Device discovery methods, terminal devices, communication networks, and storage media

Abstract

This application discloses a device discovery method, a terminal device, a communication network, and a storage medium. The method is applied to a first terminal device and a second terminal device in a communication network. The first terminal device acquires the operating status parameters of all node devices in the communication network; selects scanning devices from all node devices based on the operating status parameters; generates a scanning list based on the scanning devices; and synchronizes the scanning list to the second terminal device, enabling the scanning devices to perform scanning processing according to the scanning start time and scanning window length to discover a third terminal device outside the communication network. After synchronizing the operating status parameters with the first terminal device, the second terminal device acquires the scanning list sent by the first terminal device; if the scanning list indicates that the second terminal device is included, it performs scanning processing according to the scanning start time and scanning window length to discover the third terminal device outside the communication network.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a device discovery method, a terminal device, a communication network, and a storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, there are many types of mobile communication devices, and business needs are becoming more complex. The connection between devices is gradually shifting from traditional point-to-point connection to multi-device network connection, and from a single communication protocol to a heterogeneous combination of multiple different communication protocols.

[0003] However, most devices are limited to point-to-point connections. Based on the current device discovery principle, both broadcast and scanning devices consume power. In particular, scanning devices need to have a large enough scanning window and a high enough scanning frequency in order to discover new devices in a timely manner. This inevitably consumes more power and shortens the device's usage time.

[0004] In other words, common device discovery schemes, in order to meet the requirement of timely discovery of new devices, will correspondingly increase device power consumption, shorten device usage time, and reduce device intelligence. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a device discovery method, a terminal device, a communication network, and a storage medium, which can greatly reduce the power consumption of the terminal device and improve the intelligence of the device while meeting the need for timely discovery of new devices.

[0006] The technical solution of this application embodiment is implemented as follows:

[0007] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a device discovery method, the method being applied to a first terminal device in a communication network, the method comprising:

[0008] Obtain the operating status parameters of all node devices in the communication network;

[0009] Select a scanning device from all node devices based on the operating status parameters;

[0010] A scan list is generated based on the scanning device; wherein the scan list indicates the scan start time and scan window length for each of the scanning devices;

[0011] The scan list is synchronized to the second terminal device, so that the scanning device performs scanning processing according to the scan start time and the scan window length to discover a third terminal device outside the communication network; wherein, the second terminal device is another node device in the communication network other than the first terminal device.

[0012] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a terminal device, wherein the method is applied to a second terminal device in a communication network, and the method includes:

[0013] After synchronizing the working status parameters with the first terminal device, the scan list sent by the first terminal device is obtained; wherein, the first terminal device is a node device in the communication network other than the second terminal device; the scan list indicates the scan start time and scan window length of each scanning device;

[0014] If the scanning device indicated by the scan list includes the second terminal device, then a scan is performed according to the scan start time and the scan window length to discover a third terminal device outside the communication network.

[0015] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a first terminal device, the first terminal device comprising:

[0016] The first acquisition unit is used to acquire the working status parameters of all node devices in the communication network;

[0017] The selection unit is used to select a scanning device from all the node devices according to the working status parameters;

[0018] A generation unit is configured to generate a scan list based on the scanning device; wherein the scan list indicates the scan start time and scan window length for each of the scanning devices;

[0019] A synchronization unit is used to synchronize the scan list to a second terminal device, so that the scanning device performs scanning processing according to the scan start time and the scan window length to discover a third terminal device outside the communication network; wherein, the second terminal device is another node device in the communication network other than the first terminal device.

[0020] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a first terminal device, which includes a processor and a memory storing processor-executable instructions. When the instructions are executed by the processor, the device discovery method described above is implemented.

[0021] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a second terminal device, the second terminal device comprising:

[0022] The second acquisition unit is used to acquire a scan list sent by the first terminal device after synchronizing working status parameters with the first terminal device; wherein the first terminal device is a node device in the communication network other than the second terminal device; the scan list indicates the scan start time and scan window length of each scanning device;

[0023] A scanning unit is configured to perform scanning processing according to the scan start time and the scan window length if the scanning device indicated by the scan list includes the second terminal device, so as to discover a third terminal device outside the communication network.

[0024] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a second terminal device, which includes a processor and a memory storing processor-executable instructions. When the instructions are executed by the processor, the device discovery method described above is implemented.

[0025] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication network, the communication network including a first terminal device as described in the third or fourth aspect, and a second terminal device as described in the fifth or sixth aspect, for implementing the device discovery method as described above.

[0026] Eighthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium having a program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the device discovery method as described above.

[0027] This application provides a device discovery method, a terminal device, a communication network, and a storage medium. The device discovery method is applied to a first terminal device and a second terminal device in a communication network. The first terminal device obtains the operating status parameters of all node devices in the communication network; selects scanning devices from all node devices based on the operating status parameters; generates a scan list based on the scanning devices; wherein the scan list indicates the scan start time and scan window length of each scanning device; and synchronizes the scan list to the second terminal device, so that the scanning devices perform scanning processing according to the scan start time and scan window length to discover a third terminal device outside the communication network; wherein the second terminal device is another node device in the communication network besides the first terminal device. After synchronizing the operating status parameters with the first terminal device, the second terminal device obtains the scan list sent by the first terminal device; wherein the first terminal device is another node device in the communication network besides the second terminal device; the scan list indicates the scan start time and scan window length of each scanning device; if the scanning device indicated by the scan list includes the second terminal device, then scanning processing is performed according to the scan start time and scan window length to discover the third terminal device outside the communication network. In other words, in the embodiments of this application, the first terminal device in the communication network can determine the scanning devices to be scanned in a time-sharing manner from all node devices based on the working status parameters of each node device, including the first terminal device and the second terminal device, and establish a scanning list indicating the scanning start time and scanning window length of each scanning device. This allows the scanning devices in the communication network to discover new devices according to the indicated scanning start time and scanning window length. Therefore, the device discovery method proposed in this application can transform single-point scanning discovery into time-sharing scanning discovery of network nodes. This allows the power consumption of scanning new devices to be distributed among multiple node devices in the network, significantly reducing the power consumption of terminal devices and improving device intelligence while meeting the need for timely discovery of new devices. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a common network topology;

[0029] Figure 2 A diagram illustrating device scanning and discovery;

[0030] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the implementation process of the device discovery method. Figure 1 ;

[0031] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the implementation process of the device discovery method. Figure 2 ;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the connection information;

[0033] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a communication network;

[0034] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the implementation process of the device discovery method. Figure 3 ;

[0035] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the device scanning and discovery process proposed in this application;

[0036] Figure 9 Schematic diagram of the composition structure of the first terminal device Figure 1 ;

[0037] Figure 10 Schematic diagram of the composition structure of the first terminal device Figure 2 ;

[0038] Figure 11 Schematic diagram of the composition structure of the second terminal device Figure 1 ;

[0039] Figure 12 Schematic diagram of the composition structure of the second terminal device Figure 2 . Detailed Implementation

[0040] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only for explaining the relevant application and not for limiting the application. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, only the parts related to the relevant application are shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0041] Currently, there are many types of mobile communication devices, and business needs are becoming more complex. The connection between devices is gradually shifting from traditional point-to-point connection to multi-device network connection, and from a single communication protocol to a heterogeneous combination of multiple different communication protocols.

[0042] A heterogeneous network is a type of network composed of computers, network devices, and systems from different manufacturers, often running on different protocols and supporting different functions or applications. The main purpose of merging these overlapping network types to form a heterogeneous network is to meet the diverse service needs of the terminals.

[0043] The Internet can be composed of multiple heterogeneous networks interconnected. The device used to connect heterogeneous networks is a router.

[0044] Heterogeneous communication refers to two or more wireless communication systems employing different access technologies, or systems using the same access technology but belonging to different wireless operators. Utilizing existing wireless communication systems and integrating them through system fusion is an effective way to meet future mobile communication service demands, leveraging the strengths of each system. Since existing wireless access systems often overlap in coverage areas, these overlapping and different types of wireless access systems can be intelligently combined. By utilizing intelligent access methods with multi-mode terminals, multiple different types of networks can jointly provide users with wireless access anytime, anywhere, thus forming a heterogeneous wireless network.

[0045] Abstracting computers and communication devices in a network as points and transmission media as lines, the geometric figure composed of points and lines constitutes the topology of a computer network. The network topology reflects the structural relationships between entities within the network. It is the first step in building a computer network, the foundation for implementing various network protocols, and has a significant impact on network performance, system reliability, and communication costs. In computer networks, topology refers to the form and method of connecting the nodes.

[0046] Figure 1 The diagram shows a common network topology, such as... Figure 1 As shown, Android's current device connectivity is primarily limited to peer-to-peer connections.

[0047] In heterogeneous networking, the scanning and discovery process of devices is a point-to-point operation. For example, one device sends a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) scan and another device sends a BLE broadcast. When the scanning window of both devices overlaps the broadcast window at the same time, the scanning device recognizes the presence of the broadcasting device and the discovery is successful.

[0048] Figure 2 A diagram illustrating device scanning and discovery, such as Figure 2 As shown, device A performs BLE broadcasting based on window 1, and device B performs BLE scanning based on window 2. For device B, which is the scanning device, the length of its corresponding window 2 needs to be long enough and the scanning frequency needs to be high enough to detect device A in time.

[0049] It is evident that there is a clear conflict between ensuring timely detection of new devices and the high power consumption of scanning devices due to triggering BLE scanning. In order to detect devices in a timely manner, increasing the scanning frequency and duration will lead to excessive power consumption; lowering the scanning frequency can save power, but it will take longer to scan for devices.

[0050] Common Internet of Things (IoT) devices are generally power-sensitive devices. Based on the current device discovery principle, both broadcast and scanning devices consume power. In particular, scanning devices need to have a large enough scanning window and a high enough scanning frequency in order to discover new devices in a timely manner, which inevitably consumes more power and shortens the device's usage time.

[0051] In other words, common device discovery schemes, in order to meet the requirement of timely discovery of new devices, will correspondingly increase device power consumption, shorten device usage time, and reduce device intelligence.

[0052] To address the aforementioned issues, in the embodiments of this application, a first terminal device acquires the operating status parameters of all node devices in the communication network; selects scanning devices from all node devices based on the operating status parameters; generates a scanning list based on the scanning devices; wherein the scanning list indicates the scanning start time and scanning window length of each scanning device; and synchronizes the scanning list to a second terminal device, enabling the scanning devices to perform scanning processing according to the scanning start time and scanning window length to discover third terminal devices outside the communication network; wherein the second terminal device is another node device in the communication network besides the first terminal device. After synchronizing the operating status parameters to the first terminal device, the second terminal device acquires the scanning list sent by the first terminal device; wherein the first terminal device is another node device in the communication network besides the second terminal device; the scanning list indicates the scanning start time and scanning window length of each scanning device; if the scanning device indicated by the scanning list includes the second terminal device, then scanning processing is performed according to the scanning start time and scanning window length to discover third terminal devices outside the communication network. In other words, in the embodiments of this application, the first terminal device in the communication network can determine the scanning devices to be scanned in a time-sharing manner from all node devices based on the working status parameters of each node device, including the first terminal device and the second terminal device, and establish a scanning list indicating the scanning start time and scanning window length of each scanning device. This allows the scanning devices in the communication network to discover new devices according to the indicated scanning start time and scanning window length. Therefore, the device discovery method proposed in this application can transform single-point scanning discovery into time-sharing scanning discovery of network nodes. This allows the power consumption of scanning new devices to be distributed among multiple node devices in the network, significantly reducing the power consumption of terminal devices and improving device intelligence while meeting the need for timely discovery of new devices.

[0053] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0054] One embodiment of this application provides a device discovery method, which can be applied to a first terminal device in a communication network. Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the implementation process of the device discovery method. Figure 1 ,like Figure 3 As shown in the embodiments of this application, the method for the first terminal device to perform device discovery may include the following steps:

[0055] Step 101: Obtain the working status parameters of all node devices in the communication network.

[0056] In the embodiments of this application, the first terminal device may first obtain the working status parameters of all node devices in the communication network.

[0057] It is understood that in the embodiments of this application, the first terminal device can be any node device in the communication network to which it belongs. Among the multiple node devices in the communication network, based on resource control, they can be divided into two types: core devices (Designated Routers, DRs) and non-core devices (Non-Core Routers, NRs). Core devices (DRs) are adjacent to surrounding directly connected DRs, deploy routing protocols, and support Link-State Advertisement (LSA) flooding and kernel data forwarding. Non-core devices (NRs) are merely neighbors with other NRs and DRs, do not deploy routing protocols, do not support any packet forwarding in the kernel, and only communicate as subordinate nodes to directly connected DRs.

[0058] In other words, in the embodiments of this application, NRs in the communication network only support direct communication with each other. If cross-terminal communication with NR is required, the IP forwarding of the DR must be performed through the Internet Protocol (IP) capability provided by the networking service.

[0059] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, the communication network to which the first terminal device belongs can be a homogeneous network or a heterogeneous network built based on at least one communication protocol. The at least one communication protocol may include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and other communication protocols. In other words, the communication network can achieve the integration of different network protocols based on networking services.

[0060] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, the first terminal device performing the device discovery method can be a user equipment (UE) capable of providing networking services, a mobile device, a wireless communication device, a cellular phone, a cordless phone, a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phone, a Wireless Local Loop (WLL) station, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a handheld device with wireless communication capabilities, a computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, an in-vehicle device, a wearable device, a terminal device in a 5G network, or a terminal device in a future evolved Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), etc.

[0061] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, the first terminal device can be a decision node device in the communication network to which it belongs. That is, in the process of performing device discovery, the first terminal device can be a decision device in the communication network used for device discovery processing.

[0062] It is understood that, in the embodiments of this application, among the multiple node devices included in the communication network, at least one first terminal device may be used as a decision device for performing device discovery, or at least one other node device (second terminal device) may be used as a non-decision device for performing device discovery.

[0063] For example, in the embodiments of this application, it is assumed that the communication network includes six node devices: device 1, device 2, device 3, device 4, device 5, and device 6. During device discovery, device 1 can act as the decision-making device, while devices 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 can act as non-decision-making devices.

[0064] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, the first terminal device can obtain the working status parameters of all node devices in the communication network.

[0065] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, the operating status parameters are used to determine the performance and status of any node device in the communication network. These operating status parameters may include at least one of the following parameters: location parameters, power parameters, signal strength parameters, and network mode parameters.

[0066] It is understood that, in the embodiments of this application, the first terminal device may first obtain the working status parameters of each node device in the communication network, including the first terminal device and the second terminal device.

[0067] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, when obtaining the working status parameters of the second terminal device, for a terminal device that has already established a connection, the first terminal device can directly receive the working status parameters sent by that terminal device; for a terminal device that has established a connection, the first terminal device can synchronously obtain the working status parameters sent by that terminal device through other node devices that have already established a connection.

[0068] Step 102: Select a scanning device from all node devices based on the working status parameters.

[0069] In the embodiments of this application, after obtaining the working status parameters of all node devices in the communication network, the first terminal device can further select a scanning device from all node devices based on the working status parameters.

[0070] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, the first terminal device can select at least one scanning device for device discovery from all node devices in the communication network based on the working status parameters of each node device.

[0071] In other words, in the embodiments of this application, after obtaining the working status parameters of each node device, the first terminal device can filter all node devices according to the working status parameters to determine the scanning device capable of discovering new devices. The scanning device can be at least one node device in the communication network that performs scanning processing during the device discovery process.

[0072] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, when the first terminal device selects a scanning device from all node devices according to the working status parameters, it can determine the node device whose power parameter is greater than or equal to a preset power threshold as the scanning device.

[0073] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, when determining the scanning device, the first terminal device can select to filter all node devices in the communication network according to the power parameters of each node device. Specifically, the first terminal device can determine node devices whose power parameters are greater than or equal to a preset power threshold as scanning devices.

[0074] It is understood that in the embodiments of this application, since the scanning process during the device discovery process consumes power, the first terminal device can select a node device with a higher remaining power as the scanning device, that is, select a device whose power parameter is greater than or equal to a preset power threshold from all node devices as the scanning device.

[0075] For example, in an embodiment of this application, the working status parameters of all node devices obtained by device 1 (first terminal device) in the communication network are the power parameters of the six node devices: device 1, device 2, device 3, device 4, device 5, and device 6, as shown in Table 1. The preset power threshold is 50%. Then, as the decision device, device 1 can determine the scanning device as device 1, device 3, and device 4 based on the power parameters of all node devices.

[0076] Table 1

[0077]

[0078]

[0079] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, when the first terminal device selects a scanning device from all node devices according to the working status parameters, it may also determine the node device with a signal strength greater than or equal to a preset strength threshold as the scanning device.

[0080] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, when determining the scanning device, the first terminal device can select to filter all node devices in the communication network according to the signal strength of each node device. Specifically, the first terminal device can determine node devices with signal strength greater than or equal to a preset strength threshold as scanning devices.

[0081] It is understood that, in the embodiments of this application, since the scanning process in the device discovery process has high requirements for the signal strength of the device, the first terminal device can select a node device with a higher signal strength as the scanning device, that is, select a device with a signal strength greater than or equal to a preset strength threshold from all node devices as the scanning device.

[0082] It is understood that, in the embodiments of this application, in order to prevent devices that are too far apart in the network from performing time-division scanning and thus causing the problem of missing new devices, the strategy judges the signal strength of the devices in the network that are performing time-division scanning. Only the node devices whose signal strength meets a certain threshold (preset strength threshold) can join the network time-division scanning. This ensures that the devices in time-division scanning are relatively concentrated in distance.

[0083] For example, in an embodiment of this application, the working status parameters of all node devices obtained by device 1 (first terminal device) in the communication network are the signal strengths of six node devices: device 1, device 2, device 3, device 4, device 5, and device 6, as shown in Table 2. The preset strength threshold is -90dBm. Then, as a decision device, device 1 can determine the scanning devices as device 1, device 3, and device 6 based on the signal strength of all node devices.

[0084] Table 2

[0085] Node devices signal strength Equipment 1 -65dBm Equipment 2 -100dBm Equipment 3 -85dBm Equipment 4 -95dBm Equipment 5 -98dbm Equipment 6 -70dBm

[0086] It is understood that, in the embodiments of this application, since the operating status parameters may include at least one of multiple parameters such as location parameters, power parameters, signal strength parameters, and network mode parameters, the first terminal device may refer to one or more of these parameters when screening scanning devices. For example, the first terminal device may screen all node devices in the communication network according to location parameters, power parameters, and signal strength parameters to determine at least one scanning device; it may also screen all node devices in the communication network according to power parameters and network mode parameters to determine at least one scanning device; or it may screen all node devices in the communication network according to power parameters only to determine at least one scanning device.

[0087] For example, in an embodiment of this application, when the first terminal device filters all node devices in the communication network according to power parameters and signal strength, the reference working status parameters are the power parameters and signal strength of each node device. Based on Tables 1 and 2, the terminal can determine the scanning device according to Table 3.

[0088] Table 3

[0089] Node devices Battery parameters signal strength Equipment 1 78％ -65dBm Equipment 2 30％ -100dBm Equipment 3 55％ -85dBm Equipment 4 90％ -95dBm Equipment 5 36％ -98dbm Equipment 6 26％ -70dBm

[0090] The first terminal device can identify node devices whose power parameters meet a preset power threshold and whose signal strength meets a preset strength threshold as scanning devices, i.e., device 1 and device 3 are the finally identified scanning devices; alternatively, the first terminal device can identify node devices whose power parameters meet a preset power threshold or whose signal strength meets a preset strength threshold as scanning devices, i.e., device 1, device 3, device 4, and device 6 are the finally identified scanning devices.

[0091] Step 103: Generate a scan list based on the scanning devices; wherein, the scan list indicates the scan start time and scan window length for each scanning device.

[0092] In the embodiments of this application, after the first terminal device selects a scanning device from all node devices according to the working status parameters, it can further generate a scanning list based on the scanning device.

[0093] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, the scan list can indicate the scan start time and scan window length for each of the total scanning devices.

[0094] It is understood that, in the embodiments of this application, the first terminal device can determine the scanning start time and scanning window length for each scanning device based on the scanning device, thereby generating a corresponding scanning list.

[0095] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, the first terminal device, based on the scan list determined by the scanning device, can instruct all scanning devices to perform one round of scanning processing sequentially in a time-sharing manner, or it can instruct all scanning devices to perform multiple rounds of scanning processing sequentially in a time-sharing manner. When performing multiple rounds of scanning processing, the scanning order of each round can be the same or different.

[0096] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, the first terminal device, based on the scan list determined by the scanning device, can instruct all scanning devices to perform scanning processing with the same scanning window length, or it can instruct different scanning devices to perform scanning processing with different scanning window lengths.

[0097] In other words, in the embodiments of this application, when the first terminal device generates the scan list, it can determine the scan rounds, scan order, and scan window length when scanning all scanning devices.

[0098] For example, in an embodiment of this application, when the first terminal device generates a scan list based on the scanning devices, it can first determine the scanning order of the scanning devices; then, it can determine the scanning start time of each scanning device according to the scanning order and the preset window length, and generate a scan list.

[0099] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, for any scanning device, the first terminal device can set the scanning window length of the scanning device according to the preset window length, that is, the first terminal can set the scanning window length of all scanning devices to the preset window length.

[0100] For example, assuming the scanning equipment includes device 1, device 2, device 3, and device 6, device 1, as the decision-making device, can first determine that the scanning round is one round, and the scanning order is device 1, device 2, device 6, and device 3. Then, the scanning window length of each scanning device is set to T0 (preset window length), and the final determined scanning list is shown in Table 4. Among them, T1, T2, T3, and T4 increase sequentially.

[0101] Table 4

[0102] Scanning equipment Scan start time Scan window length Equipment 1 T1 T0 Equipment 2 T2 T0 Equipment 6 T3 T0 Equipment 3 T4 T0

[0103] For example, in an embodiment of this application, when the first terminal device generates a scan list based on the scanning devices, it can first determine the scanning order of the scanning devices; then it can set the scanning window length corresponding to each of the scanning devices; finally, it can determine the scanning start time of each of the scanning devices according to the scanning order and the scanning window length corresponding to each of the scanning devices, and generate the scan list.

[0104] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, for any scanning device, the first terminal device can set the scanning window length according to the preset window length and the relevant parameters of each scanning device, that is, the first terminal can set the scanning window length of all scanning devices to be different.

[0105] It is understood that, in the embodiments of this application, when setting the scanning window length for different scanning devices, the first terminal device can refer to the operating status parameters of each scanning device. That is, the first terminal device can set the scanning window length corresponding to each scanning device according to the operating status parameters corresponding to each scanning device. For example, a larger scanning window length can be set for a scanning device with a higher power parameter; and / or, a larger scanning window length can be set for a scanning device with a higher signal strength.

[0106] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, since the working status parameters may include at least one of multiple parameters such as location parameters, power parameters, signal strength parameters, and network mode parameters, the first terminal device may refer to one or more of the above-mentioned parameters when setting the scanning window length. For example, the first terminal device may set the scanning window length of the scanning device according to the location parameters, power parameters, and signal strength parameters; it may also set the scanning window length of the scanning device according to the power parameters and network mode parameters; or it may set the scanning window length of the scanning device according to only the power parameters.

[0107] For example, assuming the scanning equipment includes device 1, device 2, device 3, and device 6, device 1, as the decision-making device, can first determine that there are two scanning rounds, with the scanning order of device 1, device 2, device 6, and device 3 in each round. Then, referring to the power parameters of each scanning device, the scanning window length can be set for different scanning devices. The final determined scanning list is shown in Table 5. In this table, T1, T2, ..., T8 increase sequentially, and T03, T01, T02, and T04 increase sequentially.

[0108] Table 5

[0109] Scanning equipment Battery parameters Scan start time Scan window length Equipment 1 78％ T1 T01 Equipment 2 85％ T2 T02 Equipment 6 55％ T3 T03 Equipment 3 90％ T4 T04 Equipment 1 78％ T5 T01 Equipment 2 85％ T6 T02 Equipment 6 55％ T7 T03 Equipment 3 90％ T8 T04

[0110] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, when setting the scanning start time of each scanning device, in addition to referring to the scanning order and the scanning window length of each scanning device, the first terminal device also needs to refer to the time interval between the scanning windows of every two scanning devices. The first terminal device can set the time interval between the scanning windows of any two scanning devices to be the same, or it can set the time interval between the scanning windows of any two scanning devices to be different.

[0111] Step 104: Synchronize the scan list to the second terminal device, so that the scanning device performs scanning processing according to the scan start time and the scan window length to discover a third terminal device outside the communication network; wherein, the second terminal device is another node device in the communication network other than the first terminal device.

[0112] In an embodiment of this application, after the first terminal device generates a scan list based on the scanning device, it can synchronize the scan list to the second terminal device, so that the scanning device performs scanning processing according to the scan start time and the scan window length to discover a third terminal device outside the communication network.

[0113] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, the second terminal device is a node device in the communication network other than the first terminal device. The third terminal device can be a device outside the communication network.

[0114] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, after the first terminal device generates a scan list for indicating specific information for time-sharing scanning processing, it can synchronize the scan list with other node devices in the communication network, so that the node devices in the communication network that are identified as scanning devices can perform scanning processing according to the scan start time and scan window length indicated by the scan list to complete device discovery.

[0115] It is understood that, in the embodiments of this application, as a second terminal device in the communication network, after obtaining the scan list synchronized by the first terminal device, it can determine whether it is a scanning device based on the scan list. If it is, it can further determine the corresponding scan start time and scan window length based on the scan list, and then perform time-sharing scanning processing to guide the discovery of third terminal devices outside the communication network.

[0116] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, the first terminal device can also reacquire the updated working status parameters of all node devices in the communication network according to a preset period; then it can obtain the updated scan list according to the updated working status parameters and send the updated scan list to the second terminal device.

[0117] In other words, in the embodiments of this application, the first terminal device can continuously update the scan list according to a preset cycle. Specifically, the first terminal device can re-acquire new operating status parameters for all node devices in the communication network, thereby re-selecting scanning devices and further updating the scan list. This updated scan list can then be synchronized to the second terminal device, ultimately enabling node devices in the communication network that have been re-identified as scanning devices to perform scanning according to the scan start time and scan window length indicated by the updated scan list, thus completing device discovery.

[0118] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, if the first terminal device is a scanning device, then after discovering the third terminal device, the first terminal device can establish a connection with the third terminal device; then obtain the device information of the third terminal device; and then synchronize the device information, as well as the connection status and connection type with the third terminal device, to other node devices in the communication network.

[0119] It is understood that, in the embodiments of this application, if a node device in the communication network of a scanning device discovers a third terminal device outside the communication network by performing scanning processing according to the scan start time and scan window length indicated by the scan list, then the scanning device can establish a connection with the third terminal device, and then synchronize the obtained device information of the third terminal device, as well as the connection status and connection type between the scanning device and the third terminal device, to other node devices in the communication network, thereby completing the addition of the third terminal device to the communication network.

[0120] In other words, in the embodiments of this application, after one of the single devices (scanning devices) in the network discovers a new device (third terminal device), the new link state between the scanning device and the third terminal device can be notified to other node devices in the network through link state routing flooding, thereby changing the entire device discovery process from the discovery of a new device by a single device to the discovery of a new device by the entire communication network.

[0121] In summary, the device discovery method proposed in this application shifts from traditional point-to-point discovery of new devices to discovery using a network of devices. By identifying scanning devices from all node devices in the communication network, the number of scan triggers is distributed among various device nodes in the network, establishing a corresponding scan list. Each scanning device then performs time-sharing scanning based on this list. This allows the power consumption of scanning new devices to be distributed among the device nodes within the network.

[0122] It is understood that, in the embodiments of this application, the multi-device time-division scanning strategy based on networking can be determined by a decision node (first terminal device) within the network to determine the number of nodes (scanning devices) and the sending timing of each node (scanning start time and scanning window length). After each device obtains the policy update from the decision device, it performs scanning at the rhythm defined by the policy (scanning start time and scanning window length) to discover newly added devices as a whole network, thereby completing the discovery process of a device.

[0123] Therefore, the device discovery method proposed in this application can utilize network topology for time-sharing scanning of device nodes to discover new device nodes, ensuring timely device discovery while reducing power consumption during the discovery of new devices. For the entire network, the power consumption during the discovery and addition of new device nodes is lower.

[0124] This application provides a device discovery method. A first terminal device acquires the operating status parameters of all node devices in a communication network; selects scanning devices from all node devices based on the operating status parameters; generates a scanning list based on the scanning devices; wherein the scanning list indicates the scanning start time and scanning window length of each scanning device; and synchronizes the scanning list to a second terminal device, so that the scanning devices perform scanning processing according to the scanning start time and scanning window length to discover third terminal devices outside the communication network; wherein the second terminal device is another node device in the communication network besides the first terminal device. In other words, in this application embodiment, the first terminal device in the communication network can determine the scanning devices to perform time-sharing scanning processing from all node devices based on the operating status parameters of each node device including the first terminal device and the second terminal device, and establish a scanning list indicating the scanning start time and scanning window length of each scanning device, thereby enabling the scanning devices in the communication network to discover new devices according to the indicated scanning start time and scanning window length. As can be seen, the device discovery method proposed in this application can transform single-point scanning discovery into time-sharing scanning discovery of network nodes. In this way, the power consumption of scanning new devices can be distributed among multiple node devices in the network. While meeting the need for timely discovery of new devices, it can greatly reduce the power consumption of terminal devices and improve the intelligence of devices.

[0125] Based on the above embodiments, one embodiment of this application provides a device discovery method that can be applied to a second terminal device in a communication network. Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the implementation process of the device discovery method. Figure 2 ,like Figure 4 As shown in the embodiments of this application, the method for the second terminal device to perform device discovery may include the following steps:

[0126] Step 201: After synchronizing the working status parameters with the first terminal device, obtain the scan list sent by the first terminal device; wherein, the first terminal device is a node device in the communication network other than the second terminal device; the scan list indicates the scan start time and scan window length of each scanning device.

[0127] In the embodiments of this application, the second terminal device can first synchronize working status parameters with the first terminal device, and then obtain the scan list sent by the first terminal device; wherein, the scan list indicates the scan start time and scan window length of each scanning device.

[0128] It is understood that in the embodiments of this application, the second terminal device can be any node device in the communication network to which it belongs. Among the multiple node devices in the communication network, based on resource control, they can be divided into two types: core devices (Designated Routers, DRs) and non-core devices (Non-Core Routers, NRs). Core devices (DRs) are adjacent to surrounding directly connected DRs, deploy routing protocols, and support Link-State Advertisement (LSA) flooding and kernel data forwarding. Non-core devices (NRs) are merely neighbors with other NRs and DRs, do not deploy routing protocols, do not support any packet forwarding in the kernel, and only communicate as subordinate nodes to directly connected DRs.

[0129] In other words, in the embodiments of this application, NRs in the communication network only support direct communication with each other. If cross-terminal communication with NR is required, the IP forwarding of the DR must be performed through the Internet Protocol (IP) capability provided by the networking service.

[0130] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, the communication network to which the second terminal device belongs can be a homogeneous network or a heterogeneous network built based on at least one communication protocol. The at least one communication protocol may include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and other communication protocols. In other words, the communication network can achieve the integration of different network protocols based on networking services.

[0131] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, the second terminal device performing the device discovery method can be a user equipment (UE) capable of providing networking services, a mobile device, a wireless communication device, a cellular phone, a cordless phone, a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phone, a Wireless Local Loop (WLL) station, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a handheld device with wireless communication capabilities, a computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, an in-vehicle device, a wearable device, a terminal device in a 5G network, or a terminal device in a future evolved Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), etc.

[0132] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, the second terminal device can be a non-decision node device in the communication network to which it belongs. That is, in the process of performing device discovery, the first terminal device can be a decision device in the communication network used for device discovery processing, while the second terminal device is a non-decision device in the communication network that performs device discovery.

[0133] It is understood that, in the embodiments of this application, among the multiple node devices included in the communication network, at least one first terminal device may be used as a decision device for performing device discovery, or at least one other node device (second terminal device) may be used as a non-decision device for performing device discovery.

[0134] For example, in the embodiments of this application, it is assumed that the communication network includes six node devices: device 1, device 2, device 3, device 4, device 5, and device 6. During device discovery, device 1 can act as the decision-making device, while devices 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 can act as non-decision-making devices, i.e., second terminal devices.

[0135] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, the second terminal device can synchronize its own operating status parameters to the first terminal device, thereby enabling the first terminal device to obtain the operating status parameters of all node devices in the communication network.

[0136] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, the operating status parameters are used to determine the performance and status of any node device in the communication network. These operating status parameters may include at least one of the following parameters: location parameters, power parameters, signal strength parameters, and network mode parameters.

[0137] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, when the second terminal device synchronizes the working status parameters to the first terminal device, it may send the working status parameters directly to the first terminal device; or it may send the working status parameters to other connected node devices in the communication network to synchronize the working status parameters to the first terminal device.

[0138] In other words, in the embodiments of this application, when obtaining the working status parameters of the second terminal device, for a terminal device that has already established a connection, the first terminal device can directly receive the working status parameters sent by that terminal device; for a terminal device that has established a connection, the first terminal device can synchronously obtain the working status parameters sent by that terminal device through other node devices that have already established a connection.

[0139] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, after the first terminal device obtains the working status parameters of all node devices in the communication network, it can further select scanning devices from all node devices according to the working status parameters, and then generate a scanning list based on the scanning devices, and synchronize the scanning list to the second terminal device.

[0140] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, the scan list can indicate the scan start time and scan window length for each of the scanning devices.

[0141] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, the scan list can instruct all scanning devices to perform one round of scanning processing sequentially in a time-sharing manner, or it can instruct all scanning devices to perform multiple rounds of scanning processing sequentially in a time-sharing manner. When performing multiple rounds of scanning processing, the scanning order of each round can be the same or different.

[0142] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, the scan list can instruct all scanning devices to perform scanning processing with the same scan window length, or it can instruct different scanning devices to perform scanning processing with different scan window lengths.

[0143] In other words, in the embodiments of this application, the scanning rounds, scanning order, and scanning window length can be determined by the scanning list when scanning all scanning devices.

[0144] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, the scan list can indicate that the scan window length of all scanning devices is a preset window length, or it can indicate that the scan window length of different scanning devices is different.

[0145] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, in addition to indicating the scan start time and scan window length of each scanning device, the scan list can also indicate the time interval between the scan windows of every two scanning devices. The time interval between the scan windows of any two scanning devices can be the same, or the time interval between the scan windows of any two scanning devices can be different.

[0146] It is understood that, in the embodiments of this application, the scanning device can be at least one node device in a communication network. The scanning device can be a first terminal device or a second terminal device.

[0147] Step 202: If the scanning device indicated in the scan list includes a second terminal device, then perform scanning processing according to the scan start time and scan window length to discover a third terminal device outside the communication network.

[0148] In the embodiments of this application, after the second terminal device obtains the scan list sent by the first terminal device, if the scanning device indicated by the scan list includes the second terminal device, then the second terminal device can perform scanning processing according to the scan start time and scan window length, thereby discovering a third terminal device outside the communication network.

[0149] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, after the second terminal device obtains the scan list, it can first determine whether it is a scanning device. If it is, it can perform scanning processing according to the specific information indicated by the scan list, thereby discovering new devices outside the communication network.

[0150] It is understood that, in the embodiments of this application, if the second terminal device determines that it is not a scanning device after obtaining the scan list, then the second terminal may not perform the scanning process.

[0151] For example, in the embodiments of this application, for a communication network including device 1, device 2, device 3, device 4, device 5, and device 6, after device 1 (the first terminal device), which is the decision device, determines the scan list as shown in Table 6, it can synchronize the scan list to the second terminal devices, namely device 2, device 3, device 4, device 5, and device 6. At this time, for device 5, since device 4 is not the scanning device indicated by the received scan list, device 4 can not perform subsequent scanning processing. For device 2, since device 2 is one of the scanning devices indicated by the received scan list, device 2 can perform scanning processing in the device discovery process according to the scan start time T4 and scan window length T0 (preset window length) indicated by the scan list.

[0152] Table 6

[0153] Scanning equipment Scan start time Scan window length Equipment 1 T1 T0 Equipment 3 T2 T0 Equipment 6 T3 T0 Equipment 2 T4 T0

[0154] Among them, T1, T2, T3, and T4 increase in that order.

[0155] For example, in the embodiments of this application, for a communication network including device 1, device 2, device 3, device 4, device 5, and device 6, after device 1 (the first terminal device), which is the decision device, determines the scan list as shown in Table 7, it can synchronize the scan list to the second terminal devices, namely device 2, device 3, device 4, device 5, and device 6. At this time, for device 5, since device 5 is not the scanning device indicated by the received scan list, device 5 can not perform subsequent scanning processing. For device 3, since device 3 is one of the scanning devices indicated by the received scan list, device 3 can perform scanning processing in the device discovery process according to the scan start time T4, T8 and scan window length T04 indicated by the scan list.

[0156] Table 7

[0157] Scanning equipment Scan start time Scan window length Equipment 1 T1 T01 Equipment 2 T2 T02 Equipment 6 T3 T03 Equipment 3 T4 T04 Equipment 1 T5 T01 Equipment 2 T6 T02 Equipment 6 T7 T03 Equipment 3 T8 T04

[0158] Among them, T1, T2, ..., T8 increase in sequence, and T03, T01, T02, T04 increase in sequence.

[0159] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, the first terminal device and the second terminal device are node devices in the communication network, while the third terminal device can be other devices outside the communication network.

[0160] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, if the second terminal device is a scanning device, then after discovering the third terminal device, the second terminal device can establish a connection with the third terminal device; then obtain the device information of the third terminal device; and then synchronize the device information, as well as the connection status and connection type with the third terminal device, to other node devices in the communication network.

[0161] It is understood that, in the embodiments of this application, if a node device in the communication network of a scanning device discovers a third terminal device outside the communication network by performing scanning processing according to the scan start time and scan window length indicated by the scan list, then the scanning device can establish a connection with the third terminal device, and then synchronize the obtained device information of the third terminal device, as well as the connection status and connection type between the scanning device and the third terminal device, to other node devices in the communication network, thereby completing the addition of the third terminal device to the communication network.

[0162] In other words, in the embodiments of this application, after one of the single devices (scanning devices) in the network discovers a new device (third terminal device), the new link state between the scanning device and the third terminal device can be notified to other node devices in the network through link state routing flooding, thereby changing the entire device discovery process from the discovery of a new device by a single device to the discovery of a new device by the entire communication network.

[0163] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, the second terminal device can also synchronize the working status parameters with the first terminal device according to a preset period, thereby enabling the first terminal device to re-acquire the updated working status parameters of all node devices in the communication network according to the preset period; then, it can obtain the updated scan list according to the updated working status parameters and send the updated scan list to the second terminal device.

[0164] In other words, in the embodiments of this application, the first terminal device can continuously update the scan list according to a preset cycle. Specifically, the first terminal device can re-acquire new operating status parameters for all node devices in the communication network, thereby re-selecting scanning devices and further updating the scan list. This updated scan list can then be synchronized to the second terminal device, ultimately enabling node devices in the communication network that have been re-identified as scanning devices to perform scanning according to the scan start time and scan window length indicated by the updated scan list, thus completing device discovery.

[0165] In summary, the device discovery method proposed in this application shifts from traditional point-to-point discovery of new devices to discovery using a network of devices. By identifying scanning devices from all node devices in the communication network, the number of scan triggers is distributed among various device nodes in the network, establishing a corresponding scan list. Each scanning device then performs time-sharing scanning based on this list. This allows the power consumption of scanning new devices to be distributed among the device nodes within the network.

[0166] It is understood that, in the embodiments of this application, the multi-device time-division scanning strategy based on networking can be determined by a decision node (first terminal device) within the network to determine the number of nodes (scanning devices) and the sending timing of each node (scanning start time and scanning window length). After each device obtains the policy update from the decision device, it performs scanning at the rhythm defined by the policy (scanning start time and scanning window length) to discover newly added devices as a whole network, thereby completing the discovery process of a device.

[0167] Therefore, the device discovery method proposed in this application can utilize network topology for time-sharing scanning of device nodes to discover new device nodes, ensuring timely device discovery while reducing power consumption during the discovery of new devices. For the entire network, the power consumption during the discovery and addition of new device nodes is lower.

[0168] This application provides a device discovery method. After synchronizing its working status parameters with a first terminal device, a second terminal device obtains a scan list sent by the first terminal device. The first terminal device is a node device in the communication network other than the second terminal device. The scan list indicates the scan start time and scan window length for each scanning device. If the scan list includes the second terminal device, scanning is performed according to the scan start time and scan window length to discover a third terminal device outside the communication network. In other words, in this application, the first terminal device in the communication network can determine the scanning devices to perform time-sharing scanning from all node devices based on the working status parameters of each node device, including both the first and second terminal devices, and establish a scan list indicating the scan start time and scan window length for each scanning device. This allows the scanning devices in the communication network to discover new devices according to the indicated scan start time and scan window length. Therefore, the device discovery method proposed in this application transforms single-point scanning discovery into time-sharing scanning discovery of network nodes. This distributes the power consumption of scanning new devices among multiple node devices in the network, significantly reducing the power consumption of terminal devices and improving device intelligence while meeting the need for timely discovery of new devices.

[0169] Based on the above embodiments, another embodiment of this application proposes a communication network, wherein the communication network may include a first terminal device and a second terminal device, for implementing the device discovery method proposed in the above embodiments.

[0170] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, the communication networks to which the first terminal device and the second terminal device belong can be homogeneous or heterogeneous networks built based on at least one communication protocol. The at least one communication protocol may include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and other communication protocols. In other words, the communication network can achieve the integration of different network protocols based on networking services.

[0171] For example, in the embodiments of this application, Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the connection information, such as... Figure 5As shown, the communication network can integrate two connection types: Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Watches, wristbands, and mobile phones can use the connectivity provided by the networking service to build a Bluetooth network, while mobile phones can also use the connectivity provided by the networking service to build a Wi-Fi network with TVs and tablets. The network management provides the overall network topology to the APP service, and the APP service can communicate freely within the network composed of watches, wristbands, mobile phones, TVs, and tablets without having to establish point-to-point connections between each other.

[0172] It is understood that, in the embodiments of this application, Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a communication network, such as... Figure 6 As shown, among the multiple node devices included in the communication network, at least one first terminal device can be used as a decision-making device for performing device discovery, or at least one other node device (second terminal device) other than the first terminal device can be used as a non-decision-making device for performing device discovery.

[0173] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the implementation process of the device discovery method. Figure 3 ,like Figure 7 As shown, the method for device discovery between the first terminal device and the second terminal device may include the following steps:

[0174] Step 301: The second terminal device synchronizes its working status parameters with the first terminal device.

[0175] In embodiments of this application, the second terminal device can first synchronize its operating status parameters with the first terminal device, thereby enabling the first terminal device to obtain the operating status parameters of all node devices in the communication network. These operating status parameters are used to determine the performance and status of any node device in the communication network. The operating status parameters may include at least one of the following parameters: location parameters, power parameters, signal strength parameters, and network mode parameters.

[0176] Step 302: The first terminal device determines the scanning device based on the working status parameters of all node devices in the communication network.

[0177] In the embodiments of this application, after obtaining the working status parameters of all node devices in the communication network, the first terminal device can further select a scanning device from all node devices based on the working status parameters.

[0178] In other words, in the embodiments of this application, after obtaining the working status parameters of each node device, the first terminal device can filter all node devices according to the working status parameters to determine the scanning device capable of discovering new devices. The scanning device can be at least one node device in the communication network that performs scanning processing during the device discovery process.

[0179] It is understood that, in the embodiments of this application, since the operating status parameters may include at least one of multiple parameters such as location parameters, power parameters, signal strength parameters, and network mode parameters, the first terminal device may refer to one or more of these parameters when screening scanning devices. For example, the first terminal device may screen all node devices in the communication network according to location parameters, power parameters, and signal strength parameters to determine at least one scanning device; it may also screen all node devices in the communication network according to power parameters and network mode parameters to determine at least one scanning device; or it may screen all node devices in the communication network according to power parameters only to determine at least one scanning device.

[0180] For example, in an embodiment of this application, since the scanning process during the device discovery process consumes power, the first terminal device can select a node device with a higher remaining power as the scanning device, that is, select a device whose power parameter is greater than or equal to a preset power threshold from all node devices as the scanning device.

[0181] For example, in the embodiments of this application, in order to prevent devices that are too far apart in the network from performing time-division scanning and thus causing the problem of missing new devices, the strategy judges the signal strength of the devices in the network that are performing time-division scanning. Only the node devices whose signal strength meets a certain threshold (preset strength threshold) can join the network time-division scanning, so as to ensure that the devices in time-division scanning are relatively concentrated in distance.

[0182] Step 303: The first terminal device generates a scan list based on the scanning device.

[0183] In an embodiment of this application, after the first terminal device selects a scanning device from all the node devices according to the working status parameters, it can further generate a scanning list based on the scanning device.

[0184] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, the scan list can indicate the scan start time and scan window length for each of the scanning devices.

[0185] It is understood that, in the embodiments of this application, the first terminal device can determine the scanning start time and scanning window length for each scanning device based on the scanning device, thereby generating a corresponding scanning list.

[0186] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, the first terminal device, based on the scan list determined by the scanning device, can instruct all scanning devices to perform one round of scanning processing sequentially in a time-sharing manner, or it can instruct all scanning devices to perform multiple rounds of scanning processing sequentially in a time-sharing manner. When performing multiple rounds of scanning processing, the scanning order of each round can be the same or different.

[0187] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, the first terminal device, based on the scan list determined by the scanning device, can instruct all scanning devices to perform scanning processing with the same scanning window length, or it can instruct different scanning devices to perform scanning processing with different scanning window lengths.

[0188] In other words, in the embodiments of this application, when the first terminal device generates the scan list, it can determine the scan rounds, scan order, and scan window length when scanning all scanning devices.

[0189] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, when setting the scanning start time of each scanning device, in addition to referring to the scanning order and the scanning window length of each scanning device, the first terminal device also needs to refer to the time interval between the scanning windows of every two scanning devices. The first terminal device can set the time interval between the scanning windows of any two scanning devices to be the same, or it can set the time interval between the scanning windows of any two scanning devices to be different.

[0190] Step 304: The second terminal device obtains the scan list sent by the first terminal device.

[0191] Step 305: If the scanning device indicated in the scan list includes the second terminal device, the second terminal device performs scanning processing according to the scan start time and scan window length to discover the third terminal device outside the communication network.

[0192] Step 306: If the scanning device indicated by the scan list includes the first terminal device, the first terminal device performs scanning processing according to the scan start time and scan window length to discover the third terminal device outside the communication network.

[0193] In the embodiments of this application, after the second terminal device obtains the scan list sent by the first terminal device, if the scanning device indicated by the scan list includes the second terminal device, then the second terminal device can perform scanning processing according to the scan start time and the scan window length, thereby discovering a third terminal device outside the communication network.

[0194] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, after the second terminal device obtains the scan list, it can first determine whether it is a scanning device. If it is, it can perform scanning processing according to the specific information indicated by the scan list, thereby discovering new devices outside the communication network.

[0195] It is understood that, in the embodiments of this application, if the second terminal device determines that it is not a scanning device after obtaining the scan list, then the second terminal may not perform the scanning process.

[0196] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, the first terminal device and the second terminal device are node devices in the communication network, while the third terminal device can be other devices outside the communication network.

[0197] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, if the first terminal device or the second terminal device is a scanning device, then after discovering the third terminal device, the first terminal device or the second terminal device can establish a connection with the third terminal device; then obtain the device information of the third terminal device; and then synchronize the device information, as well as the connection status and connection type with the third terminal device, to other node devices in the communication network.

[0198] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, the second terminal device can also synchronize the working status parameters with the first terminal device according to a preset period, thereby enabling the first terminal device to re-acquire the updated working status parameters of all node devices in the communication network according to the preset period; then, it can obtain the updated scan list according to the updated working status parameters and send the updated scan list to the second terminal device.

[0199] In other words, in the embodiments of this application, the first terminal device can continuously update the scan list according to a preset cycle. Specifically, the first terminal device can re-acquire new operating status parameters for all node devices in the communication network, thereby re-selecting scanning devices and further updating the scan list. This updated scan list can then be synchronized to the second terminal device, ultimately enabling node devices in the communication network that have been re-identified as scanning devices to perform scanning according to the scan start time and scan window length indicated by the updated scan list, thus completing device discovery.

[0200] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the device scanning and discovery proposed in this application, such as... Figure 8 As shown, device A broadcasts BLE based on window 1. Based on the scan list instructions, device B in the communication network performs BLE scanning based on window 2, device C performs BLE scanning based on window 3, and device D performs BLE scanning based on window 4. Window 2, window 3, and window 4 can be the same or different. Compared with common device discovery schemes, the time-sharing scanning of devices B, C, and D can significantly reduce the power consumption of devices B, C, and D while ensuring timely discovery of device A.

[0201] The device discovery method proposed in this application shifts from traditional point-to-point discovery of new devices to discovery using a network of devices. By identifying scanning devices from all node devices in the communication network, the number of scan triggers is distributed among various device nodes in the network, establishing a corresponding scan list. Each scanning device then performs time-sharing scanning based on this list. This allows the power consumption of scanning new devices to be distributed among the device nodes within the network.

[0202] It is understood that, in the embodiments of this application, the multi-device time-division scanning strategy based on networking can be determined by a decision node (first terminal device) within the network to determine the number of nodes (scanning devices) and the sending timing of each node (scanning start time and scanning window length). After each device obtains the policy update from the decision device, it performs scanning at the rhythm defined by the policy (scanning start time and scanning window length) to discover newly added devices as a whole network, thereby completing the discovery process of a device.

[0203] Therefore, the device discovery method proposed in this application can utilize network topology for time-sharing scanning of device nodes to discover new device nodes, ensuring timely device discovery while reducing power consumption during the discovery of new devices. For the entire network, the power consumption during the discovery and addition of new device nodes is lower.

[0204] This application provides a communication network including a first terminal device and a second terminal device. The first terminal device acquires the working status parameters of all node devices in the communication network; selects scanning devices from all node devices according to the working status parameters; generates a scanning list based on the scanning devices; wherein the scanning list indicates the scanning start time and scanning window length of each scanning device; and synchronizes the scanning list to the second terminal device, so that the scanning devices perform scanning processing according to the scanning start time and scanning window length to discover third terminal devices outside the communication network; wherein the second terminal device is another node device in the communication network besides the first terminal device. After synchronizing the working status parameters to the first terminal device, the second terminal device acquires the scanning list sent by the first terminal device; wherein the first terminal device is another node device in the communication network besides the second terminal device; the scanning list indicates the scanning start time and scanning window length of each scanning device; if the scanning device indicated by the scanning list includes the second terminal device, then scanning processing is performed according to the scanning start time and scanning window length to discover third terminal devices outside the communication network. In other words, in the embodiments of this application, the first terminal device in the communication network can determine the scanning devices to be scanned in a time-sharing manner from all node devices based on the working status parameters of each node device, including the first terminal device and the second terminal device, and establish a scanning list indicating the scanning start time and scanning window length of each scanning device. This allows the scanning devices in the communication network to discover new devices according to the indicated scanning start time and scanning window length. Therefore, the device discovery method proposed in this application can transform single-point scanning discovery into time-sharing scanning discovery of network nodes. This allows the power consumption of scanning new devices to be distributed among multiple node devices in the network, significantly reducing the power consumption of terminal devices and improving device intelligence while meeting the need for timely discovery of new devices.

[0205] Based on the above embodiments, in another embodiment of this application... Figure 9 Schematic diagram of the composition structure of the first terminal device Figure 1 ,like Figure 9 As shown, the first terminal device 10 proposed in this application embodiment may include:

[0206] The first acquisition unit 11 is used to acquire the working status parameters of all node devices in the communication network;

[0207] Selection unit 12 is used to select a scanning device from all node devices according to the working status parameters;

[0208] The generation unit 13 is used to generate a scan list based on the scanning device; wherein the scan list indicates the scan start time and scan window length of each of the scanning devices;

[0209] Synchronization unit 14 is used to synchronize the scan list to the second terminal device, so that the scanning device performs scanning processing according to the scan start time and the scan window length to discover a third terminal device outside the communication network; wherein, the second terminal device is another node device in the communication network other than the first terminal device.

[0210] In the embodiments of this application, further, Figure 10 Schematic diagram of the composition structure of the first terminal device Figure 2 ,like Figure 10 As shown, the first terminal device 10 proposed in this application embodiment may further include a processor 15, a memory 16 storing instructions executable by the processor 15, and further, the first terminal device 10 may also include a communication interface 17 and a bus 18 for connecting the processor 15, the memory 16 and the communication interface 17.

[0211] In the embodiments of this application, the processor 15 can be at least one of the following: Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), Digital Signal Processor (DSP), Digital Signal Processing Device (DSPD), Programmable Logic Device (PLD), Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), Central Processing Unit (CPU), Controller, Microcontroller, and Microprocessor. It is understood that for different devices, the electronic device used to implement the above-mentioned processor function can also be other types, and this application embodiment does not specifically limit this. The first terminal device 10 may further include a memory 16, which can be connected to the processor 15. The memory 16 is used to store executable program code, which includes computer operation instructions. The memory 16 may include high-speed RAM memory and may also include non-volatile memory, such as at least two disk drives.

[0212] In embodiments of this application, bus 18 is used to connect communication interface 17, processor 15, and memory 16, as well as the mutual communication between these devices.

[0213] In embodiments of this application, memory 16 is used to store instructions and data.

[0214] Further, in an embodiment of this application, the processor 15 is configured to: acquire the operating status parameters of all node devices in the communication network; select a scanning device from all node devices according to the operating status parameters; generate a scanning list based on the scanning device; wherein the scanning list indicates the scanning start time and scanning window length of each scanning device; synchronize the scanning list to a second terminal device, so that the scanning device performs scanning processing according to the scanning start time and the scanning window length to discover a third terminal device outside the communication network; wherein the second terminal device is another node device in the communication network other than the first terminal device.

[0215] Figure 11 Schematic diagram of the composition structure of the second terminal device Figure 1 ,like Figure 11 As shown, the second terminal device 20 proposed in this application embodiment may include:

[0216] The second acquisition unit 21 is used to acquire a scan list sent by the first terminal device after synchronizing working status parameters with the first terminal device; wherein the first terminal device is a node device in the communication network other than the second terminal device; the scan list indicates the scan start time and scan window length of each scanning device;

[0217] The scanning unit 22 is configured to perform a scanning process according to the scanning start time and the scanning window length if the scanning device indicated by the scanning list includes the second terminal device, so as to discover a third terminal device outside the communication network.

[0218] In the embodiments of this application, further, Figure 12 Schematic diagram of the composition structure of the second terminal device Figure 2 ,like Figure 12 As shown, the second terminal device 20 proposed in this application embodiment may further include a processor 23, a memory 24 storing instructions executable by the processor 23, and further, the terminal device 10 may further include a communication interface 25 and a bus 26 for connecting the processor 23, the memory 24 and the communication interface 25.

[0219] In the embodiments of this application, the processor 23 can be at least one of the following: Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), Digital Signal Processor (DSP), Digital Signal Processing Device (DSPD), Programmable Logic Device (PLD), Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), Central Processing Unit (CPU), Controller, Microcontroller, and Microprocessor. It is understood that for different devices, the electronic device used to implement the above-mentioned processor function can also be other types, and this application embodiment does not specifically limit this. The second terminal device 20 may also include a memory 24, which can be connected to the processor 23. The memory 24 is used to store executable program code, which includes computer operation instructions. The memory 24 may include high-speed RAM memory and may also include non-volatile memory, such as at least two disk drives.

[0220] In embodiments of this application, bus 26 is used to connect communication interface 25, processor 23 and memory 24 and the mutual communication between these devices.

[0221] In embodiments of this application, memory 24 is used to store instructions and data.

[0222] Furthermore, in an embodiment of this application, the processor 23 is configured to obtain a scan list sent by the first terminal device after synchronizing working status parameters with the first terminal device; wherein the first terminal device is a node device in the communication network other than the second terminal device; the scan list indicates the scan start time and scan window length of each scanning device; if the scanning device indicated by the scan list includes the second terminal device, then scanning processing is performed according to the scan start time and the scan window length to discover a third terminal device outside the communication network.

[0223] In practical applications, the aforementioned memory can be volatile memory, such as random-access memory (RAM); or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, hard disk drive (HDD), or solid-state drive (SSD); or a combination of the above types of memory, providing instructions and data to the processor.

[0224] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the functional modules can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module.

[0225] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional module and is not sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this embodiment, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) or processor to execute all or part of the steps of the method of this embodiment. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0226] This application provides a first terminal device and a second terminal device. The first terminal device acquires the working status parameters of all node devices in a communication network; selects scanning devices from all node devices according to the working status parameters; generates a scanning list based on the scanning devices; wherein the scanning list indicates the scanning start time and scanning window length of each scanning device; and synchronizes the scanning list to the second terminal device, so that the scanning devices perform scanning processing according to the scanning start time and scanning window length to discover a third terminal device outside the communication network; wherein the second terminal device is another node device in the communication network besides the first terminal device. After synchronizing the working status parameters with the first terminal device, the second terminal device acquires the scanning list sent by the first terminal device; wherein the first terminal device is another node device in the communication network besides the second terminal device; the scanning list indicates the scanning start time and scanning window length of each scanning device; if the scanning device indicated by the scanning list includes the second terminal device, then scanning processing is performed according to the scanning start time and scanning window length to discover a third terminal device outside the communication network. In other words, in the embodiments of this application, the first terminal device in the communication network can determine the scanning devices to be scanned in a time-sharing manner from all node devices based on the working status parameters of each node device, including the first terminal device and the second terminal device, and establish a scanning list indicating the scanning start time and scanning window length of each scanning device. This allows the scanning devices in the communication network to discover new devices according to the indicated scanning start time and scanning window length. Therefore, the device discovery method proposed in this application can transform single-point scanning discovery into time-sharing scanning discovery of network nodes. This allows the power consumption of scanning new devices to be distributed among multiple node devices in the network, significantly reducing the power consumption of terminal devices and improving device intelligence while meeting the need for timely discovery of new devices.

[0227] This application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a program thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the device discovery method described above.

[0228] Specifically, the program instructions corresponding to a device discovery method in this embodiment can be stored on storage media such as optical discs, hard disks, and USB flash drives. When the program instructions corresponding to a device discovery method in the storage media are read or executed by an electronic device, the following steps are included:

[0229] Obtain the operating status parameters of all node devices in the communication network;

[0230] Select a scanning device from all node devices based on the operating status parameters;

[0231] A scan list is generated based on the scanning device; wherein the scan list indicates the scan start time and scan window length for each of the scanning devices;

[0232] The scan list is synchronized to the second terminal device, so that the scanning device performs scanning processing according to the scan start time and the scan window length to discover a third terminal device outside the communication network; wherein, the second terminal device is another node device in the communication network other than the first terminal device.

[0233] When program instructions corresponding to a device discovery method in a storage medium are read or executed by an electronic device, the following steps may also be included:

[0234] After synchronizing the working status parameters with the first terminal device, the scan list sent by the first terminal device is obtained; wherein, the first terminal device is a node device in the communication network other than the second terminal device; the scan list indicates the scan start time and scan window length of each scanning device;

[0235] If the scanning device indicated by the scan list includes the second terminal device, then a scan is performed according to the scan start time and the scan window length to discover a third terminal device outside the communication network.

[0236] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this application can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, this application can take the form of hardware embodiments, software embodiments, or embodiments combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this application can take the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including, but not limited to, disk storage and optical storage) containing computer-usable program code.

[0237] This application is described with reference to schematic and / or block diagrams of implementations of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of this application. It should be understood that each block of the schematic and / or block diagrams can be implemented by computer program instructions, and combinations of blocks in the schematic and / or block diagrams can be implemented. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create a machine for implementing the schematic and / or block diagrams. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0238] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means, which are implemented in the implementation flow diagram. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0239] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable equipment to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable equipment for implementing the process. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps of the function specified in one or more boxes.

[0240] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A device discovery method, characterized by, The method is applied to a first terminal device in a communication network, and the method comprises: obtaining working state parameters of all node devices in the communication network; selecting scanning devices from the all node devices according to the working state parameters; generating a scanning list based on the scanning devices; wherein the scanning list indicates a scanning start time and a scanning window length of each scanning device; synchronizing the scanning list to a second terminal device, so that the scanning devices perform scanning processing according to the scanning start time and the scanning window length, to discover a third terminal device outside the communication network; wherein the second terminal device is a node device other than the first terminal device in the communication network.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the working state parameters comprise at least one of the following parameters: a position parameter, a power parameter, a signal strength parameter, and a network mode parameter.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, The selecting scanning devices from the all node devices according to the working state parameters comprises: determining a node device with a power parameter greater than or equal to a preset power threshold as a scanning device; and / or determining a node device with a signal strength greater than or equal to a preset strength threshold as a scanning device.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The generating a scanning list based on the scanning devices comprises: determining a scanning order of the scanning devices; determining the scanning start time of each scanning device according to the scanning order and a preset window length, to generate the scanning list.

5. The method according to any one of claims 2-3, characterized in that, The generating a scanning list based on the scanning devices comprises: determining a scanning order of the scanning devices; setting a scanning window length corresponding to each scanning device according to the working state parameter corresponding to each scanning device; determining the scanning start time of each scanning device according to the scanning order and the scanning window length corresponding to each scanning device, to generate the scanning list.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The method further comprises: re-obtaining updated working state parameters of all node devices in the communication network according to a preset period; obtaining an updated scanning list according to the updated working state parameters, and sending the updated scanning list to the second terminal device.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The method further comprises: if the first terminal device is the scanning device, establishing a connection with the third terminal device after discovering the third terminal device; obtaining device information of the third terminal device; synchronizing the device information and a connection state and a connection type between the third terminal device to other node devices in the communication network.

8. A device discovery method, characterized by, The method is applied to a second terminal device in a communication network, and the method comprises: after synchronizing working state parameters to a first terminal device, obtaining a scanning list sent by the first terminal device; wherein the first terminal device is a node device other than the second terminal device in the communication network; and the scanning list indicates a scanning start time and a scanning window length of each scanning device; If the scanning device indicated by the scanning list includes the second terminal device, scanning processing is performed according to the scanning start time and the scanning window length to discover a third terminal device outside the communication network.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the working state parameter comprises at least one of a position parameter, a power parameter, a signal strength parameter, and a network mode parameter. The method further comprises:

10. The method of claim 9, wherein, directly sending the working state parameter to the first terminal device; and / or, sending the working state parameter to other node devices connected in the communication network to synchronize the working state parameter to the first terminal device. The method further comprises:

11. The method of claim 9, wherein, if the second terminal device is the scanning device, establishing a connection with the third terminal device after discovering the third terminal device; obtaining device information of the third terminal device; synchronizing the device information and a connection state and a connection type between the third terminal device to other node devices in the communication network. The method further comprises:

12. The method according to any one of claims 8-11, characterized in that, synchronizing the working state parameter to the first terminal device according to a preset period. The first terminal device comprises:

13. A first terminal device, comprising: a first obtaining unit configured to obtain working state parameters of all node devices in a communication network; a selecting unit configured to select a scanning device from the all node devices according to the working state parameters; a generating unit configured to generate a scanning list based on the scanning device; wherein the scanning list indicates a scanning start time and a scanning window length of each scanning device; a synchronizing unit configured to synchronize the scanning list to a second terminal device, so that the scanning device performs scanning processing according to the scanning start time and the scanning window length to discover a third terminal device outside the communication network; wherein the second terminal device is other node device in the communication network except the first terminal device. The first terminal device comprises a processor and a memory storing processor-executable instructions, when the instructions are executed by the processor, the method of any one of claims 1-7 is implemented.

14. A first terminal device, comprising: The second terminal device comprises:

15. A second terminal device, comprising: a second obtaining unit configured to obtain a scanning list sent by a first terminal device after synchronizing working state parameters to the first terminal device; wherein the first terminal device is other node device in the communication network except the second terminal device; the scanning list indicates a scanning start time and a scanning window length of each scanning device; a scanning unit configured to, if the scanning device indicated by the scanning list includes the second terminal device, perform scanning processing according to the scanning start time and the scanning window length to discover a third terminal device outside the communication network. The second terminal device comprises a processor and a memory storing processor-executable instructions, when the instructions are executed by the processor, the method of any one of claims 8-12 is implemented.

16. A second terminal device, comprising: ​ 17. A communications network, characterized by The communication network comprises the first terminal device according to claim 13 or 14 and the second terminal device according to claim 15 or 16, for implementing the method according to any one of claims 1-7 or 8-12.

18. A computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon a program, the program comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 17. The program, when executed by a processor, implements the method according to any one of claims 1-7 or 8-12.

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