailed information to their radio frequency identification (RFID) simply by touching an item, for example, provided with an EPCglobal consistent radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder. ) communication supported terminals.

The excitation power generated in radio frequency identification (RFID) reader subsystems is quite high, ranging from around 100mW for consumer applications involving mobile terminals to several watts for use in professional stationary applications (e.g. 2W maximum according to ETSI regulations) . The frequency allocations used for the UHF Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) band are the 868 MHz ISM band in Europe and the 915 MHz band in the United States.

The FCC (Federal Communications Association) rules in the United States require the frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) scheme for the use of radio frequency identification (RFID) readers and transponders to be implemented in the frequency range from 902MHz to 928MHz, and ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Association) rules focus on the use of radio frequency identification (RFID) readers and transponders in the frequency range from 965MHz to 968MHz, and this rule foresees the so-called "listen before talk (LBT)" scheme to detect Whether different frequency sub-bands for Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) communication are currently occupied or free (unoccupied). According to the ETSI specification, immediately before each communication of a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader, the radio frequency identification (RFID) reader has to switch to listening mode and monitor a preselected frequency sub-band for a certain listening time period. The listening time period shall consist of a fixed time interval of 5 ms and a random time interval from 0 ms to rms time range. If the subband is free (unoccupied), the random time interval is set to 0ms. The ETSI specification further defines certain minimum allowable levels for threshold levels, which define the sensitivity characteristics. These sensitivity characteristics are implemented at least by the RF interface logic of the radio frequency identification (RFID) reader with power level measurements of the received RF signal, thereby satisfying the aforementioned requirements according to the "listen before talk (LBT)" scheme.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that implementation and implementation of a highly RF signal sensitive RF interface to a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader requires development effort and is costly due to the requirement for high quality RF components.

Contents of the invention

The object of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages of the state of the art. In particular, the object of the invention is to provide an economical solution based on components and modules usually implemented in modern terminal equipment.

The object of the invention is achieved by the features of the appended independent claims.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a method is provided that supports the performance of listen-before-talk measurements to allow the identification of one or more free RF sub-bands applicable for radio frequency identification (RFID) ) reader subsystem to operate radio frequency identification (RFID) communications. Timing information related to one or more periods of activity of a wireless communication subsystem is obtained. Information about one or more periods of inactivity is derived from the acquired timing information. The wireless communication subsystem is configured to perform listen-before-talk measurements in conjunction with one or more periods of inactivity, and the listen-before-talk measurements are performed by the wireless communication subsystem to identify one or more unoccupied RF subbands.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer program product that supports a listen-before-talk measurement to allow identification of one or more free RF sub-bands applicable to radio frequency identification (RFID) reader subsystem to operate radio frequency identification (RFID) communications. The computer program product includes a program code part, which is used to execute the steps of the method according to the above-mentioned embodiments of the present invention when the program runs on a computer, a terminal, a network device, a mobile terminal, a terminal supporting mobile communication, or an application-specific integrated circuit . Alternatively, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) may execute one or more instructions adapted to implement the above-mentioned steps of the method in the above-mentioned embodiments of the present invention, that is, equivalent to the above-mentioned computer program product.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control module for supporting listen-before-talk measurements to allow identification of one or more unoccupied RF sub-bands applicable to radio frequency identification (RFID) reader subsystem to operate radio frequency identification (RFID) communications. The control module is operable to effectuate control of a wireless communication subsystem and a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader subsystem. The control module is configured to obtain timing information related to one or more active periods of the wireless communication subsystem. Furthermore, the control module is configured to derive information about the one or more periods of inactivity from the acquired timing information, and the control module is arranged to configure the wireless communication subsystem to perform listen before talk measurements in conjunction with the one or more periods of inactivity . The control module is adapted to instruct the wireless communication subsystem to perform listen-before-talk measurements to identify one or more unoccupied RF subbands.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a terminal is provided that supports listen-before-talk measurements to allow identification of one or more free RF sub-bands applicable to radio frequency identification (RFID) sub-bands. ) reader subsystem to operate radio frequency identification (RFID) communications. The terminal device includes at least a wireless communication subsystem and a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader subsystem, and a control module is provided operable to implement control of the wireless communication subsystem and the radio frequency identification (RFID) reader subsystem control. The control module is configured to obtain timing information related to one or more periods of activity of the wireless communication subsystem, and the control module is configured to derive information about one or more periods of inactivity from the timing information. The control module is also arranged to configure the wireless communication subsystem to perform listen-before-talk measurements in conjunction with one or more periods of inactivity. Also, the control module is adapted to instruct the wireless communication subsystem to perform a listen-before-talk measurement, thereby identifying one or more unoccupied RF subbands.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a system is provided that supports listen-before-talk measurements to allow identification of one or more free RF sub-bands applicable to radio frequency identification (RFID) sub-bands. ) reader subsystem to operate radio frequency identification (RFID) communications. The system includes at least a wireless communication subsystem and a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader subsystem. A control module of the system is provided, operable to effectuate control of a wireless communication subsystem and a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader subsystem. The control module is configured to obtain timing information related to one or more periods of activity of the wireless communication subsystem, and the control module is configured to derive information about one or more periods of inactivity from the timing information. The control module is also arranged to configure the wireless communication subsystem to perform listen-before-talk measurements in conjunction with one or more periods of inactivity. Also, the control module is adapted to instruct the wireless communication subsystem to perform a listen-before-talk measurement, thereby identifying one or more unoccupied RF subbands.

Description of drawings

For a better understanding of the invention, and how it can be made effective, reference will now be made, by way of illustration only, to the following drawings, in which:

Figure 1 schematically shows a functional block diagram depicting typical components of a radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder and radio frequency identification (RFID) reader subsystem;

Figure 2 schematically shows a diagram of frequency allocations according to ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute) EN 302308 rules;

Fig. 3 schematically shows a functional block diagram of a portable cellular terminal supporting radio frequency identification (RFID) communication according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 schematically shows receiver threshold levels according to frequency allocations consistent with ETSI EN 302 308 rules;

Fig. 5 schematically shows another functional block diagram of a portable cellular terminal supporting radio frequency identification (RFID) communication according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6 schematically illustrates an operational sequence applicable to a listen-before-talk (LBT) mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

Fig. 7 schematically shows a frame structure according to the GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) standard.

Detailed ways

Throughout the description below, the same and/or equivalent components will be indicated by the same reference numerals.

In the following, the inventive concept will be described with reference to a cellular communication subsystem supporting in particular GSM, GSM/GPRS and/or GSM/EDGE, cellular communication. Furthermore, radio frequency identification (RFID) communication will be described with reference to very high frequency (UHF) radio frequency identification (RFID) communication specifically supporting the EPCglobal standard. It should be noted that the above specifications for a cellular communication subsystem and a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader subsystem are given for illustrative purposes. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited thereto.

Initially, radio frequency identification (RFID) technology has been developed and introduced for electronic article surveillance, article management purposes and logistics mainly to replace bar code identification tags, which are still used today for article management purposes and logistics. Figure 1 shows a typical implementation of the state of the art radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders. A typical radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder module 10 conventionally includes: electronic circuitry, as exemplarily described as transponder logic 12; data storage capability, as described herein as transponder memory 13; and radio frequency (RF ) interface 11 that couples the antenna 14 to the transponder logic 12. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) transponders are usually housed in small containers and mounted, in particular by means of adhesive, to the item to be marked. In the range from tens to hundreds of kHz to several GHz depending on the requirements (i.e. data transmission rate, interrogation energy, transmission range, etc.) In , different types of data/information transmission are provided at different radio frequencies.

In particular, the following typical frequencies are currently used for radio frequency identification (RFID) technology:

Low frequency range at less than 135kHz (typically around 125kHz);

In the high frequency range at about 13.57MHz;

very high frequency range (UHF) at 860MHz to 960MHz; and

Microwave frequency range at the 2.54GHz ISM band.

Of the frequency band ranges identified above, the UHF range is the most interesting operating frequency range. Communication at the UHF range generally provides better coverage (up to about 5m or even 10m under optimal conditions), and supports higher communication data rates. Among them, radio frequency identification (RFID) in the UHF range is traditionally operable by electronic product code (EPC) according to the EPCglobal specifications which are mainly applicable in product chain management. It is expected that such EPCglobal compliant radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders will be the dominant type of radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders in the future. In the following a main outline of the communication requirements and protocols according to the EPCglobal specification will be given.

Two main classes of radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders can be distinguished. Passive radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders are activated and powered by a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader, which generates an excitation or interrogation signal (eg, a radio frequency (RF) signal at a predetermined frequency). Active radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders include their own power source (not shown), such as batteries or accumulators for power supply.

Once a radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder is activated by means of a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader module 20, the information content stored in the transponder memory 13 is modulated into a radio frequency (RF) signal (i.e. interrogation RF signal), wherein the RF signal is transmitted by the antenna 14 of the radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder module 10, to be detected and received by the radio frequency identification (RFID) reader module 20. More specifically, in the case of a passive radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder (i.e., without a local power source), the radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder module 10 is conventionally read by an interrogating radio frequency identification (RFID) It is powered by a time-varying electromagnetic radio frequency (RF) signal/wave generated by a device. When a radio frequency (RF) field passes through an antenna coil associated with a radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder module 10, a voltage is generated across the coil. This voltage is used to power the radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder module 10 and to support the return of information from the radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder module 10 to the radio frequency identification (RFID) reader module 20, sometimes It is called backscattering.

In a typical state of the art, radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders respond to a radio frequency identification (RFID) standard, such as the ISO 14443 Type A standard, the Mifare standard, the Near Field Communication (NFC) standard and/or the EPCglobal standard.

Depending on the application purpose of the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) transponder, the information or data stored in the transponder memory 13 may be hard-coded or soft-coded. Hardcoding means that the information or data stored in the transponder memory 13 is predetermined and cannot be modified. Soft coding means that the information or data stored in the transponder memory 13 can be configured by an external entity. Configuration of the transponder memory 13 may be performed by radio frequency (RF) signals received via the antenna 14 or may be performed via a configuration interface (not shown) allowing access to the transponder memory 13 .

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) reader module 20 generally includes RF interface 21 , reader logic 22 and data interface 23 . Traditionally, the data interface 23 is connected to a host system (such as a portable terminal), wherein the host system, on the one hand, communicates to the radio frequency identification (RFID) reader by means of instructions transmitted from the host to the reader logic 22 via the data interface 23. The operation of 20 is controlled and, on the other hand, the data provided by the reader logic 22 is received via the data interface 23 . Once commanded to operate, the reader logic 22 activates the RF interface 21 to generate excitation/interrogation signals for transmission via the antenna 24 coupled to the RF interface 21 of the radio frequency identification (RFID) reader module 20 . In the event that a radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder, such as radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder module 10, is within coverage of the stimulus/interrogation signal, the radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder module 10 is powered, and a modulated RF signal (backscattered RF signal) is received therefrom. In particular, the modulated RF signal carries the data stored in the transponder memory 13 modulated onto the excitation/interrogation RF signal. The modulated RF signal is coupled into antenna 24, demodulated by RF interface 21, and supplied to reader logic 22, which is then responsible for acquiring data from the demodulated signal. Finally, the data obtained from the received modulated RF signal is provided to a host system connected thereto via a data interface of a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader module 20 .

Communication between a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader and a radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder, which may be generated by the radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder when interrogated by the radio frequency identification (RFID) reader Simple response to happen. In a more complex manner, communication between a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader and a radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder can occur in packets, where a single packet contains information from the radio frequency identification (RFID) reader. The complete command from the transponder and the complete response from the radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder. Commands and responses allow half-duplex communication between radio frequency identification (RFID) readers and radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders.

The EPCglobal specification represents a radio frequency identification (RFID) protocol for radio frequency identification (RFID) communication described later. Schematically enabling a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader to transmit information to one or more radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders by using a pulse interval encoding (PIE) format using double sideband amplitude shift keying (DSB-ASK), Single Sideband Amplitude Shift Keying (SSB-ASK), or Reverse Phase Amplitude Shift Keying (PR-ASK) modulated RF carrier (continuous wave (CW); i.e., interrogation or stimulus RF signal) implementation of. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) transponders are arranged to receive their operating energy from this same modulated RF carrier. The radio frequency identification (RFID) reader is further configured to read from the radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder by transmitting an unmodulated RF carrier (continuous wave (CW); interrogation or stimulus RF signal) and listening for backscatter responses. BB. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) transponders communicate information by backscatter-modulating the phase and/or amplitude of an RF carrier. The encoding format selected in response to radio frequency identification (RFID) reader commands is, for example, FMO or Miller modulated subcarriers. The communication link between the radio frequency identification (RFID) reader and the radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder is half-duplex, which means that while backscattering, the radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder There will be no need to demodulate radio frequency identification (RFID) reader subsystem commands.

According to the EPCglobal specification, radio frequency identification (RFID) readers are enabled to manage a population of radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders based on three basic processes which in turn include one or more process specific commands. A Select process is provided for selecting a population of radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders for subsequent communications, in particular Inventory and Access process command communications. Next, a selection command can be applied to select a particular population of radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders based on user-specific criteria. This operation can be seen as similar to selecting one or more records from the database. An inventory process is provided for identifying radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders, ie for identifying radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders from a population selected by means of a selection command. A radio frequency identification (RFID) reader can begin an inventory round (ie, one or more inventory command and transponder response cycles) by transmitting a Query command in one of four sessions. One or more radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders may reply. Enables a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader to detect a single radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder reply and request a PC (protocol control bit), EPF (electronic product code) and CRC (cyclic redundancy code). An inventory process can include multiple inventory commands. Stocktaking cycles operate one session at a time. An access procedure is provided for communicating with a radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder, wherein the communication includes in particular reading from and/or writing to a radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder. Each radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder should be uniquely identified prior to the access process. The access procedure may include multiple access commands, some of which use overlay coding of a one-time-pad based reader-to-transponder communication link.

RF distribution is conducted under government regulatory control. Due to existing radio frequency allocations, different frequency regulation standards are in effect throughout the world. For cellular telephony, the US principle allocation (from 902 MHz to 928 MHz) for UHF RFID for radio frequency identification (RFID) communication is used in several countries including the UK, and thus the use of radio frequency identification (RFID) communication is not permitted. Regarding the UHF allocation for radio frequency identification (RFID) communication in ITU (International Telecommunication Union) Region 1, which includes ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute) countries, the frequency range from 865.5MHz to 868.0MHz has been allocated, and These countries include all of Europe, but also the Middle East, Africa, and the former Soviet Union. In particular, with reference to European countries, in the frequency range mentioned above, two ETSI technical standards are relevant, namely EN (European Norm) 203 208 and EN 302 200. Therein, the European specification defines 15 channels, each having an RF bandwidth of 200 kHz within the frequency range from 865.0 MHz to 868.0 MHz.

Referring to Fig. 2, different RF channels are shown compared to their maximum effective radiated power (ERP) levels as defined by the ETSI technical standard. In the frequency range from 865.0MHz to 865.6MHz, three RF channels with a bandwidth of 200kHz are specified, the maximum level of effective radiated power (ERP) is limited to 100mW, and in the frequency range from 865.6MHz to 867.6MHz, the specified Ten RF channels with a bandwidth of 200kHz are specified, the maximum level of effective radiated power (ERP) is limited to 2W, and in the frequency range from 867.6MHz to 868.0MHz, two RF channels with a bandwidth of 200kHz are specified, whose The maximum level of effective radiated power (ERP) is limited to 500mW.

The ETSI technical standard mentioned above also includes rules on duty cycle and connection management. For example, radio frequency identification (RFID) readers are limited to a 10% duty cycle and do not have any frequency or channel hopping for 500mW channels and a "listen before talk" (LBT) scheme for 2W channels.

For reasons of completeness, it should be noted that the frequency range from 902 MHz to 928 MHz is allocated for UHF Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) communications in ITU Region 2 (North and South America and Pacific East of the International Dateline). The maximum level of effective isotropically radiated power (EIFP) is limited to 5W, with frequency hopping (FH) allowed. For details, refer to FCC (Federal Communications Commission) 15.247. For ITU Region 3 (Pacific Rim West of Asia, Australia and the International Date Line), an allocation at 950 MHz is available.

With respect to FIG. 3 , the minimum allowable power levels for the threshold of a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader's receiver are shown while implementing the "listen before talk" scheme described above. The table below also summarizes the levels:

Effective Radiated Power Threshold Level (ERP) in Transmission

0mW to 100mW ≤-83dBm

101mW to 500mW ≤-90dBm

501mW to 2W ≤-96dBm

Any RF signal detected by a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader's receiver that exceeds one of the above threshold levels (i.e., in terms of transmit power) indicates that any other device (such as another RFID reader) has occupied the The RF subband in which the RF signal is detected (bandwidth 200kHz). In such a case, the radio frequency identification (RFID) reader should not transmit but should monitor other RF subbands within the allowed RF frequency band until it detects an RF subband in which the received RF signal is below the corresponding threshold level . Optionally, a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader remains on the same subband and delays transmission until it is determined that the subband is free (unoccupied).

Especially with respect to transmit powers above 500 mW, the sensitivity requirements (ie <-96 dBm) of a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader's receiver are substantially high. This means that the implementation of a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) reader, and in particular its RF interface, is complex and costly, especially for the components required to implement the RF interface circuitry.

Referring to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 , implementation details of the user terminal device according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

Fig. 4 shows a schematic block diagram of components of an exemplary form of user terminal equipment of a terminal 100 supporting portable cellular communications. Terminal device 100 exemplarily represents any type of processing terminal or device that may be used with the present invention. It should be understood that the present invention is neither limited to the illustrated terminal device 100 nor to any other particular type of processing terminal or device.

As described above, the illustrated terminal device 100 is exemplarily implemented as a portable user terminal supporting cellular communication with radio frequency identification (RFID) communication capability. In particular, the terminal device 100 is implemented as a processor-based or microcontroller-based system comprising: a central processing unit (CPU) and a mobile processing unit (MPU) 110; a data and application memory 120; a cellular communication device, the The cellular communication device includes a cellular radio frequency interface (I/F) 180 and a subscriber identity module (SIM) 185 with a correspondingly adapted RF antenna (181); a user interface input/output device that typically includes an audio Input/Output (I/O) device 140 (conventional microphone and speaker), keys, keypad and/or keyboard 130 with key input controller (Ctrl) and display 150 with display controller (Ctrl), and (Local) wireless and/or wired data interface (I/F) 160 .

The operation of the terminal device 100 is usually controlled by a central processing unit (CPU)/mobile processing unit (MPU) 110 based on an operating system or a basic control application, which provides its users with the functions, features and functions of the terminal device 100. And functional use to control them. The display and display controller (Ctrl) 150 is generally controlled by the processing unit (CPU/MPU) 110 and provides information to the user, including in particular a (graphical) user interface (UI) which allows the user to use the Features, Features and Functionality. A keypad and keypad controller (Ctrl) 130 are provided to support user input of information. Information input via the keypad is usually provided by the keypad controller (Ctrl) to the processing unit (CPU/MPU) 110, and the processing unit can perform instructions and/or control according to the input information. The audio input/output (I/O) device 140 includes at least a speaker for reproducing audio signals and a microphone for recording audio signals. A processing unit (CPU/MPU) 110 may control the conversion of audio data to audio output signals, and the conversion of audio input signals to audio data, where eg the audio data is in a suitable format for transmission and storage. Audio signal conversion of digital audio to audio signals and vice versa is typically supported by digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital circuitry, such as circuitry implemented based on a digital signal processor (DSP, not shown).

Keypads operable by the user for input include, for example, character keys and telephone-specific keys, such as the well-known ITU-T keypad, one or more soft keys with context-specific input functions, scroll keys (up/down and/or right /left and/or any combination thereof) for moving the cursor in the display or navigating through the user interface (UI), four-way buttons, eight-way buttons, joystick or/and similar controllers.

The terminal device 100 according to the particular embodiment shown in FIG. 4 includes a cellular communication subsystem 180 coupled to a radio frequency antenna ( 181 ) and operable with a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) 185 . The cellular communication subsystem 180 may also be designed as a cellular (communication) interface (I/F). The cellular communication subsystem 180 is configured as a cellular transceiver to receive signals from a cellular antenna, decode the signals, demodulate the signals and down-step them to baseband frequency. The cellular communication subsystem 180 provides an air interface which, in conjunction with a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) 185, serves to communicate with a corresponding Base Station (BS) of a Radio Access Network (RAN) of a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN). Thus, the output of the cellular communication subsystem 180 includes a data stream that may require further processing by the processing unit (CPU/MPU) 110 . The cellular communication subsystem 180 configured as a cellular transceiver is also adapted to receive data from the processing unit (CPU/MPU) 110, which data is to be transmitted over the air interface to a base station (not shown) of a radio access network (RAN) (not shown). BS) data. Thus, the cellular communication subsystem 180 encodes, modulates, and upconverts the data comprising the signal to radio frequency, which will be used for over-the-air transmission. The antenna (shown in outline) of the terminal device 100 then transmits the resulting radio frequency signal to a corresponding base station (BS) of the radio access network (RAN) of the public land mobile network (PLMN). The cellular communication subsystem 180 preferably supports a 2nd generation digital cellular network, such as GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications), which may support GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) and/or EDGE (Enhanced Data Evolution for GSM; Generation 2.5), 3rd generation digital cellular networks, such as any CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) system including in particular UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) and cdma2000 systems also designated as WCDM (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access) systems, and/or any similar , related, or future (3.9G, 4G) standards for cellular telephony.

Various frequency bands are allocated for cellular communications according to different cellular standards. The following table lists a selection of frequency bands used; the table is not exhaustive. For subsequent reference, commonly accepted abbreviations for the different frequency bands are indicated.

System Design Uplink RF Frequency Band [MHz] Downlink RF Frequency Band [MHz]

GSM 900 (Europe): 890-915 935-960

GSM 1800 (Europe): 1710-1785 1805-1880

GSM 850 (US): 824-849 869-894

GSM 1900 (USA): 1850-1910 1930-1990

cdma2000 (USA): 1850-1910 1930-1990

WCDMA 2100 (Europe): 1920-1980 2110-2170

It should be appreciated that cellular communication subsystem 180 may support cellular communication over a number of different frequency bands. For example, the cellular communication subsystem 180 supports cellular communication on the frequency bands GSM 850, GSM 900, GSM 1800 and/or GSM 1900. Moreover, cellular communication subsystem 180 may support cellular communication over a number of different protocols. For example, the cellular communication subsystem 180 supports cellular communication according to the GSM standard and the UMTS standard or the GSM standard and the cdma2000 standard or any other combination thereof. A cellular communications subsystem 180 that supports cellular communications over multiple different frequency bands should also be designated a multi-band cellular communications subsystem 180, and a cellular communications subsystem 180 that supports cellular communications over multiple different protocols should also be designated a multimode cellular communication subsystem 180 . Note that the cellular communication subsystem 180 may be a multi-band and multi-mode cellular communication subsystem 180 .

Wireless and/or wired data interface (I/F) 160 is illustratively described and should be understood to represent one or more data interfaces that may be provided outside of the aforementioned cellular communication subsystem 180 implemented in exemplary terminal device 100 the interface. Today, a large number of wireless communication standards are available. For example, the terminal device 100 may comprise one or more wireless interfaces operating according to any IEEE 802.xx standard, Wi-Fi standard, WiMAX standard, any Bluetooth standard (1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 2.0+EDR, LE) , ZigBee (for Wireless Personal Area Networks (WPAN)), Infrared Data Access (IRDA), Wireless USB (Universal Serial Bus) and/or any other currently available standard and/or any future wireless data communication standard such as UWB (Ultra Wideband).

The terminal device 100 comprising several communication interfaces, including for example a cellular communication interface 180 and one or more wireless communication interfaces 160 , may be designated as a multiradio terminal device 100 .

Moreover, the data interface (I/F) 160 should also be understood as representing one or more data interfaces, especially including a wired data interface implemented in the exemplary terminal device 100 . Such a wired interface may support cable based networks such as Ethernet LAN (Local Area Network), PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network), DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) and/or other available and future standards. Data interface (I/F) 160 may also represent any data interface, including any dedicated serial/parallel interface, Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, Firewire interface (according to any IEEE 1394/1394a/1394b etc. standards), including ATAPI (Advanced Technology Accessory Packet Interface) Compatible bus, MMC (MultiMediaCard) interface, SD (SecureData) card interface, flash memory card interface, etc. memory bus interface.

A terminal device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader subsystem 190 coupled to an RF antenna 194 . Reference is given to Figure 1 and its description above, which shows the basic implementation and operation of a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader module. A Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) reader subsystem 190 may be included in, fixedly connected to, or detachably coupled to the terminal 100 . In particular, the radio frequency identification (RFID) reader subsystem 190 can be configured on or in the cover of the terminal device 100, wherein the cover is preferably compatible with the terminal device 100 separate functional covers. According to the inventive concept of the present invention, a communication controller (Ctrl) 200 is included in the terminal 100 . A communication controller (Ctrl) 200 is connected to the terminal 100 , to the cellular interface 180 , to the radio frequency identification (RFID) reader subsystem 190 , and preferably to any other communication interface of the terminal device 100 . Details regarding a particular implementation of the radio frequency identification (RFID) reader subsystem 190 and communications controller (Ctrl) 200 are described below.

The components and modules shown in FIG. 4 may be integrated into the terminal device 100 as separate, independent modules, or any combination thereof. Preferably, one or more components and modules of the terminal device 100 can be integrated with a processing unit (CPU/MPU) to form a system on chip (SoC). Such a system-on-chip (SoC) preferably integrates all components of a computer system into a single chip. SoCs can contain digital, analog, mixed-signal, and often also radio frequency functions. Typical applications are in embedded and portable systems, which are especially compressed against size and power consumption constraints. A typical SoC of this type includes multiple integrated circuits that perform different tasks. These circuits may include one or more components including a microprocessor (CPU/MPU), memory (RAM: Random Access Memory, ROM: Read Only Memory), one or more UARTs (Universal Asynchronous Receiver-Transmitter device), one or more serial/parallel/network ports, DMA (Direct Memory Access) controller chip, GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), etc. Recent improvements in semiconductor technology have allowed the increased complexity of VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration) integrated circuits, making it possible to integrate all components of a system into a single chip.

Typical applications that can be operated with the terminal device 100 include contact management applications, calendar applications, multimedia player applications, WEB/WAP browsing applications, and/or support such as short Messaging applications for messaging services (SMS), multimedia messaging services (MMS) and/or email services. Modern portable electronic terminals are programmable; that is, such terminals implement a programming interface as well as an execution layer that enables any user or programmer to create and install applications operable with the terminal device 100 . Today, the well-established device-independent programming language is JAVA, which is available in a specific version suited to the capabilities and requirements of mobile devices, designated as JAVA MicroEdition (ME). In order to support the execution of applications created based on JAVA ME, the terminal device 100 implements JAVA MIDP (Mobile Information Device Profile), which defines the interface between the JAVA ME application program (also called JAVA MIDlet) and the terminal device 100. JAVA MIDP (Mobile Information Device Profile) provides the execution environment with a virtual JAVA engine configured to execute JAVA MIDlets. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to JAVA ME programming language and JAVA MIDlet; other programming languages, especially special-purpose programming languages, can be applied to the present invention.

Referring to Fig. 5, a terminal device 100 implementing several different radio frequency communication interfaces is schematically depicted. For description, the multi-radio implementation shown in Figure 5 is given. The present invention should not be construed as limited to the particular embodiment shown in FIG. 5 . The multi-radio implementation of the terminal device 100 includes a cellular communication subsystem 180 , a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader subsystem 190 , a Bluetooth interface (I/F) 161 and a WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) communication interface (I/F) 162 .

The terminal device 100 further includes a communication controller 200 that supports exercising control over the operation of the communication interface of the terminal device 100 . In particular, the communications controller 200 supports operation of one or more communications interfaces in conjunction with any other one or any other plurality of communications interfaces. For example, communications controller 200 is provided to support concurrent, substantially concurrent, and/or frequency-aligned and/or time-aligned operation of the communications interface.

Referring to FIG. 5 , a communication controller (μC) 200 is responsible for the control functions and tasks of the cellular communication subsystem 180 . An application controller (μC) 210 is provided to exercise control of the functions and tasks of other communication interfaces including radio frequency identification (RFID) reader subsystem 190 , Bluetooth interface 161 and WLAN interface 162 . Application Controller (μC) 210 is in turn connected to Communication Controller (μC) 200, which additionally includes Multiradio Controller (MRC) 205, which may be a logical entity in Communication Controller (μC) 200 to schedule and control different communication interfaces. A multiradio controller (MRC) 205 is preferably responsible for handling multiradio operations, providing time domain scheduling, providing frequency domain scheduling, and maintaining radio system status information for each individual communication interface in the multiradio terminal device 100 . The Multiradio Controller (MRC) 205 provides one or more high-level multiradio entities with the capability to control and perform measurements in different communication interfaces and to support the control required to manage the time domain scheduling functions. Therefore, in a listen-before-talk (LBT) scheme according to an embodiment of the present invention, the multiradio controller (MRC) 205 can measure UHF radio frequency identification (RFID) communication by ETSI through the RF front-end interface of the cellular communication subsystem Assigned UHF channel. This measurement is then provided to the application ([mu]C) 210, which further controls the operation of the radio frequency identification (RFID) reader subsystem based on the measurement.

The basic concept of the present invention is to realize an advantageous LBT scheme. The initial check of whether the RF sub-band is occupied (by any other RF device) or cleared (unoccupied) may be initiated based on user input entered by the user of the terminal device 100 . For example, the user requests the operation of the radio frequency identification (RFID) reader subsystem by a user input indication, preferably via the user interface 30 of the terminal device 100 . Alternatively, the initial check may start upon receipt of a start signal from an application 35 executable on the terminal device 100 .

Referring to FIG. 6 , there is schematically shown an operation sequence applicable to a listen-before-talk (LBT) scheme according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In operation S100, it is checked whether sub-band scanning of an RF signal is requested. For example, if checking is indicated upon input by the user through the user interface (30) of the terminal device 100 or signaled through the application 35 executable on the terminal device 100, the operation sequence proceeds to operation S110. Otherwise, the listening loop process shown in FIG. 6 remains at operation S100.

A decision is made in operation S100 whether to initiate performing a listen-before-talk measurement, which operation S100 may include further decisions that are required and/or effectively incorporated into the sequence of operations.

As mentioned above, official rules regarding frequency allocation, frequency sub-band allocation and/or sub-band definition, sensitivity threshold definition regarding measurement sensitivity requirements and/or sensitivity threshold definition depending on target transmit power are quite different around the world. Typically, manufacturers who sell their products worldwide have to take all these different official rules into account when developing their products. Advantageously, product developers can achieve versatility to ensure that their products comply with as many official regulations as possible.

In this case, the geographical area in which the terminal device 100 is currently located and operated can be determined. The geographic area typically includes a national territory, the territory of a community of countries (eg, where the community adheres to common rules, such as the European Union), and/or any other plurality of countries (such as the definition of an ITU region). Preferably, the geographical area is divided in accordance with official regulations to which all terminal devices, in which terminal devices are located, are divided. Based on the determined geographic area, it may be further checked whether the listen-before-speak measurement requires the operation of a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader subsystem. If the listen-before-talk measurement is not officially required, the sequence of operations eg returns to S100 to support a recheck of the terminal device's current location. Otherwise, the sequence of operations continues. It should be noted that even though listen-before-speak measurements are not officially required, listen-before-speak measurements may be performed without identifying unoccupied and/or occupied subbands.

Also, on the basis of the determined geographic area, the official rules are known; for example, a plurality of different official rules may be provided to be selected according to the determined geographic area. The listen-before-talk measurement may then be performed according to official regulations, which include, inter alia, one or more frequency allocations, one or more radio frequency subband definitions and/or one or more sensitivity threshold definitions.

In particular, one or more radio frequency subbands checked by the listen-before-talk measurement are selected based on official rules.

More particularly, information about the location of the radio frequency identification (RFID) reader subsystem 190 and the terminal device 100 are acquired respectively. Location-related information may include information about operators and/or cells. Information about operators and/or cells may be obtained from the wireless communication subsystem. In particular, the information about the operator may include an operator identifier, which identifies the operator of the wireless communication network to which the wireless communication subsystem is currently subscribed; The operator identifier or operator identifier of the operator of the network (public/private) Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), Wi-Fi network, WiMAX network, etc. The information about the operator may include an area identifier identifying, for example, the area, geographical area, metropolitan area or territory in which the operator provides its communication services.

The information about a cell may include a cell identifier, which identifies the cell within the coverage area of which the wireless communication network is currently operating. The cell may be a cell of a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) or a cellular network, as well as a (public/private) Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), Wi-Fi network, WiMAX network, etc.

The information on a cell may include location information or an area identifier. The location information may indicate the cell center, the geographic location of the cell's antenna towers, and/or the location of the cell base station (BS, Node B). The area identifier may identify, for example, the area, geographical area, metropolitan area or territory in which the operator offers its communication services.

Based on the location-related information and the look-up table, the current locations of the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) reader subsystem 190 and the terminal device 100 can be acquired, respectively. It should be noted that a coarse location resolution is acceptable to support the choice of official rules that must be heeded.

Furthermore, the current location may also be determined based on location information obtained from a positioning system or a positioning/location service. Such location information may be obtained from a satellite based positioning system such as GPS (Global Positioning System) or the Galileo system to be used. Location information may also be acquired via a wireless communication system, for example based on signal delay measurements, triangulation, or the like. In particular, the cellular communication subsystem supports such positioning/location services.

Additionally, a transmit power level to be used by a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader subsystem for radio frequency identification (RFID) communications may be obtained or estimated. Furthermore, it is possible to define the (maximum) transmit power level to be used. As mentioned above, official rules may need to be considered. In particular, the maximum transmit power level to be used may be official. Depending on the transmit power level that will be used, it may be considered whether a listen-before-speak measurement is required (according to the official rules). A power level threshold may be provided and a listen before talk measurement performed if the transmit power level to be used exceeds the power level threshold. The power level threshold depends on the transmit power level to be used, the capabilities of the RFID reader subsystem, one or more presets available from the RFID reader subsystem, and/or official rules. The power level threshold may depend on the listen-before-talk capability and/or the maximum transmit power level operable with the radio frequency identification (RFID) reader subsystem. The presets obtainable from the radio frequency identification (RFID) reader subsystem may include attributes of the radio frequency identification (RFID) reader subsystem. Depending on the capacity of the radio frequency identification (RFID) reader subsystem and/or a preset power level threshold may ensure that the listen before talk measurement is operated according to the specifications set by the radio frequency identification (RFID) reader subsystem.

In operation S110, it is checked whether the cellular communication subsystem 180 is currently active. Due to the time requirements (at least 5 ms) of the listen-before-talk (LBT) process, RF signal measurements may preferably be performed when the cellular communication subsystem 180 is in an idle or standby operating state. For example, during an active operating state, there may be periods of inactivity within the time frame of a TDMA system such as GSM. These periods of inactivity may include one or more time slots (each having a duration of approximately 0.577 ms) per time frame. For example, if one time slot is allocated to uplink communication and another time slot is allocated to downlink communication, a maximum period of inactivity (8-2) x 0.577 ms ≈ 3.5 ms may be available. Furthermore, it should be noted that the unassigned time slots need not be consecutive in time and inter-cell and/or intra-cell measurement operations may be allocated to one or more other time slots.

It should be noted that the terms idle operating state, standby operating state and active operating state refer to the current operating state with respect to the operability of the cellular communication subsystem 180 . In particular, the idle/standby operating state designates the operating state of the cellular communication subsystem 180, wherein the operation of the cellular communication subsystem is limited to paging and measurement operations. In the active operating state, data and/or voice communications are conducted via the cellular communications subsystem 180 with the radio access network (RAN) of a public land mobile network (PLMN) to which the cellular communications subsystem subscribes. ).

The operation sequence described below with reference to FIG. 6 may be implemented by means of the communication controller 200 including the multiradio controller 205 and the application controller 210 . Furthermore, the sequence of operations representing the listen loop algorithm supports "listen before talk" measurements and subsequent radio frequency identification (RFID) communication may be implemented based on software parts and/or hardware components, if desired. Also, one or more software parts may operate together with the processing unit ( 110 ) of the terminal device 100 .

According to operation S110, if the cellular communication subsystem 180 is currently in an idle/standby operating state, the operation sequence proceeds to operation S120; otherwise the operation sequence returns to operation S110 for waiting for the idle/standby operating state of the cellular communication subsystem 180 .

System information is acquired from the cellular communication subsystem 180 in operation S120. Wherein, the system information mainly includes paging related information and measurement related information.

In the idle operating state, under standby operation, there are no terminals initiating data and/or voice communications to transmit to the radio access network (RAN) of the public land mobile network (PLMN), and the cellular communication subsystem 180 is currently Subscribe to the Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN). Standby operations include ensuring that the cellular communication subsystem 180 is capable of receiving terminal terminated data and/or voice communications transmitted by the radio access network (RAN) to the cellular communication subsystem 180 of the terminal device 100 . As noted above, the cellular communication subsystem 180 is typically configured to be able to receive a paging message from the radio access network (RAN), which is transmitted to the cellular communication subsystem 180 to indicate a communication link requesting data and/or voice communication. . Also, the cellular communication subsystem 180 is typically configured to perform RF signal quality measurements related to intra-cell power levels, neighboring cell (inter-cell) power levels, and/or other system availability. Based on these measurements, the radio access network (RAN) receiving the measurement protocol from the cellular communication subsystem 180 can ensure that the cellular communication subsystem 180 is within the coverage of the PLMN cell, so that the cellular communication subsystem 180 and the radio access network (RAN) overall is able to initiate communication separately. Furthermore, the cellular communication subsystem 180 of the terminal device 100 may be allowed to transmit random access messages at any time if desired.

In the following, the operation of the cellular communication subsystem 180 is discussed schematically in more detail with reference to the GSM standard.

Relative signaling is required for the control and management of Public Land Mobile Networks (PLMNs). The GSM standard defines several Control Channels (CCHs) to provide continuous, packet-based signaling services over the air interface to cellular terminals including a cellular communication subsystem to receive and transmit messages from and to the RAN at any time. The common control channel (CCCH) which is part of the above-mentioned control channel (CCH) includes the paging channel (PCH) which is part of the downlink of the common control channel (CCCH). A Paging Channel (PCH) is required for paging messages to locate cellular terminals such as terminal device 100 . Each cellular terminal, once registered with the Radio Access Network (RAN), is assigned to a paging group (CCCH_GROUP), which may include several cellular terminals. A paging group (CCCH_GROUP) is assigned to a specific common control channel (CCCH) among a plurality of common control channels (CCCH). When a paging message is transmitted on a common control channel (CCCH) assigned to a particular paging group (CCCH_GROUP), the cellular terminals belonging to this paging group (CCCH_GROUP) decode the paging message, which includes the cellular terminal identifier. The identified cellular terminal to which the paging message is addressed requests a control channel (CCH) on a random access channel (RACH).

Referring to Fig. 7, a typical frame structure according to the GSM standard is schematically shown. The mapping from logical channel to physical channel includes two parts: frequency domain and time domain mapping. This means that the mapping of logical channels to physical channels is based on the TDMA frame structure as well as the frequencies allocated to the cellular terminal (Mobile Allocation; MA) and the base station of the RAN (Cell Allocation; CA) to which the cellular terminal is currently connected.

In the time domain, logical channels are organized in a complex frame structure configured by the TDMA method described above. The frame structures include so-called hyperframes, superframes and multiframes. Depending on the organization of the control channel, the multiframe structure is of particular interest. The multiframe structure defines the mapping of logical subchannels to physical channels. There is a first type of multiframe (not shown in FIG. 7 ) comprising 26 frames and designated as a 26-frame multiframe, and a second type of multiframe comprising 51 frames and designated as a 26-frame multiframe. A 26-frame multiframe is organized in a superframe consisting of 51 26-frame multiframes (not shown in FIG. 7 ), and a 51-frame multiframe is organized in a superframe consisting of 26 51-frame multiframes. Each hyperframe consists of 2048 hyperframes.

The second type of multiframe (ie, 51-frame multiframe) is relevant in view of the idle operating state, especially for the operation of the cellular communication subsystem in paging schemes.

Referring to the paging scheme described above, the parameter BS_CC_CHANS in the BCCH (Broadcast Control Channel) defines the number of basic physical channels supporting the Common Control Channel (CCCH). All Common Control Channels (CCCH) use time slots on specific radio frequency channels of the Cell Assignment (CA). Each Common Control Channel (CCCH) carries its own CCCH_GROUP identifier of the cellular communication subsystem (or cellular terminal) in the idle operating state. The cellular communication subsystem belonging to a particular CCCH_GROUP listens for paging messages and, if necessary, it does random access only on the particular Common Control Channel (CCCH) to which the CCCH_GROUP belongs. The method by which a mobile determines the CCCH_GROUP it belongs to is defined as follows:

CCCH_GROUP(0...BS_CC_CHANS-1)=

((IMSI mod 1000)mod(BS_CC_CHANS*N))div N; and where N is the number of paging blocks "available" on a common control channel (CCCH); (i.e., N is the number of paging blocks on a common control channel (CCCH); CCCH) on 51 - the number of "available" paging blocks in a multiframe multiplied by BS_PA_MFRMS); IMSI is the International Mobile Subscriber Identity; "mod" defines the modulo calculation operation; and "div" defines the integer division calculation operation.

The parameter BS_PA_MFRMS on BCCH (Broadcast Control Channel) indicates the number of 51-multiframes between transmissions of paging messages to cellular terminals (or cellular communication subsystems) in the idle operating state of the same paging group. The paging blocks "available" for each CCCH are then those "available" per 51-multiframe on that CCCH (determined by the above two parameters) multiplied by BS_PA_MFRMS. Mobiles are generally only required to monitor every Nth block of their paging channel, where N is equal to the number of total "available" blocks (determined by the above BCCH parameters) on the paging channel (PCH) of a particular CCCH, their CCCH_GROUP is required to monitor. The parameter BS_PA_MFRMS is also specified as the Paging Repeat Period (PRP).

This means that the parameter BS_PA_MFRMS indicates the number of 51-multiframes between transmissions of paging messages to cellular terminals of the same paging group. The parameter BS_PA_MFRMS consists of 3 bits and can have a value ranging from 2 to 9.

It should be noted that other paging modes (eg, page recognition or page overload conditions) may require the cellular terminal to detect paging blocks more frequently than the normal paging mode detailed above. All cellular terminals listening to a particular paging block are defined to be in the same PAGING_GROUP. The method by which a particular mobile determines to which particular PAGING_GROUP it belongs and thus which particular block of available blocks on the paging channel is to be detected is defined as follows:

PAGING_GROUP(0...N-1)=

((IMSI mod 1000) mod (BS_CC_CHANS*N)) mod N.

It should be noted that the RAN (Radio Access Network) is allowed to send transmissions on the paging subchannel for a given cellular terminal every BS_PA_MFRMS 51-multiframe, or if Discontinuous Reception (DRX) cycle splitting is supported, A transmission is sent every 1/N _DRX 51-multiframes, where N _DRX is the average number of blocks monitored per 51-multiframe in discontinuous reception (DRX) mode according to its paging group. The cellular terminal or the cellular communication subsystem of the terminal needs to attempt to decode the transmission each time it sends its paging subchannel.

In summary, the duration during which the GSM-based cellular communication subsystem is inactive during the idle/standby operating state ranges from about 460 ms to 2.1 s when the BS_PA_MFRMS parameter or the Paging Repeat Period (PRP) is not considered. As mentioned above, the BS_PA_MFRMS parameter or Paging Repeat Period (PRP) is allowed to have values in the range 2 to 9. One BS_PA_MFRMS unit or Paging Repeat Period (PRP) unit corresponds to a duration of 51-multiframes (ie, 51 frames), which is approximately 4.615ms.

The radio access network (RAN) and its base station (BTS) set the BS_PA_MFRMS parameter or the paging repetition period (PRP) respectively. Typically, the value of the BS_PA_MFRMS parameter or Paging Repeat Period (PRP) between 6 and 9 is defined according to the Radio Access Network (RAN) and network requirements. Thus, if a typical BS_PA_MFRMS parameter or Paging Repeat Period (PRP) value (from 6 to 9) and a duration of about 4.615 ms for a 51-multiframe, the period of inactivity in the range from 27.69 ms to 41.535 ms In principle it is available.

It should be noted that the measurement operation of the cellular communication subsystem is not considered. Such intra-cell as well as inter-cell measurements may be suspended. When considering this situation, it must be assumed that the cellular communication subsystem does not change its location, at least the inter-cell measurements can be ignored in case the RAN does not limit the availability of the cellular communication subsystem.

As mentioned above, RF signal measurements according to the LBT ("Listen Before Talk") scheme require time periods ranging from a minimum of 5 ms to a maximum of 10 ms. When RF signal measurements according to the LBT ("Listen Before Talk") scheme are repeatedly performed, the required time period can last up to tens of milliseconds. Also, reading a radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder (ie, in a single scan operation) may typically take about 10 ms when ignoring listen before talk (LBT) operations in the time calculations.

Obtaining system information from the cellular communication subsystem 180 may be performed based on communications between the communication controller 200 and the cellular communication subsystem 180 . The aforementioned communications may include one or more control commands and responses.

In operation S130, an available inactive period is determined according to timing information acquired by the cellular communication subsystem from a radio access network (RAN). As mentioned above, the timing requirements of the cellular communication subsystem are described in detail. From these timing requirements (particularly with respect to cellular communication subsystem paging) the period of inactivity can be derived and can be determined.

In operation S140, it is checked whether the period of inactivity determined from the system information in operation S130 is sufficient for performing an LBT ("listen before talk") operation. Also, whether the inactivity period determined according to the system information in operation S130 is sufficient for performing an LBT ("listen before talk") operation and a subsequent radio frequency identification (RFID) communication operation may also be considered during the check.

Performing radio frequency identification (RFID) communications during inactive periods of the cellular communications subsystem is advantageous because interference may be caused in frequency bands used during data and/or voice communications in the cellular communications subsystem's active operating state. Due to the high power levels (up to a maximum of 2W) used in radio frequency identification (RFID) communications, such interference can cause a degradation of the RF signal quality in cellular communications, which at least leads to an increased error probability in cellular communications, and in the worst case , which results in loss of the communication link between the RAN and the cellular communication subsystem.

If the check in operation S140 is successful, the operation sequence proceeds to operation S150. Otherwise, the operation sequence returns to operation S110 or operation S120 so that the system information is acquired again and the inactive period is determined.

In operation S150, the communication controller 200 of the terminal device 100 is configured to start performing a listen before talk (LBT) measurement operation. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the communication controller 200 includes a multiradio controller (MRC) 205 and an application controller 210 adapted to configure the cellular communication subsystem 180 for listen before talk (LBT) measurement operations . To support the performance of listen-before-talk (LBT) measurement operations, the communication controller 200 is synchronized with periods of inactivity of the cellular communication subsystem 180 . Select a period of inactivity sufficient to perform a listen-before-talk (LBT) measurement operation and, if desired, a period sufficient to perform one or more radio frequency identification (RFID ) subsequent radio frequency identification (RFID) communication carried out by the transponder, according to the period of inactivity, the communication controller 200 for the control of the cellular communication subsystem is configured to configure the cellular communication subsystem in at least one radio frequency identification (RFID) Subbands used in communications perform RF signal measurements. In addition, the cellular communication subsystem is tuned to a sub-bandwidth of 200 kHz, and the sensitivity level of the cellular communication subsystem is adapted to the sensitivity level requirements applied to listen-before-talk (LBT) measurements. The sensitivity requirement depends on the radio frequency identification (RFID) subband and the power level to be used in the radio frequency identification (RFID) communication. Configuration of the cellular communication subsystem 180 by means of the communication controller 200 may be performed based on communications between the communication controller and the cellular communication subsystem. The aforementioned communications may include one or more control commands and responses.

For example, the cellular communication subsystem may be a multi-band cellular communication subsystem 180 that supports GSM 850, GSM 900, and GSM 1800. Consistent with the UHF frequency bands allocated for radio frequency identification (RFID) communications, the transceiver portion of the GSM 850 of the cellular communications subsystem 180 may be configured for listen before talk (LBT) measurements. The radio frequency band of operation of the transceiver portion of the GSM 850 is substantially close to the radio frequency band of UHF radio frequency identification (RFID) communication.

It should be noted that the listen-before-talk (LBT) measurement operation may be performed on one subband applicable to radio frequency identification (RFID) communication, or the first measurement may be performed on one or more subbands applicable to radio frequency identification (RFID) communication Listen-Behind-Talk (LBT) measurement maneuver. In the latter case, a listen-before-talk (LBT) measurement operation over several subbands applicable to radio frequency identification (RFID) communications can be advantageous, enabling detection of which subbands are occupied and multiple subbands Which of the is cleared.

In operation S160, the cellular communication subsystem 180 is activated synchronously with the determined period of inactivity selected for the Listen Before Talk (LBT) measurement operation, preferably under the control of the communication controller 200 .

In operation S170, the cellular communication subsystem 180 configured to perform a listen-before-talk (LBT) measurement operation by the communication controller 200 measures one or more commanded radio frequencies at a corresponding bandwidth (i.e., 200 kHz) and a corresponding sensitivity level One or more RF signal levels on the identification (RFID) subbands. According to the requirements of the aforementioned LBT scheme, the LBT measurement operation is performed for at least 5 ms or 5 ms+r (where r is a random value between 0 ms and 5 ms).

It should be noted that the RF receiver front-end of a typical GSM cellular communication subsystem of subsystem 180 has a sensitivity threshold as low as -114dBm (ERP) and a channel accuracy of 200kHz. As a result, the cellular communication subsystem 180 is applicable to listen-before-talk (LBT) measurement operations because the sensitivity threshold is better than that required by regulations regarding frequency allocation in radio frequency identification (RFID) communications.

Furthermore, the RF receiver front-end of the cellular communication subsystem 180 exceeds the sensitivity requirements imposed by frequency allocation regulations for listen-before-talk (LBT) measurements. To reduce energy consumption of the cellular communication subsystem 180 during listen-before-talk (LBT) measurement operations, the front-end noise figure of the cellular communication subsystem 180 may relax a predefined value (depending on the sensitivity threshold allowed by the LBT measurement). For example, the front-end noise figure of the cellular communication subsystem 180 may be relaxed by 15 dB.

For link control, the cellular communication subsystem 180 typically includes a functional radio subsystem link control entity primarily for measuring RF signal quality on downlink channels for cell parts, handover preparation, and power control. Such RF signal measurements are traditionally known as quality monitoring.

Especially during the idle/standby operating state of the cellular communication subsystem 180, the carrier of the BCCH (Broadcast Control Channel) is monitored. The base station (BTS) of each cell transmits a BCCH carrier. The cellular communication subsystem monitors the BCCH carriers of the current cell (to which it is currently assigned) and the BCCH carriers of neighboring cells. Based on the quality monitoring of the BCCH carrier, the cellular communication subsystem 180 can ensure that each time the cell is selected, the cellular communication subsystem 180 can reliably communicate with it with the highest probability. Channel quality is usually described based on two parameters, received signal strength in dB (RELEV) and received signal quality based on bit error rate measurements (RXQUAL).

Those skilled in the art will understand that received signal strength (RELEV) measurements may be employed to support listen before talk (LBT) measurements. During a listen-before-talk (LBT) measurement, the presence or absence of an interrogating RF signal (excitation RF signal, continuous waveform) is measured. A radio frequency identification (RFID) reader transmits an interrogation RF signal for activating and/or powering up one or more radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders within its range. If the received signal strength (RELEV) measurement results in the detection of the presence of an RF signal with a signal strength above a rule-specified threshold, then the subband on which the RF signal has been detected is assumed to be occupied. Vice versa, if the received signal strength (RELEV) measurement results in the detection of the presence of an RF signal with a signal strength below the rule-specified threshold, then the subband on which the RF signal has been detected is assumed to be clear or unoccupied .

In operation S180, according to the measurement results obtained from the cellular communication subsystem 180, it is checked whether one or more measured subbands applicable to radio frequency identification (RFID) communication are cleared or unoccupied. If all measured subbands are occupied, the measurement operation should be repeated and the operation sequence returns to operation S190, operation S140 or operation S110

In operation S190, it is checked whether a listen before talk (LBT) measurement should be performed on one or more other subbands applicable to radio frequency identification (RFID) communication. Accordingly, in operation S200, one or more other sub-bands may be selected for listening-before-talking (LBT) measurement, and then the operation sequence continues to operation S140 or operation S110.

In operation S210, a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader subsystem 190 is configured according to a listen before talk (LBT) measurement result. This means that, by means of the application controller 210, the communication controller 200 is preferably configured to operate on a sub-band applicable to radio frequency identification (RFID) communication, which sub-band has been identified during a listen-before-talk (LBT) measurement to be Empty (unoccupied). Additionally, the communication controller 200 may trigger the radio frequency identification (RFID) reader subsystem 190 to operate subsequent radio frequency identification (RFID) communications. This subsequent radio frequency identification (RFID) communication is preferably performed in coordination with one or more inactive cycle time alignments of the cellular communication subsystem 180 . The time-aligned operation of the radio frequency identification (RFID) reader subsystem 190 is advantageous to prevent any interference between RF signal communications due to the operation of the cellular communication subsystem 180 and the radio frequency identification (RFID) read The operation of the controller subsystem 190 occurs. During subsequent radio frequency identification (RFID) communications, radio frequency identification (RFID) reader subsystem 190 transmits at least an RF interrogation signal (stimulus signal, continuous waveform) to power on and/or activate System 190 covers one or more radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders within an area.

In conclusion, those skilled in the art should understand from the above description based on non-limiting embodiments that the basic concept of the present invention is to provide a listen-before-talk (LBT) scheme, which is implemented by means of the RF interface front-end of the cellular communication subsystem due to management For the signal strength measurements required for radio frequency identification (RFID) communications, the cellular communications subsystem typically implements a high-sensitivity receiver component. The use of a cellular communication subsystem for listen-before-talk (LBT) measurements eliminates the need to implement an RF interface front-end for a radio-frequency identification (RFID) reader subsystem that complies with governing regulations regarding UHF radio frequency identification ( Frequency allocations for RFID) communications create comparable stringent sensitivity requirements. Such stringent sensitivity requirements are not required for UHF radio frequency identification (RFID) communications between radio frequency identification (RFID) reader subsystems and radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders. Thus, the inventive concept allows providing an economical implementation of a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader subsystem with a terminal device capable of cellular communication.

The presence of a central communications controller, which implements control of both the cellular communications subsystem and the radio frequency identification (RFID) reader subsystem, is essential to support the implementation of the aforementioned listen-before-talk (LBT) measurement methodology for both subsystems. Configuration is advantageous. In particular, the central communications controller is capable of operating the two subsystems in a cooperative manner to eliminate or at least minimize the probability of interference between RF signal communications that occur in response to the cellular communications subsystem and radio frequency identification (RFID) reads, respectively. operation of the subsystem.

It should be noted that although the basic concept is implemented according to UHF radio frequency identification (RFID) communication technology, the basic concept is not limited thereto. According to future development, radio frequency identification (RFID) communication in the 2.4 GHz ISM band will become important. Those skilled in the art should understand based on the above description about the embodiments of the present invention that the same WLAN and/or Bluetooth communication subsystem with a high-sensitivity transceiver (especially the RF interface front-end receiver) can be applied to the core concept of the present invention Sense of Listen-Before-Talk (LBT) measurement.

It is obvious to a person skilled in the art that, as technology advances, the inventive concept can be implemented in various ways. Therefore, the invention and its embodiments are not limited to the above-described embodiments but may vary within the scope of the claims.

Claims (51)

1. a method is used to carry out listem-before-talk and measures to support the one or more unappropriated radio frequency subbands of identification, and described unappropriated radio frequency subband can be applicable to and can communicate by letter by the radio-frequency (RF) identification (RFID) that radio-frequency (RF) identification (RFID) reader subsystem is operated; Described method comprises:

-obtain the timing information of the one or more cycles of activity that relate to radio communication subsystem;

-from the information of described timing information derivation about one or more non-cycles of activity;

The described radio communication subsystem of-configuration is to measure with the described listem-before-talk of described one or more non-cycles of activity of collaborative execution; And

-carry out described listem-before-talk by described radio communication subsystem to measure, to discern described one or more unappropriated radio frequency subband.

2. method according to claim 1 comprises:

One or more radiofrequency signal power levels on the described one or more radio frequency subbands of-measurement; And

-determine according to one or more thresholds of sensitivity whether described one or more radio frequency subband is occupied.

3. method according to claim 1 and 2 wherein defines the described threshold of sensitivity according to described radio frequency subband.

4. according to any described method in the aforementioned claim, comprising:

-dispose described radio-frequency (RF) identification (RFID) reader subsystem according to the result of described listem-before-talk measurement, carry out radio-frequency (RF) identification (RFID) communication in the described unappropriated radio frequency subband to be supported in.

5. according to any described method in the aforementioned claim, comprising:

-according to radio-frequency (RF) identification (RFID) rule of communication, dispose described one or more thresholds of sensitivity of described radio communication subsystem at the requirement of the threshold of sensitivity.

6. according to any described method in the aforementioned claim, the described timing information that wherein relates to one or more cycles of activity comprises the timing information that relates to the time cycle and/or the time interval, wherein, in the described time cycle, described radio communication subsystem is launched one or more radiofrequency signals, and, support described radio communication subsystem to receive one or more radiofrequency signals in the described time interval.

7. according to any described method in the aforementioned claim, the described timing information that wherein relates to one or more cycles of activity comprises the timing information that relates to paging cycle, at described paging cycle, supports to receive one or more beep-page messages.

8. according to any described method in the aforementioned claim, comprising:

-determine that the mode of operation of described radio communication subsystem, wherein said mode of operation comprise clear operation state and activity operations state at least; And

-under the situation of described clear operation state, support to carry out described listem-before-talk and measure.

9. according to any described method in the aforementioned claim, comprising:

-determine in the current geographic area that whether is positioned at official's rule that the listem-before-talk that suits the requirements measures of described radio-frequency (RF) identification (RFID) reader subsystem; And

-to carry out described listem-before-talk according to described official rule to measure, wherein said official rule comprises at least one that is selected from the group that comprises one or more radio frequency subband definition and one or more thresholds of sensitivity.

10. method according to claim 9 comprises:

-select one or more radio frequency subbands according to described official rule.

11., comprising according to claim 9 or 10 described methods:

-obtaining the information of the position that relates to described radio-frequency (RF) identification (RFID) reader subsystem, wherein said location dependent information comprises the information about operator and/or sub-district, especially operator and/or cell identifier; And

-determine described position based on described location dependent information and/or look-up table.

12., comprising according to claim 9 or 10 described methods:

-determine described position based on the positional information of obtaining from navigation system.

13. any described method according in the aforementioned claim comprises:

-obtain and will be used for the transmitted power level that radio-frequency (RF) identification (RFID) is communicated by letter by described radio-frequency (RF) identification (RFID) reader subsystem; And

If-the described transmitted power level that will use has surpassed power level threshold, then carry out described listem-before-talk and measure.

14. method according to claim 13 comprises:

-according to being selected from the ability that comprises the described transmitted power level that will use, described radio-frequency (RF) identification (RFID) reader subsystem, at least one item in the default of described radio-frequency (RF) identification (RFID) reader subsystem and/or the group that official is regular being defined described power level threshold.

15. according to any described method in the aforementioned claim, wherein said radio communication subsystem is at least one in cellular communication subsystem and the wireless communication subsystem.

16. method according to claim 15, wherein said radio communication subsystem are based on the cellular communication subsystem, bluetooth subsystem of GSM or based in the subsystem of IEEE 802.xx at least one.

17., wherein support described cellular communication subsystem to meet the operation of GSM 850 according to claim 15 or 16 described methods.

18. according to any described method in the aforementioned claim, wherein said radio frequency subband is arranged in SHF band, specifically is the frequency range that is positioned at from 860MHz to 960MHz.

19. according to any described method in the aforementioned claim, wherein the Frequency Distribution of communicating by letter for super high frequency radio frequency identification (RFID) according to ETSI defines described SHF band.

20. computer program, described computer program comprises the program code part that is stored on the machine readable media, when described program product moved on the terminal based on equipment, terminal equipment, the network equipment, portable terminal, consumer-elcetronics devices or the support of wireless communication of processor, described program code partly was used for enforcement of rights and requires any one described operation of 1 to 19.

21. control module, described control module is used to support listem-before-talk to measure to allow the one or more unappropriated radio frequency subbands of identification, and described unappropriated radio frequency subband can be applicable to and can communicate by letter by the radio-frequency (RF) identification (RFID) that radio-frequency (RF) identification (RFID) reader subsystem is operated; Wherein can operate described control module to realize control to radio communication subsystem and described radio-frequency (RF) identification (RFID) reader subsystem;

The timing information that described control module is used to obtain the one or more cycles of activity that relate to described radio communication subsystem wherein is set;

Wherein dispose described control module to derive information from described timing information about one or more non-cycles of activity;

Described control module wherein is set is used to dispose described radio communication subsystem and the described listem-before-talk measurement of described one or more non-cycle of activity of collaborative execution; And

Described control module wherein is set is used to indicate described radio communication subsystem to carry out described listem-before-talk measurement, thereby discern described one or more unappropriated radio frequency subband.

22. control module according to claim 21 wherein is provided with described control module and is used for obtaining one or more radiofrequency signal power levels on described one or more radio frequency subband in response to described measurement;

Whether and it is occupied to determine described one or more radio frequency subband according to one or more thresholds of sensitivity wherein to dispose described control module.

23., wherein define the described threshold of sensitivity according to described radio frequency subband according to claim 21 or 22 described control modules.

24., described control module wherein is set is used for disposing described radio-frequency (RF) identification (RFID) reader subsystem and carries out radio-frequency (RF) identification (RFID) communication to be supported on of described unappropriated radio frequency subband according to the result that described listem-before-talk is measured according to any described control module in the claim 21 to 23.

25. according to any described control module in the claim 21 to 24, described control module wherein is set to be used for disposing described one or more thresholds of sensitivity of described radio communication subsystem at the requirement of the threshold of sensitivity according to radio-frequency (RF) identification (RFID) rule of communication.

26. according to any described control module in the claim 21 to 25, the described timing information that wherein relates to one or more cycles of activity comprises the timing information that relates to the time cycle and/or the time interval, wherein, in the described time cycle, described radio communication subsystem is launched one or more radiofrequency signals, and, support described radio communication subsystem to receive one or more radiofrequency signals in the described time interval.

27. according to any described control module in the claim 21 to 26, the described timing information that wherein relates to one or more cycles of activity comprises the timing information that relates to paging cycle, at described paging cycle, supports to receive one or more beep-page messages.

28. according to any described control module in the claim 21 to 27, the mode of operation that described control module is used for determining described radio communication subsystem is set wherein, wherein said mode of operation comprises clear operation state and activity operations state at least; And wherein, described control module is set is used under the situation of clear operation state, support to carry out described listem-before-talk and measure.

29., described control module wherein is set is used for determining in the current geographic area that whether is positioned at official's rule that the listem-before-talk that suits the requirements measures of described radio-frequency (RF) identification (RFID) reader subsystem according to any described control module in the aforementioned claim; Described control module wherein further is set is used for allowing described listem-before-talk to measure according to described official rule, wherein said official rule comprises at least one that is selected from the group that comprises one or more radio frequency subband definition and one or more thresholds of sensitivity.

30. control module according to claim 29 wherein is provided with described control module and is used for selecting one or more radio frequency subbands according to described official rule.

31. according to claim 29 or 30 described control modules, wherein dispose described control module to obtain the information of the position that relates to described radio-frequency (RF) identification (RFID) reader subsystem, wherein said location dependent information comprises the information about operator and/or sub-district, especially operator and/or cell identifier wherein are provided with described control module and are used for determining described position based on described location dependent information and/or look-up table.

32., described control module wherein is set is used for determining described position based on the positional information of obtaining from navigation system according to claim 29 or 30 described control modules.

33., wherein dispose described control module to obtain the transmitted power level that will be used for radio-frequency (RF) identification (RFID) communication by described radio-frequency (RF) identification (RFID) reader subsystem according to any described control module in the aforementioned claim; Surpass power level threshold if the described transmitted power level that described control module is used for using wherein is set, then supported described listem-before-talk to measure.

34. control module according to claim 33 wherein disposes described control module with according to being selected from the ability that comprises the described transmitted power level that will use, described radio-frequency (RF) identification (RFID) reader subsystem, at least one item in the default of described radio-frequency (RF) identification (RFID) reader subsystem and/or the group that official is regular being defined described power level threshold.

35. according to any described control module in the claim 21 to 34, wherein said radio communication subsystem is at least one in cellular communication subsystem and the wireless communication subsystem.

36. control module according to claim 35, wherein said radio communication subsystem are based on the cellular communication subsystem, bluetooth subsystem of GSM or based in the subsystem of IEEE 802.xx at least one.

37., wherein support described cellular communication subsystem to meet the operation of GSM (global system for mobile communications) and especially meet the operation of GSM 850 according to claim 29 or 36 described control modules.

38. according to any described control module in the claim 21 to 37, wherein said radio frequency subband is arranged in SHF band, specifically is the frequency range that is positioned at from 860MHz to 960MHz.

39. according to any described control module in the claim 21 to 38, wherein the Frequency Distribution of communicating by letter for SHF band place radio-frequency (RF) identification (RFID) according to ETSI (ETSI) defines described SHF band.

40. terminal equipment, supporting described terminal equipment to be used for listem-before-talk measures to allow the one or more unappropriated radio frequency subbands of identification, described unappropriated radio frequency subband can be applicable to and can communicate by letter by the radio-frequency (RF) identification (RFID) that radio-frequency (RF) identification (RFID) reader subsystem is operated, described terminal equipment comprises radio communication subsystem and described radio-frequency (RF) identification (RFID) reader subsystem at least, and the control module that wherein can operate described terminal equipment is to realize the control to radio communication subsystem and described radio-frequency (RF) identification (RFID) reader subsystem;

The timing information that described control module is used to obtain the one or more cycles of activity that relate to described radio communication subsystem wherein is set;

Wherein dispose described control module to derive information from described timing information about one or more non-cycles of activity;

Described control module wherein is set is used to dispose described radio communication subsystem and the described listem-before-talk measurement of described one or more non-cycle of activity of collaborative execution; And

Described control module wherein is set is used to indicate described radio communication subsystem to carry out described listem-before-talk measurement, thereby discern described one or more unappropriated radio frequency subband.

41. according to the described terminal equipment of claim 40, wherein said control module is according to any described control module in the claim 21 to 39.

42. according to claim 40 or 41 described terminal equipments, wherein said radio communication subsystem is cellular communication subsystem, bluetooth subsystem or based in the subsystem of IEEE 802.xx at least one.

43. according to the described terminal equipment of claim 42, wherein support described cellular communication subsystem to be used for communication at least, be particularly useful for comprising at least the communication based on multiband GSM (global system for mobile communications) of the operation that meets GSM 850 based on GSM (global system for mobile communications).

44. according to any described terminal equipment in the claim 40 to 43, wherein said radio frequency subband is arranged in SHF band, specifically is the frequency range that is positioned at from 860MHz to 960MHz.

45. according to any described terminal equipment in the claim 40 to 44, wherein the Frequency Distribution of communicating by letter for the radio-frequency (RF) identification (RFID) at UHF band place according to ETSI (ETSI) defines described SHF band.

46. system, described system is used to support listem-before-talk to measure to allow the one or more unappropriated radio frequency subbands of identification, described unappropriated radio frequency subband can be applicable to and can communicate by letter by the radio-frequency (RF) identification (RFID) that radio-frequency (RF) identification (RFID) reader subsystem is operated, described system comprises radio communication subsystem and described radio-frequency (RF) identification (RFID) reader subsystem at least, and the control module that wherein can operate described system is to realize the control to radio communication subsystem and described radio-frequency (RF) identification (RFID) reader subsystem;

The timing information that described control module is used to obtain the one or more cycles of activity that relate to described radio communication subsystem wherein is set;

Wherein dispose described control module to derive information from described timing information about one or more non-cycles of activity;

Described control module wherein is set is used to dispose described radio communication subsystem and the described listem-before-talk measurement of described one or more non-cycle of activity of collaborative execution; And

Described control module wherein is set is used to indicate described radio communication subsystem to carry out described listem-before-talk measurement, thereby discern described one or more unappropriated radio frequency subband.

47. according to the described system of claim 46, wherein said control module is according to any described control module in the claim 21 to 39.

48. according to claim 46 or 47 described systems, wherein said radio communication subsystem is cellular communication subsystem, bluetooth subsystem or based in the subsystem of IEEE 802.xx at least one.

49. according to the described system of claim 48, wherein support described cellular communication subsystem to be used for communication at least at least, be particularly useful for comprising at least the communication based on multiband GSM (global system for mobile communications) of the operation that meets GSM 850 based on GSM (global system for mobile communications).

50. according to any described system in the claim 46 to 49, wherein said radio frequency subband is arranged in SHF band, specifically is the frequency range that is positioned at from 860MHz to 960MHz.

51. according to any described terminal equipment in the claim 46 to 50, wherein the Frequency Distribution of communicating by letter for the radio-frequency (RF) identification (RFID) at UHF band place according to ETSI (ETSI) defines described SHF band.

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