Methods and apparatus for signal transmission

Abstract

This application provides a method and apparatus for signal transmission. The method includes: a first read / write device obtaining a first communication mode, which indicates the communication mode of multiple antennas, including one or more first antennas and one or more second antennas; the first read / write device determining how to use the multiple antennas for communication according to the first communication mode. For example, if the first communication mode takes a first value, the first read / write device transmits a signal through the first antenna and simultaneously receives a signal through the second antenna; if the first communication mode takes a second value, the first read / write device receives a signal through the first antenna and simultaneously transmits a signal through the second antenna. Based on this, in an antenna-transmitter-receiver separation architecture, if the read / write area needs to be changed, it is not necessary to increase the number of antennas per unit area; the switching between different read / write areas can be achieved by changing the communication mode of multiple antennas.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of wireless communication, and more specifically, to a method and apparatus for signal transmission. Background Technology

[0002] Radio frequency identification (RFID) technology is a type of automatic identification technology that uses wireless radio frequency for non-contact two-way data communication. It uses wireless radio frequency to read and write recording media (such as electronic tags or RFID cards) to achieve the purpose of identifying targets and exchanging data.

[0003] In backscatter communication, the read / write device needs to transmit an excitation signal while receiving the signal, thus the received signal is subject to carrier interference. High-intensity carrier interference not only places high demands on the receiver's dynamics, but its phase noise and noise floor also degrade the sensitivity of the received signal. To reduce carrier interference, a separate transmit / receive antenna architecture can be adopted, where the read / write device uses different antennas to read and write to different read / write areas, thereby reducing self-interference levels through spatial isolation.

[0004] However, in an architecture with separate transmit and receive antennas, the number of antennas doubles for the same coverage area. For high-performance communication methods such as multiple transmit / receive, single transmit / receive, and multiple transmit / single receive, the number of antennas needs to be increased even further. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a method and apparatus for signal transmission. By configuring the communication mode of the antenna, the transmitting and receiving antennas can be separated without increasing the number of antennas, and high-performance communication modes such as multiple transmit and receive, single transmit and receive, and multiple transmit and single receive can be achieved.

[0006] Firstly, a signal transmission method is provided. This method can be executed by a read / write device, or by a chip or circuit used in the read / write device, or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the read / write device. This application does not limit the scope of this method. For illustrative purposes, the following description primarily uses a first read / write device as an example.

[0007] The method may include: a first reading / writing device acquiring a first communication mode, the first communication mode indicating the communication mode of multiple antennas, the multiple antennas including N1 first antennas and N2 second antennas, where N1 and N2 are integers greater than or equal to 1; if the first communication mode takes a first value, the first reading / writing device transmits a signal through the first antennas and simultaneously receives a signal through the second antennas; if the first communication mode takes a second value, the first reading / writing device receives a signal through the first antennas and simultaneously transmits a signal through the second antennas.

[0008] Based on the above technical solution, the first read / write device can choose to receive or transmit signals via an antenna depending on the value of the first communication mode. For example, if the first communication mode takes the first value, the first read / write device transmits signals through one or more antennas (e.g., N1 first antennas) and receives signals through one or more other antennas (e.g., N2 second antennas); if the first communication mode takes the second value, the first read / write device receives signals through one or more antennas (e.g., N1 first antennas) and transmits signals through one or more other antennas (e.g., N2 second antennas). Therefore, in the antenna transmit / receive separation architecture, changing the read / write area does not require increasing the number of antennas per unit area; switching between different read / write areas can be achieved simply by changing the value of the first communication mode. Furthermore, the first communication mode can be flexibly configured according to business needs to achieve single-transmit / single-receive, multi-transmit / multi-receive, single-transmit / multi-receive, or multi-transmit / single-receive modes, etc.

[0009] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the second communication mode indicates the communication mode of an antenna, and for an antenna, the value of the second communication mode corresponds to any of the following communication modes: transmit mode, receive mode, no communication mode, wherein among the multiple antennas, there is at least one antenna whose second communication mode is transmit mode, and at least one antenna whose second communication mode is receive mode.

[0010] Based on the above technical solution, for a given antenna, the communication mode of that antenna may be a transmit mode, a receive mode, or a no-communication mode. Therefore, by observing the communication mode of each antenna, it can be determined whether the antenna is transmitting or receiving signals.

[0011] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first value indicates that the communication mode of the first antenna is transmit mode, and / or that the communication mode of the second antenna is receive mode.

[0012] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the second value indicates that the communication mode of the first antenna is a receive mode, and / or that the communication mode of the second antenna is a transmit mode.

[0013] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first value is associated with the first read / write area of ​​the first read / write device, and the second value is associated with the second read / write area of ​​the first read / write device.

[0014] Based on the above technical solution, by associating the communication mode of the antenna with the read / write area (i.e., the area that the read / write device reads and writes, or the effective area of ​​the antenna configured on the read / write device), it is possible to flexibly switch the communication mode (or transmit / receive state) of the antenna if the read / write area needs to be changed.

[0015] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the multiple antennas further include N3 third antennas and N4 fourth antennas, where N3 and N4 are integers greater than or equal to 1; the method further includes: if the first communication mode takes a third value, then on the first resource, the first read / write device transmits signals through N1 first antennas and simultaneously receives signals through N2 second antennas; on the second resource, the first read / write device transmits signals through N3 third antennas and simultaneously receives signals through N4 fourth antennas; wherein the first resource and the second resource satisfy any one of the following: time division multiplexing, frequency division multiplexing, or space division multiplexing.

[0016] Based on the above technical solutions, if the first and second resources are time-division multiplexed, different antenna transceiver channels can operate in a time-division alternating manner. If the first and second resources are frequency-division multiplexed, different antenna transceiver channels can operate at different frequencies. If the first and second resources are spatially multiplexed, different antenna transceiver channels can operate simultaneously at the same frequency, and interference suppression between antenna groups can be achieved through spatial isolation.

[0017] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first reading and writing device acquires the first communication mode, including: the first reading and writing device determines the first communication mode according to reading and writing requirements; or, the first reading and writing device receives instruction information from the management device, the instruction information being used to indicate the first communication mode.

[0018] Based on the above technical solution, the read / write device sets a first communication mode according to its read / write requirements. Each read / write device can then flexibly set (or adjust) its first communication mode according to its actual communication needs. Alternatively, the management device can set the first communication mode and notify the read / write devices, thereby enabling the management device to uniformly manage the communication modes of each antenna, or to uniformly manage the communication modes of multiple read / write devices' antennas, thus achieving better control.

[0019] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: the first reading / writing device sending a request message to the second reading / writing device, the request message being used to request collaborative reading / writing.

[0020] Based on the above technical solution, multiple read / write devices can interact and negotiate collaborative read / write operations. For example, the first read / write device can act as the initiator of collaborative read / write operations, sending a request message to the second read / write device to request collaborative read / write operations; the second read / write device can then send a response to the first read / write device to the request message.

[0021] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: the first read / write device receiving a request message, the request message being used to request collaborative read / write; and the first read / write device sending a response to the request message.

[0022] Based on the above technical solution, the first read / write device can act as a responder to collaborative read / write, receiving a request message from the second read / write device. Correspondingly, the first read / write device can send a response to the request message to the second read / write device, thereby enabling collaborative read / write between multiple read / write devices through negotiation. Alternatively, the first read / write device can receive a request message from a management device; correspondingly, the first read / write device can send a response to the request message to the management device, thereby enabling collaborative read / write between multiple read / write devices through the management device.

[0023] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the request message includes one or more of the following information: the antenna for collaborative reading and writing, the communication mode of the antenna for collaborative reading and writing, the radio frequency parameter configuration, the amplitude adjustment amount, and the phase adjustment amount.

[0024] Based on the above technical solution, when multiple read and write devices cooperate in reading and writing, they can negotiate one or more of the following: the antenna for cooperative reading and writing, the communication mode of the antenna for cooperative reading and writing, the configuration of radio frequency parameters, the amplitude adjustment amount, and the phase adjustment amount, thereby improving the performance of cooperative reading and writing.

[0025] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, multiple antennas are also used to transmit data for cellular services.

[0026] Based on the above technical solutions, the read / write device can be integrated with network equipment (such as indoor small cellular base stations). By integrating the read / write device with network equipment (such as indoor small cellular base stations), the integrated read / write service and cellular service can share antennas, coverage area, hardware platform, and power supply.

[0027] Secondly, a signal transmission method is provided. This method can be executed by a management device, or by a chip or circuit used in the management device, or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the management device. This application does not limit the scope of this method. For illustrative purposes, the following description primarily uses a management device as an example.

[0028] The method may include: determining a first communication mode, the first communication mode indicating the communication mode of multiple antennas, the multiple antennas including N1 first antennas and N2 second antennas, where N1 and N2 are integers greater than or equal to 1; sending indication information to a first read / write device, the indication information indicating the first communication mode; wherein, if the first communication mode takes a first value, it indicates that signals are transmitted through the N1 first antennas and received through the N2 second antennas simultaneously; if the first communication mode takes a second value, it indicates that signals are received through the N1 first antennas and transmitted through the N2 second antennas simultaneously.

[0029] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the second communication mode indicates the communication mode of an antenna. For an antenna, the value of the second communication mode corresponds to any of the following communication modes: transmit mode, receive mode, no communication mode, wherein among the multiple antennas, there is at least one antenna whose second communication mode is transmit mode and at least one antenna whose second communication mode is receive mode.

[0030] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first value indicates that the communication mode of the first antenna is transmit mode, and / or that the communication mode of the second antenna is receive mode.

[0031] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the second value indicates that the communication mode of the first antenna is a receive mode, and / or that the communication mode of the second antenna is a transmit mode.

[0032] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first value is associated with the first read / write area of ​​the first read / write device, and the second value is associated with the second read / write area of ​​the first read / write device.

[0033] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the multiple antennas further include N3 third antennas and N4 fourth antennas, where N3 and N4 are integers greater than or equal to 1; if the first communication mode takes the third value, it means that on the first resource, signals are transmitted through N1 first antennas and received through N2 second antennas; on the second resource, signals are transmitted through N3 third antennas and received through N4 fourth antennas; wherein the first resource and the second resource satisfy any one of the following: time division multiplexing, frequency division multiplexing, or space division multiplexing.

[0034] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: sending a request message to the first read / write device, the request message being used to request collaborative read / write.

[0035] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the request message includes one or more of the following information: the antenna for collaborative reading and writing, the communication mode of the antenna for collaborative reading and writing, the radio frequency parameter configuration, the amplitude adjustment amount, and the phase adjustment amount.

[0036] Thirdly, an apparatus for signal transmission is provided, which is used to perform the method provided in the first or second aspect. Specifically, the apparatus may include units and / or modules for performing the method provided in the first or second aspect, such as processing units and / or communication units.

[0037] In one implementation, the device is a utility (such as a read / write device or a management device). When the device is a utility, the communication unit (or interface unit) can be a transceiver, or an input / output interface; the processing unit can be a processor. Optionally, the transceiver can be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface can be an input / output circuit.

[0038] In another implementation, the device is a chip, chip system, or circuit within a device (such as a read / write device or a management device). When the device is a chip, chip system, or circuit within a device, the communication unit can be an input / output interface, interface circuit, output circuit, input circuit, pin, or related circuit on the chip, chip system, or circuit; the processing unit can be a processor, processing circuit, or logic circuit.

[0039] Fourthly, a signal transmission apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising: a memory for storing a program; and a processor for executing a computer program or instructions stored in the memory, wherein when the computer program or instructions stored in the memory are executed, the processor is configured to perform the method provided in the first or second aspect described above.

[0040] In one implementation, the device is a device (such as a read / write device or a management device).

[0041] In another implementation, the device is a chip, chip system, or circuit in a device.

[0042] Fifthly, this application provides a processor for performing the methods provided in the first or second aspect above.

[0043] Unless otherwise specified, or if it does not contradict its actual function or internal logic in the relevant description, the transmission and acquisition / reception operations involved in the processor can be understood as processor output and reception, input and other operations, or as transmission and reception operations performed by radio frequency circuits and antennas. This application does not limit them in this regard.

[0044] In implementation, the processor can be a dedicated processor for executing these methods, or it can be a processor that executes computer programs or instructions stored in memory to perform these methods, such as a general-purpose processor. The memory can be a non-transitory memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), which can be integrated with the processor on the same chip or disposed on different chips. This application does not limit the type of memory or the arrangement of the memory and processor.

[0045] A sixth aspect provides a computer-readable storage medium storing program code for execution by a device, the program code including methods for performing the methods provided in the first or second aspect described above.

[0046] In a seventh aspect, a computer program product containing instructions is provided, which, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method provided in the first or second aspect.

[0047] Eighthly, a chip is provided, the chip including a processor and a communication interface, the processor reading instructions stored in a memory through the communication interface and executing the method provided in the first or second aspect above.

[0048] Optionally, as one implementation, the chip may also include a memory storing computer programs or instructions, and a processor for executing the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory. When the computer programs or instructions are executed, the processor is used to perform the methods provided in the first or second aspect above.

[0049] Ninthly, a communication system is provided, including the first read / write device and the second read / write device described above; or, including the first read / write device and the management device described above; or, including the first read / write device, the second read / write device, and the management device described above. Attached Figure Description

[0050] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a backscatter communication system applicable to embodiments of this application is shown.

[0051] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of backscatter communication using separate transmit and receive antennas is shown.

[0052] Figure 3 The diagrams show the transmit and receive antennas with and without separation.

[0053] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a signal transmission method 400 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0054] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the transmit / receive channel corresponding to the antenna is shown.

[0055] Figure 6 A schematic diagram showing the association between the antenna's communication mode and the read / write area is shown.

[0056] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of multi-antenna communication is shown.

[0057] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of phase and amplitude adjustment is shown.

[0058] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of time-division multiplexing with multiple antennas is shown.

[0059] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of multi-antenna frequency division multiplexing is shown.

[0060] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of multi-antenna spatial multiplexing is shown.

[0061] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the effective area of ​​the antennas configured for multiple read / write devices is shown.

[0062] Figure 13 A schematic diagram illustrating collaborative reading and writing between multiple read / write devices is shown.

[0063] Figure 14 A schematic diagram of a fusion platform is shown.

[0064] Figure 15 Another schematic diagram of the fusion platform is shown.

[0065] Figure 16 This is a schematic block diagram of a signal transmission device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0066] Figure 17 This is a schematic structural diagram of the signal transmission device provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0067] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the read / write device provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0068] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0069] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as 5th generation (5G) or new radio (NR) systems, long term evolution (LTE) systems, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) systems, and LTE time division duplex (TDD) systems. The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to future communication systems, such as 6th generation mobile communication systems. Furthermore, the technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to device-to-device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), and Internet of Things (IoT) communication systems or other communication systems.

[0070] The technical solution provided in this application can also be applied to communication systems that employ backscattering technology. Backscattering technology: In a communication system, one end of the device does not have its own radio frequency signal generation and / or transmission module. It relies on an externally provided radio frequency excitation signal and modulates its own data onto the external radio frequency excitation signal for transmission to the receiving end. Radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, also known as wireless RFID technology, is a type of automatic identification technology. It enables non-contact (i.e., no mechanical or optical contact is required between the identification system and the specific target) two-way data communication via wireless radio frequency. It uses wireless radio frequency to read and write recording media (such as electronic tags or RFID cards), thereby achieving the purpose of target identification and data exchange. Wireless RFID technology can achieve non-contact rapid information exchange and storage through radio waves. By combining wireless communication with data access technology and then connecting to a database system, it realizes non-contact two-way communication, thereby achieving the purpose of identification and data exchange, connecting a relatively complex system. In the identification system, electromagnetic waves are used to achieve the reading, writing, and communication of electronic tags.

[0071] As an example, Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a backscatter communication system applicable to embodiments of this application is shown.

[0072] Backscatter communication systems may include one or more read / write devices (such as readers), such as... Figure 1The read / write devices 111, 112, and 113 are shown. The backscatter communication system may also include one or more terminal devices, such as... Figure 1 The terminal device 120 shown. The backscatter communication system may also include one or more management devices (or control devices, or management systems, or control systems), such as... Figure 1 The management device 130 is shown below. (The following is in conjunction with...) Figure 1 Each device that may be involved in this application will be described separately.

[0073] 1. Read / write devices (e.g., read / write devices 111, 112, 113): These devices can be used to access terminal devices (e.g., terminal device 120) and receive signals from them; they can also generate radio frequency excitation signals for the terminal devices, enabling excitation of multiple terminal devices under multiple receivers; they can control the terminal devices; and they can wirelessly charge the terminal devices, etc. Multiple read / write devices can work independently or in combination. Each read / write device may include one or more antennas (ANT) (e.g., ...). Figure 1 (ANT1, ANT2, ..., ANTn).

[0074] In this application, the reading and writing device can be a dedicated RFID reading and writing device, a cellular base station, a small base station device, or any device with reading and writing capabilities; there is no limitation. Furthermore, in this application, the reading and writing device can be subject to a controlled antenna channel communication mode, or it can autonomously manage the antenna channel communication mode; there is no limitation.

[0075] 2. Terminal devices (e.g., terminal device 120): These can return information they carry via radio frequency signals. Terminal devices can be controlled by reading / writing devices. They can be powered in various ways, such as wireless charging. Terminal devices can be tags (or IoT tags), i.e., tags or card-like chips containing information are attached to people or objects and read and identified using radio waves. They can be categorized into active, passive, and semi-active types. Terminal devices can be IoT tags, passive, semi-active, and active IoT terminals, etc.

[0076] 3. Management equipment (such as management equipment 130): can be used to manage the operation of reading and writing devices; can also be used to schedule and process the collaboration between multiple reading and writing devices; and can also be used for data collection, storage and management, etc.

[0077] In some systems, the read / write devices can operate autonomously according to built-in programs, while the management device is used for data collection, storage, and management. The management device and the terminal device can be connected via wired or wireless means.

[0078] The management device can be a standalone device, or it can be integrated into a device (such as a device in a communication system or IoT system, such as a read / write device), or it can be a network element in a hardware device, or a software function running on dedicated hardware, or a virtualization function instantiated on a platform (such as a cloud platform). This application does not limit the specific form of the control system.

[0079] It should be understood that the above Figure 1 The system shown is merely illustrative, and the systems applicable to the embodiments of this application are not limited thereto. For example, Figure 1 This can include more readers or terminal devices. Furthermore, any system capable of implementing the functions of the aforementioned devices is applicable to the embodiments of this application. Moreover, the embodiments of this application can also be applied to any communication scenario capable of backscatter communication.

[0080] In backscatter communication, the transmitting excitation signal must be maintained while receiving the signal, thus the received signal is subject to carrier interference. To reduce carrier interference, a separate transmit and receive antenna architecture (or antenna-transmit separation) can be used. Transmit and receive antenna separation means that the transmitting and receiving functions are not on the same antenna port, and separate antennas perform the transmitting and receiving functions respectively. As an example, Figure 2 A schematic diagram of backscatter communication using separate transmit and receive antennas is shown. Figure 2 As shown, in the architecture with separate receiving and transmitting antennas, the receiving antenna and the transmitting antenna are spatially isolated, which can reduce the self-interference level.

[0081] However, in a separate transmit and receive antenna architecture, the number of antennas doubles for the same coverage area. As an example, Figure 3 The diagrams show the effects of transmitting and receiving antennas being connected and disconnected. Figure 3 As shown in (1), when the transmitting and receiving antennas are not separated, ANT1 serving the terminal in area 1 (i.e., read / write area 1) or ANT2 serving the device in area 2 (i.e., read / write area 2) can be used for both transmitting and receiving signals. Figure 3 As shown in (2), when the transmit and receive antennas are separated, ANT1 and ANT2 serve area 1, and terminals in area 1 can transmit signals through ANT1 and receive signals through ANT2; ANT3 and ANT4 serve area 2, and terminals in area 2 can transmit signals through ANT3 and receive signals through ANT4. Figure 3 As the example shown illustrates, if the transmitting and receiving antennas are separated, the number of antennas will double for the same coverage area.

[0082] It should be understood that Figure 3This is just a simple example. In actual communication, high-performance communication methods such as multiple transmit and receive, single transmit and receive, and multiple transmit and single receive may be required, in which case the number of antennas will be further increased.

[0083] This application proposes a solution that can achieve an antenna transmit / receive separation architecture without increasing the number of antennas per unit area.

[0084] It is understood that the term "and / or" in this article is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0085] The methods provided by the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments provided by this application can be applied to the above-described embodiments. Figure 1 The network architecture shown is not limited.

[0086] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a signal transmission method 400 provided in an embodiment of this application. Method 400 may include the following steps.

[0087] 410, the first read / write device acquires the first communication mode, the first communication mode indicates the communication mode of multiple antennas, wherein the multiple antennas include N1 first antennas and N2 second antennas, and N1 and N2 are integers greater than or equal to 1.

[0088] The communication mode (or operating mode, or communication state, or working state) of the multiple antennas can be used to indicate (or characterize) whether signals are transmitted or received through the multiple antennas. In other words, the first read / write device can know how to transmit signals through the multiple antennas through the first communication mode, that is, it can know which antennas transmit signals, which antennas receive signals, or which antennas do not transmit or receive signals.

[0089] The designation of the first antenna and the second antenna is used to distinguish different antennas, and this application does not limit the number of first antennas and second antennas. Based on the embodiments of this application, the antennas used for receiving signals and for transmitting signals can be flexibly set or adjusted according to requirements, such as adjusting them according to single-transmit single-receive, single-transmit multiple-receive, multiple-transmit multiple-receive, and multiple-transmit single-receive modes.

[0090] 420. If the first communication mode takes the first value, then the first read / write device transmits signals through N1 first antennas and receives signals through N2 second antennas.

[0091] Optionally, each antenna has two channels: a receiving channel for receiving signals and a transmitting channel for transmitting signals. The receiving and transmitting channels for each antenna can be independent.

[0092] During communication, there are both antennas for transmitting signals and antennas for receiving signals, and the antennas for receiving signals and transmitting signals are different. Taking the first antenna and the second antenna as examples, if the first communication mode takes the first value, then the first read / write device transmits signals through the transmitting channel of the first antenna, and simultaneously (that is, when the first read / write device transmits signals through the transmitting channel of the first antenna) receives signals through the receiving channel of the second antenna.

[0093] 430. If the first communication mode takes the second value, then the first read / write device receives signals through N1 first antennas and transmits signals through N2 second antennas.

[0094] During communication, there are both antennas for transmitting signals and antennas for receiving signals. Taking the first antenna and the second antenna as examples, if the first communication mode takes the second value, then the first read / write device receives signals through the receiving channel of the first antenna, and at the same time (i.e., while the first read / write device is receiving signals through the receiving channel of the first antenna), it transmits signals through the transmitting channel of the second antenna.

[0095] This application allows the first read / write device to select whether to receive or transmit signals via an antenna based on the value of a first communication mode. For example, if the first communication mode takes a first value, the first read / write device transmits signals through one or more antennas (e.g., N1 first antennas) and receives signals through one or more other antennas (e.g., N2 second antennas); if the first communication mode takes a second value, the first read / write device receives signals through one or more antennas (e.g., N1 first antennas) and transmits signals through one or more other antennas (e.g., N2 second antennas). Based on this, in an antenna-transmit / receive separation architecture, changing the read / write area does not require increasing the number of antennas per unit area; switching between different read / write areas can be achieved by changing the communication modes of multiple antennas (i.e., changing the value of the first communication mode). Furthermore, the communication modes of multiple antennas can be flexibly configured according to business needs to achieve single-transmit / single-receive, multiple-transmit / multiple-receive, single-transmit / multiple-receive, or multiple-transmit / single-receive modes, etc.

[0096] The following sections will detail each scheme from several aspects.

[0097] Aspect 1: The antenna's receiving and transmitting channels.

[0098] Optionally, each antenna corresponds to two channels: a receiving channel (for receiving signals) and a transmitting channel (for transmitting signals). One possible implementation is that the first read / write device selects between the receiving and transmitting channels by controlling an antenna switch.

[0099] As an example, Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the transmit / receive channel corresponding to the antenna is shown. For example... Figure 5 As shown, taking ANT1, ANT2, ANT3, and ANT4 as examples, each antenna corresponds to two channels: a receiving channel and a transmitting channel. The first reader / writer (such as the RFID processor in the first reader / writer) can select the receiving channel and the transmitting channel by controlling the switch corresponding to the antenna (or the switch corresponding to the channel, hereinafter referred to as the antenna switch for ease of description). Accordingly, the first reader / writer (such as the RFID processor in the first reader / writer) can select the corresponding channel to transmit and receive signals. For example, if the first reader / writer transmits a signal through the transmitting channel of ANT1 and receives a signal through the receiving channel of ANT2, then the first reader / writer can select the transmitting channel of ANT1 through the antenna switch of ANT1 to transmit the signal through the transmitting channel of ANT1, and select the receiving channel of ANT2 through the antenna switch of ANT2 to receive the signal through the receiving channel of ANT2.

[0100] It should be understood that Figure 5 This is merely an illustrative example, and the application is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art will understand based on... Figure 5 The examples can obviously be modified or changed in various ways, such as adjusting the antenna switch, changing the number of antennas or channels, etc. Such modifications or changes also fall within the scope of the embodiments of this application.

[0101] Aspect 2, Communication Mode.

[0102] In this application, the first communication mode indicates the communication mode of the multiple antennas. The communication mode (or operating mode, or communication state, or working state) of the multiple antennas can be used to indicate (or characterize) whether a signal is being transmitted or received through the multiple antennas.

[0103] The first communication mode can take different values, and when the first communication mode takes different values, the communication modes of the indicated multiple antennas are different. Taking multiple antennas, including the first antenna and the second antenna, as an example, Table 1 shows the correspondence between the values ​​of the first communication mode and the communication modes of the multiple antennas.

[0104] Table 1

[0105] Value of the first communication mode Communication modes with multiple antennas First value Signals are transmitted via the first antenna and received via the second antenna. Second value Signals are received via the first antenna, and signals are simultaneously transmitted via the second antenna.

[0106] Taking Table 1 as an example, if the value of the first communication mode is the first value, then the first read / write device transmits a signal through the first antenna and receives a signal through the second antenna at the same time; if the value of the first communication mode is the second value, then the first read / write device receives a signal through the first antenna and transmits a signal through the second antenna at the same time.

[0107] It should be understood that Table 1 is merely an example, and this application is not limited thereto. For example, the value of the first communication mode can also be a third value, a fourth value, etc.

[0108] In one possible implementation, the value of the first communication mode is achieved through one or more bits.

[0109] Taking Table 1 as an example, suppose 1 bit is used to indicate the value of the first communication mode. If this bit is set to "0", it means the value of the first communication mode is the first value; if this bit is set to "1", it means the value of the first communication mode is the second value. Similarly, suppose 1 bit is used to indicate the value of the first communication mode. If this bit is set to "true", it means the value of the first communication mode is the first value; if this bit is set to "false", it means the value of the first communication mode is the second value.

[0110] It should be understood that the above is merely an illustrative example and is not intended to be limiting. For example, the value of the first communication mode can also be indicated by letters (e.g., English letters), such as different letters corresponding to different values ​​of the first communication mode; or by words, such as different words corresponding to different values ​​of the first communication mode; or by numbers, such as different numbers corresponding to different values ​​of the first communication mode.

[0111] In this application, the second communication mode indicates the communication mode of an antenna. An antenna's communication mode (or operating mode, or communication state, or working state) can be used to indicate (or characterize) whether a signal is being transmitted or received through the antenna. For ease of description, the second communication mode will be referred to as the antenna's communication mode below.

[0112] The second communication mode can take different values, and different values ​​indicate different communication modes for the antenna. Taking the first antenna and the second antenna as examples, Tables 2 and 3 show the correspondence between the values ​​of the second communication mode and the communication modes of the first antenna, and the correspondence between the values ​​of the second communication mode and the communication modes of the second antenna, respectively.

[0113] Table 2

[0114] Values ​​of the second communication mode Communication mode of the first antenna Value 1 Signals are transmitted via the first antenna (or transmission mode). Value 2 Receive signals (or receive modes) through the first antenna.

[0115] Table 3

[0116] Values ​​of the second communication mode Second antenna communication mode Value 1 Receive signals via the second antenna (or reception mode). Value 2 Receive signals via a second antenna (or transmit mode).

[0117] Taking Table 2 as an example, if the first read / write device determines that the value of the second communication mode is the first value, then the first read / write device transmits a signal through the first antenna; if the first read / write device determines that the value of the second communication mode is the second value, then the first read / write device receives a signal through the first antenna.

[0118] It should be understood that Tables 2 and 3 are merely examples, and this application is not limited thereto. For example, the value of the second communication mode can also be a third value, which indicates that signals are not transmitted or received through this antenna. The communication modes of the antenna will be described in detail later.

[0119] In one possible implementation, the value of the second communication mode is achieved through one or more bits.

[0120] Taking Table 2 above as an example. For instance, suppose 1 bit is used to indicate the value of the second communication mode. If this bit is set to "0", it means the value of the second communication mode is the first value; if this bit is set to "1", it means the value of the second communication mode is the second value. Similarly, suppose 1 bit is used to indicate the value of the first communication mode. If this bit is set to "true", it means the value of the second communication mode is the first value; if this bit is set to "false", it means the value of the second communication mode is the second value.

[0121] It should be understood that the above is merely an illustrative example and is not intended to be limiting. For example, the value of the second communication mode can also be indicated by letters (e.g., English letters), such as S corresponding to the first value and R corresponding to the second value; or by words, such as send corresponding to the first value and receive corresponding to the second value; or by numbers, such as different numbers corresponding to different values ​​of the first communication mode.

[0122] The first communication mode may include the communication modes of each antenna, that is, the communication modes of each antenna can be used to determine whether a signal is being transmitted or received through multiple antennas; or it may include the communication modes of some antennas, that is, the communication modes of those antennas can be used to determine whether a signal is being transmitted or received through those multiple antennas.

[0123] As an example, the first communication mode includes the communication modes of each antenna.

[0124] In one possible design, there is a correspondence between the first communication mode and the communication modes of each antenna. Taking multiple antennas, including the first antenna and the second antenna, as an example, Table 4 shows the possible correspondence between the values ​​of the first communication mode and the communication modes of the first and second antennas.

[0125] Table 4

[0126]

[0127] Taking Table 4 as an example, if the first reading and writing device determines that the value of the first communication mode is the first value, then the first reading and writing device determines that the communication mode of the first antenna is the transmission mode and the communication mode of the second antenna is the reception mode; if the first reading and writing device determines that the value of the first communication mode is the second value, then the first reading and writing device determines that the communication mode of the first antenna is the reception mode and the communication mode of the second antenna is the transmission mode.

[0128] In this first possible design, the communication mode of each antenna can be known by the value of the first communication mode. The implementation of the value of the first communication mode can be referred to the previous description, which will not be repeated here.

[0129] It should be understood that Table 4 is merely an example and this application is not limited thereto.

[0130] In the second possible design, there is no strict correspondence between the first communication mode and the communication modes of each antenna.

[0131] In this design, the communication mode of each antenna can be indicated using multiple bits (such as a bitmap). For example, assuming there are five antennas, labeled as antenna 1, antenna 2, antenna 3, antenna 4, and antenna 5, their communication modes can be indicated using a 5-bit bitmap. The first communication mode is represented by a binary number (e.g., 01010), where each bit represents the communication mode of one antenna: 1 indicates transmit mode, and 0 indicates receive mode. Assuming the first bit represents the first antenna's communication mode, the second bit represents the second antenna's, the third bit represents the third antenna's, the fourth bit represents the fourth antenna's, and the fifth bit represents the fifth antenna's, then "01010" indicates that signals are received through antennas 1, 3, and 5, and signals are transmitted through antennas 2 and 4.

[0132] Another example is a communication mode that includes a portion of the antenna.

[0133] One possible design involves a correspondence between the first communication mode and the communication modes of some antennas. Taking multiple antennas, including a first antenna and a second antenna, as an example, Table 5 shows the possible correspondence between the values ​​of the first communication mode and the communication modes of the first antenna.

[0134] Table 5

[0135] Value of the first communication mode Communication mode of the first antenna First value Signals are transmitted via the first antenna (or transmission mode). Second value Receive signals (or receive modes) through the first antenna.

[0136] Taking Table 5 as an example, if the first read / write device determines that the value of the first communication mode is the first value, then the first read / write device determines that the communication mode of the first antenna is the transmission mode. Considering that there are both antennas for transmitting signals and antennas for receiving signals during communication, the first read / write device can also determine that the communication mode of the second antenna is the reception mode. If the first read / write device determines that the value of the first communication mode is the second value, then the first read / write device determines that the communication mode of the first antenna is the reception mode. Considering that there are both antennas for transmitting signals and antennas for receiving signals during communication, the first read / write device can also determine that the communication mode of the second antenna is the transmission mode.

[0137] Under this possible design, the communication mode of each antenna can be determined by the value of the first communication mode. For details, please refer to the description above, which will not be repeated here.

[0138] It should be understood that Table 5 is merely an example and this application is not limited thereto.

[0139] The following section mainly introduces the first communication mode, including the communication modes of each antenna.

[0140] One possible implementation is that, for an antenna, the communication mode of the antenna can be any of the following (or the value of the second communication mode corresponds to any of the following communication modes): transmit mode, receive mode, or no communication mode. For a given antenna, the communication mode may be transmit mode, receive mode, or no communication mode. The plurality of antennas mentioned in step 410 includes at least one antenna with the second communication mode being transmit mode, and at least one antenna with the second communication mode being receive mode.

[0141] (1) Transmission mode, or transmission state. If the antenna's communication mode is transmission mode, the first read / write device will perform a transmission operation through that antenna. For example... Figure 5 As shown, if the antenna's communication mode is transmit mode, the antenna switch corresponding to the antenna can be switched to the transmit channel, and then the signal can be transmitted through the antenna. At the same time as transmitting the signal through the antenna, the receiving operation can be performed without using the antenna.

[0142] (2) Receive mode, or receive state. If the antenna's communication mode is receive mode, then the first read / write device performs receive operations through that antenna. For example... Figure 5 As shown, if the antenna's communication mode is receive mode, the antenna switch corresponding to the antenna can be switched to the receive channel, and then the signal can be received through the antenna. At the same time as receiving the signal through the antenna, the transmission operation can be performed without using the antenna.

[0143] (3) Non-communication mode, or non-communication state. If the antenna's communication mode is non-communication mode, the first read / write device will not perform transmit / receive operations through this antenna. For example... Figure 5 As shown, if the antenna's communication mode is non-communication mode, it is not necessary to switch the antenna switch corresponding to the antenna to the transmit or receive channel, which can reduce energy consumption.

[0144] It is understood that the above three communication modes are only one possible mode, and this application is not limited to them. For example, the communication mode of each antenna can also be a transmit mode or a receive mode. In addition, the naming of the above three modes does not limit the scope of protection of the embodiments of this application.

[0145] Optionally, there are no restrictions on the communication mode settings for each antenna. One possible approach is for the read / write device to configure the communication mode of each antenna according to read / write requirements. Another possible approach is for the management device (such as...) Figure 1 The management device 130 in the middle sets the communication mode for each antenna. There are no restrictions on this.

[0146] The read / write requirement refers to the needs of the read / write device when performing read / write operations on a specific read / write area. This may include the communication method required for the device to perform these operations. For example, when setting the communication mode of an antenna, it can be configured according to a specific communication method. Taking P antennas as an example, where P is an integer greater than 1. For instance, if the antenna communication mode is set to single-transmit / single-receive, one antenna out of the P antennas can be set to transmit mode, and the other antenna out of the P antennas can be set to receive mode. Similarly, if the antenna communication mode is set to multiple-transmit / multiple-receive, some antennas out of the P antennas (multiple antennas) can be set to transmit mode, and the remaining antennas out of the P antennas (multiple antennas) can be set to receive mode. Likewise, if the antenna communication mode is set to multiple-transmit / single-receive, some antennas out of the P antennas (multiple antennas) can be set to transmit mode, and the remaining antenna out of the P antennas can be set to receive mode. For example, if the antennas are configured in a single-transmit, multiple-receive communication mode, then the communication mode of some (multiple) antennas out of the P antennas can be set to receive mode, and the communication mode of one of the remaining antennas out of the P antennas can be set to transmit mode.

[0147] In this application, at least one of the multiple antennas is in transmit mode (or, among the multiple antennas, at least one antenna has a second communication mode of transmit mode), and at least one antenna is in receive mode (or, among the multiple antennas, at least one antenna has a second communication mode corresponding to receive mode). Thus, during communication, there are simultaneously antennas for transmitting signals and antennas for receiving signals. For example, in step 420, the first antenna is in transmit mode, and the second antenna is in receive mode. As another example, in step 430, the first antenna is in receive mode, and the second antenna is in transmit mode.

[0148] For example, in step 420, if N1 and N2 are both 1, and the first communication mode takes the first value, then the first read / write device transmits a signal through the first antenna and receives a signal through the second antenna.

[0149] The first value may, for example, indicate that the communication mode of the first antenna is transmit mode, and / or that the communication mode of the second antenna is receive mode.

[0150] In one example, the first value indicates that the communication mode of the first antenna is transmit mode and the communication mode of the second antenna is receive mode. If the communication mode of the first antenna is transmit mode and the communication mode of the second antenna is receive mode, then the first read / write device transmits signals through the transmit channel of the first antenna and receives signals through the receive channel of the second antenna, based on the communication modes of the first and second antennas. In this example, the first read / write device can determine how to transmit signals through each antenna based on the communication mode of each antenna.

[0151] In another example, the first value indicates that the communication mode of the first antenna is transmit mode, or the communication mode of the second antenna is receive mode. If the communication mode of the first antenna is transmit mode, the first read / write device transmits a signal through the transmit channel of the first antenna and receives a signal through the receive channel of the second antenna, according to the communication mode of the first antenna; or, if the communication mode of the second antenna is receive mode, the first read / write device transmits a signal through the transmit channel of the first antenna and receives a signal through the receive channel of the second antenna, according to the communication mode of the second antenna. In this example, the first read / write device can determine how to transmit signals through multiple antennas based on the communication modes of some of the antennas. Assuming that the transmit and receive channels of each antenna do not operate simultaneously, and that both transmit and receive antennas exist simultaneously, in actual communication, if the first read / write device transmits signals through the first antenna and the second antenna, the first read / write device can determine how to transmit signals through the first antenna and the second antenna based on the communication mode of one antenna (such as the communication mode of the first antenna or the communication mode of the second antenna).

[0152] As in step 430, taking N1 and N2 as both being 1, if the first communication mode takes the second value, then the first read / write device receives the signal through the first antenna and transmits the signal through the second antenna.

[0153] The second value may, for example, indicate that the communication mode of the first antenna is receive mode, and / or that the communication mode of the second antenna is transmit mode.

[0154] In one example, the second value indicates that the communication mode of the first antenna is receive mode and the communication mode of the second antenna is transmit mode. If the communication mode of the first antenna is receive mode and the communication mode of the second antenna is transmit mode, then the first read / write device receives signals through the receive channel of the first antenna and transmits signals through the transmit channel of the second antenna, based on the communication modes of the first and second antennas. In this example, the first read / write device can determine how to transmit signals through each antenna based on the communication mode of each antenna.

[0155] In another example, the second value indicates that the communication mode of the first antenna is receive mode, or the communication mode of the second antenna is transmit mode. If the communication mode of the first antenna is receive mode, the first read / write device receives signals through the receive channel of the first antenna and transmits signals through the transmit channel of the second antenna, according to the communication mode of the first antenna; or, if the communication mode of the second antenna is transmit mode, the first read / write device receives signals through the receive channel of the first antenna and transmits signals through the transmit channel of the second antenna, according to the communication mode of the second antenna. In this example, the first read / write device can determine how to transmit signals through the multiple antennas based on the communication modes of some of the antennas. Assuming that the transmit and receive channels of each antenna do not operate simultaneously, and that both transmit and receive antennas exist simultaneously, in actual communication, if the first read / write device transmits signals through the first antenna and the second antenna, the first read / write device can determine how to transmit signals through the first antenna and the second antenna based on the communication mode of one antenna (such as the communication mode of the first antenna or the communication mode of the second antenna).

[0156] It's understandable that the antenna's communication mode is not fixed. For example, when the first communication mode takes the first value, the first antenna's communication mode is transmit mode, and the second antenna's communication mode is receive mode; conversely, when the first communication mode takes the second value, the first antenna's communication mode is receive mode, and the second antenna's communication mode is transmit mode. Specifically, it can be determined based on the actual communication situation.

[0157] Optionally, the first value is associated with the first read / write region, and the second value is associated with the second read / write region.

[0158] The first value is associated with the first read / write area, meaning the first value is associated with the first read / write area of ​​the first read / write device, indicating that the first communication mode takes the first value and is used for communication between the first read / write device and the terminal device in the first read / write area. The second value is associated with the second read / write area, meaning the second value is associated with the second read / write area of ​​the first read / write device, indicating that the first communication mode takes the second value and is used for communication between the first read / write device and the terminal device in the second read / write area. By associating the antenna's communication mode with the read / write area, the antenna's communication mode (or transmit / receive state) can be flexibly switched if the read / write area needs to be changed. The read / write area, or simply the area, represents the area that the read / write device reads and writes, or the effective area of ​​the antenna configured on the read / write device.

[0159] As an example, Figure 6 A schematic diagram showing the association between the antenna's communication mode and the read / write area is shown.

[0160] like Figure 6 As shown in (1), the communication mode of the first antenna is transmit mode, and the communication mode of the second antenna is receive mode. The first read / write device can transmit signals to the terminal devices in the first read / write area through the first antenna, and the first read / write device can receive signals from the terminal devices in the first read / write area through the second antenna, thereby enabling the first read / write device to read and write signals to the terminal devices in the first read / write area. Figure 6 As shown in (2), the communication mode of the first antenna is the receiving mode, and the communication mode of the second antenna is the transmitting mode. The first reading and writing device can receive signals from the terminal devices in the second reading and writing area through the first antenna. The first reading and writing device can transmit signals to the terminal devices in the second reading and writing area through the second antenna, thereby enabling the first reading and writing device to read and write the terminal devices in the second reading and writing area.

[0161] It is understandable that the association could be between the communication modes of each antenna and the read / write area, or it could be between the first communication mode and the read / write area; there are no restrictions. Furthermore, the specific form of association is not limited. For example, the association between the first communication mode (or the communication modes of each antenna) and the read / write area can be represented by a preset table. Alternatively, the association between the first communication mode (or the communication modes of each antenna) and the read / write area can also be represented by dynamic configuration. For instance, when the first read / write device reads / writes to the first read / write area, it can set (or adopt, or select) the first communication mode to take a first value, or it can set the first antenna's communication mode to transmit mode and the second antenna's communication mode to receive mode; when the first read / write device reads / writes to the second read / write area, it can set (or adopt, or select) the first communication mode to take a second value, or it can set the second antenna's communication mode to transmit mode and the first antenna's communication mode to receive mode.

[0162] As mentioned above, this application does not limit the number of the first and second antennas. In this application, flexible multi-antenna communication can be achieved by setting the communication modes of each antenna. As an example, Figure 7 A schematic diagram of multi-antenna communication is shown.

[0163] like Figure 7 As shown in (1), the antenna of the read / write device (such as the first read / write device) can be configured as 1T1R, that is, the read / write device can transmit signals through one antenna (such as ANT1) and receive signals through one antenna (such as ANT2). In this way, the communication mode of the non-communication antenna (such as ANT3) can be set to non-communication mode, thereby reducing energy consumption.

[0164] like Figure 7 As shown in (2), the antenna of the read / write device (such as the first read / write device) can be configured as 1T+R, that is, the read / write device can transmit signals through one antenna (such as ANT1) and receive signals through multiple antennas (such as ANT2, ANT3, ANTn). This method can improve the receiving performance.

[0165] like Figure 7 As shown in (3), the antenna of the read / write device (such as the first read / write device) can be configured as multiple T1R, that is, the read / write device can transmit signals through multiple antennas (such as ANT1, ANT2, ANT3) and receive signals through one antenna (such as ANTn). In this way, the coverage capability can be improved.

[0166] like Figure 7 As shown in (4), the antenna of the read / write device (such as the first read / write device) can be configured as multiple T-multiple R, that is, the first read / write device can transmit signals through multiple antennas (such as ANT1, ANT3) and receive signals through multiple antennas (such as ANT2, ANTn). In this way, coverage and reception performance can be improved.

[0167] Understandable. Figure 7 This application is for illustrative purposes only and is not limited thereto.

[0168] Optionally, in multi-antenna communication scenarios, the communication parameters (such as phase and amplitude) of the multi-antenna transmit and receive channels can be controlled digitally or analogically. As an example, Figure 8 A schematic diagram of phase and amplitude adjustment is shown. (For example...) Figure 8 As shown in (1), the phase values ​​of the transmission channels ANT1 to ANT3 can be, for example, Ф1, Ф2, and Ф3 respectively, and the amplitudes of the transmission channels ANT1 to ANT3 can be, for example, A1, A2, and A3 respectively; Figure 8As shown in (2), the phase values ​​of the receiving channels ANT2 to ANT4 can be, for example, Ф1, Ф2, and Ф3, respectively, and the amplitudes of the receiving channels ANT2 to ANT4 can be, for example, A1, A2, and A3, respectively. In this way, the transmission and reception capabilities of the terminal equipment can be effectively improved, especially the ability to resist small-scale fading under multipath conditions.

[0169] The channel amplitude and phase control involved can be independently controlled by the built-in program of the reading and writing device (such as the first reading and writing device), or by the management device, and there are no restrictions on this.

[0170] Optionally, the first communication mode is associated with (or related to, or corresponded to) one or more of the following: time domain resources, frequency domain resources, and spatial domain resources.

[0171] Assuming the multiple antennas also include N3 third antennas and N4 fourth antennas, where N3 and N4 are integers greater than or equal to 1, then method 400 may further include: if the first communication mode takes the third value, then on the first resource, the first read / write device transmits signals through N1 first antennas and receives signals through N2 second antennas; on the second resource, the first read / write device transmits signals through N3 third antennas and receives signals through N4 fourth antennas; wherein the first and second resources satisfy any of the following: time division multiplexing, frequency division multiplexing, or space division multiplexing. Several examples are given below, assuming N1, N2, N3, and N4 are all 1.

[0172] Example 1: Time-division multiplexing of the first and second resources.

[0173] In this example, if the first communication mode takes the third value, then in the first time period, the first read / write device transmits signals through the first antenna's transmit channel and receives signals through the second antenna's receive channel; in the second time period, the first read / write device transmits signals through the third antenna's transmit channel and receives signals through the fourth antenna's receive channel. This method allows for grouped, time-sharing operation of different antenna transmit / receive channels.

[0174] The third value can, for example, indicate that: in the first time period, the communication mode of the first antenna is transmit mode and the communication mode of the second antenna is receive mode; in the second time period, the communication mode of the third antenna is transmit mode and the communication mode of the fourth antenna is receive mode. It should be understood that the specific content indicated by the third value is not limited. As long as the third value is taken based on the first communication mode, and it is determined that: in the first time period, the first read / write device transmits signals through the first antenna and receives signals through the second antenna; and in the second time period, the first read / write device transmits signals through the third antenna and receives signals through the fourth antenna, this is applicable to the embodiments of this application.

[0175] As an example, Figure 9A schematic diagram of time-division multiplexing with multiple antennas is shown. Figure 9 As shown, the read / write device performs read / write operations on read / write area 1 during time period t1, and performs read / write operations on read / write area 2 during time period t2. During time period t1, ANT1 is in transmit mode and ANT2 is in receive mode; during time period t2, ANT3 is in transmit mode and ANT4 is in receive mode.

[0176] Example 2: Frequency division multiplexing of the first and second resources.

[0177] In this example, if the first communication mode takes the third value, then in the first frequency band, the first read / write device transmits signals through the transmit channel of the first antenna and receives signals through the receive channel of the second antenna; in the second frequency band, the first read / write device transmits signals through the transmit channel of the third antenna and receives signals through the receive channel of the fourth antenna. This method allows different antenna transmit / receive channels to operate at different frequencies.

[0178] The third value can, for example, indicate that in the first frequency band, the communication mode of the first antenna is transmit mode and the communication mode of the second antenna is receive mode; in the second frequency band, the communication mode of the third antenna is transmit mode and the communication mode of the fourth antenna is receive mode. It should be understood that the specific content indicated by the third value is not limited. As long as the third value is taken based on the first communication mode, and it is determined that in the first frequency band, the first read / write device transmits signals through the first antenna and receives signals through the second antenna; and in the second frequency band, the first read / write device transmits signals through the third antenna and receives signals through the fourth antenna, this is applicable to the embodiments of this application.

[0179] As an example, Figure 10 A schematic diagram of multi-antenna frequency division multiplexing is shown. For example... Figure 10 As shown, the read / write device performs read / write operations on read / write area 1 in the f1 frequency band and on read / write operations on read / write area 2 in the f2 frequency band. In the f1 frequency band, ANT1 is in transmit mode and ANT2 is in receive mode; in the f2 frequency band, ANT3 is in transmit mode and ANT4 is in receive mode.

[0180] Example 3: Spatial multiplexing of the first and second resources.

[0181] In this example, if the first communication mode takes the third value, the first read / write device transmits signals through the transmitting channel of the first antenna and receives signals through the receiving channel of the second antenna; the first read / write device also transmits signals through the transmitting channel of the third antenna and receives signals through the receiving channel of the fourth antenna. The first and second antennas belong to one antenna group (referred to as the first antenna group for distinction), while the third and fourth antennas belong to another antenna group (referred to as the second antenna group for distinction), and these two antenna groups are spatially isolated. In this way, different antenna transmit / receive channels can operate simultaneously at the same frequency, and interference suppression between antenna groups can be achieved through spatial isolation.

[0182] The third value could indicate, for example, that in the first antenna group, the first antenna is in transmit mode and the second antenna is in receive mode; and in the second antenna group, the third antenna is in transmit mode and the fourth antenna is in receive mode. It should be understood that the specific content indicated by the third value is not limited.

[0183] As an example, Figure 11 A schematic diagram of multi-antenna spatial multiplexing is shown. For example... Figure 11 As shown, the read / write device reads and writes to read / write area 1 through the first antenna group, and reads and writes to read / write area 2 through the second antenna group. The first antenna group includes ANT1 and ANT2, where ANT1 is in transmit mode and ANT2 is in receive mode; the second antenna group includes ANT3 and ANT4, where ANT3 is in transmit mode and ANT4 is in receive mode.

[0184] The communication modes have been described above in conjunction with aspect 2. Aspect 2 is mainly illustrated by taking the first communication mode, which includes the communication mode of each antenna, as an example, but this application is not limited thereto. As an example, the communication mode can be designed on a unit of multiple antennas, that is, the first communication mode corresponds to multiple values, and different values ​​of the first communication mode result in different uses for the multiple antennas.

[0185] For example, suppose there are multiple antennas including ANT1 and ANT2, and the first communication mode has values ​​A and B. If the first communication mode has a value of A, it means that the signal is transmitted through ANT1 and received through ANT2; if the first communication mode has a value of B, it means that the signal is transmitted through ANT2 and received through ANT1.

[0186] Alternatively, suppose there are multiple antennas: ANT1, ANT2, and ANT3, and the first communication mode has values ​​A, B, and C. If the first communication mode is value A, it means that the signal is transmitted through ANT1 and received through ANT2; if the first communication mode is value B, it means that the signal is transmitted through ANT2 and received through ANT3; if the first communication mode is value C, it means that the signal is transmitted through ANT3 and received through ANT1.

[0187] Aspect 3: Collaborative reading and writing between multiple reading and writing devices.

[0188] Optionally, multiple read / write devices can perform collaborative read / write operations (or cooperative work, or joint read / write). In certain scenarios, such as when multiple read / write devices are deployed, if the read / write area is located within the effective range of the antennas configured on multiple different read / write devices, the multiple read / write devices can perform collaborative read / write operations by combining the antennas of different read / write devices into a transceiver antenna combination for collaborative reading.

[0189] As an example, Figure 12 A schematic diagram showing the effective area of ​​the antennas configured for multiple read / write devices is provided. Figure 12 As shown, the antennas configured for the read / write devices have different effective areas. For a given read / write area, such as the area within the square frame, it falls within the effective area of ​​antennas configured for multiple different read / write devices. Figure 12 (1) The read / write area is located within the effective area of ​​the antennas configured for the four read / write devices; such as Figure 12 (2) The read / write area is located within the effective area of ​​the antennas configured for the two read / write devices; such as Figure 12 (3) The read / write area is located within the effective area of ​​the antennas configured for the two read / write devices; such as Figure 12 (4) The read / write area is located in the effective area of ​​the antennas configured by the two read / write devices.

[0190] As an example, Figure 13 A schematic diagram illustrating collaborative read / write operations between multiple read / write devices is shown. For example... Figure 13 As shown, assuming the read / write area is located within the shared area of ​​the first and second read / write devices, the first and second read / write devices can collaboratively transmit signals to the terminal device. For example, the first read / write device transmits signals to the terminal device through its ANT4 transmission channel, and the second read / write device transmits signals to the terminal device through its ANT1 transmission channel.

[0191] As an example, multiple read / write devices can achieve collaborative read / write operations through either of the following two methods:

[0192] Option 1: Multiple read / write devices negotiate and coordinate read / write operations.

[0193] Option 2: The management device controls multiple read / write devices to perform collaborative read / write operations.

[0194] The two schemes mentioned above are described in detail below.

[0195] Option 1: Multiple read / write devices negotiate and collaborate on read / write operations.

[0196] Taking a first read / write device and a second read / write device as an example, the first read / write device and the second read / write device can interact and negotiate collaborative read / write operations. For example, the first read / write device sends a first request message to the second read / write device, which requests collaborative read / write operations; the second read / write device sends a response to the first read / write device to the first read / write device. As an example, negotiating collaborative read / write operations between the first read / write device and the second read / write device may include the following steps.

[0197] Step 1: The first read / write device determines that there is a need for collaborative read / write.

[0198] For example, the first read / write device determines whether there is a need for collaborative read / write based on the read / write requirements of the read / write area. For instance, if the read / write area is an edge area, the first read / write device determines that the terminal devices in that area have a need for collaborative read / write. Similarly, if the read / write area is located in an area where multiple read / write devices operate simultaneously, the first read / write device determines that the read / write area has a need for collaborative read / write. Furthermore, if the read / write area requires read / write through multiple antennas, the first read / write device determines that the read / write area has a need for collaborative read / write.

[0199] Step 2: The first read / write device determines the antenna and / or read / write device to participate in the collaborative read / write.

[0200] If the first read / write device determines that the read / write area has a need for collaborative read / write, then the first read / write device can determine the read / write device participating in collaborative read / write, and / or determine the antenna participating in collaborative read / write.

[0201] In one example, the first read / write device determines the read / write devices participating in collaborative read / write. One possible implementation is that the first read / write device can determine the participating read / write devices based on one or more of the following: antenna spatial distribution, the antenna configuration of each read / write device, the actual deployment location of the read / write devices, or the location of the read / write area. Taking the first read / write device determining the participating read / write devices based on the location of the read / write area as an example, the read / write devices determined by the first read / write device can be those capable of performing read / write operations within the read / write area.

[0202] The number of read and write devices participating in collaborative reading and writing can be flexibly configured according to the actual situation, or it can be a predefined number without restriction.

[0203] In another example, the first read / write device determines the antennas participating in collaborative read / write. One possible implementation is that the first read / write device can determine the antennas based on one or more of the following: antenna spatial distribution, the antennas configured in each read / write device, the actual deployment location of the read / write devices, or the location of the read / write area. Taking the first read / write device determining the antennas participating in collaborative read / write based on antenna spatial distribution as an example, the antennas determined by the first read / write device to participate in collaborative read / write can be antennas that have an effect on the read / write area.

[0204] The number of antennas participating in collaborative reading and writing can be flexibly configured according to actual conditions, or it can be a predefined number without restriction.

[0205] The antennas participating in collaborative reading and writing determined by the first reading and writing device may include: the antennas configured by the first reading and writing device, and / or the antennas of the reading and writing devices participating in collaborative reading and writing, without limitation.

[0206] Assume that the first read / write device determines that the second read / write device will participate in collaborative read / write.

[0207] Step 3: The first read / write device sends a first request message to the second read / write device. This first request message is used to request collaborative read / write.

[0208] Optionally, the first request message includes one or more of the following information: the antenna for collaborative reading and writing, the communication mode of the antenna for collaborative reading and writing, the radio frequency parameter configuration, the amplitude adjustment amount, and the phase adjustment amount. This information can be used by the second reading and writing device to determine whether to receive the collaborative reading and writing request, or it can also be used by the second reading and writing device to set the parameters of the antennas participating in collaborative reading and writing (such as communication mode, amplitude, phase, etc.).

[0209] The antennas for collaborative read / write (including both the number and type of antennas) may include: antennas (including both the number and type of antennas) configured in the first read / write device that participate in collaborative read / write, and / or antennas (including both the number and type of antennas) configured in the second read / write device. The antennas configured in the second read / write device that participate in collaborative read / write may be antennas that the first read / write device requests (or expects) to participate in collaborative read / write.

[0210] The communication mode of the antennas for collaborative read / write can include: the communication mode of the antennas participating in collaborative read / write in the antennas configured by the first read / write device, and / or, the communication mode of the antennas participating in collaborative read / write in the antennas configured by the second read / write device. The communication mode of the antennas participating in collaborative read / write in the antennas configured by the second read / write device can be a communication mode requested (or desired) by the first read / write device from the participating antennas. Regarding the antenna communication modes, refer to the relevant description in aspect 2 above; it will not be repeated here.

[0211] Specifically, the RF parameter configuration can be the RF parameter configuration of the antennas participating in collaborative read / write. The amplitude adjustment amount can be the amplitude adjustment amount of the antennas participating in collaborative read / write. The phase adjustment amount can be the phase adjustment amount of the antennas participating in collaborative read / write.

[0212] Step 4: The second read / write device sends a response to the first read / write device in response to the first request message.

[0213] The second read / write device can determine whether to agree to (or accept, or permit) the request from the first read / write device based on the current situation, such as whether it is in a read / write state. For example, if the second read / write device receives a first request message from the first read / write device requesting collaborative read / write, the second read / write device can determine whether it can participate in collaborative read / write based on the current communication status. Alternatively, if the first request message includes a collaborative read / write antenna, which includes the antennas configured by the second read / write device that participate in collaborative read / write, the second read / write device can determine whether collaborative read / write can be performed through that antenna based on its current status.

[0214] As an example, if the second read / write device agrees to the request of the first read / write device, the second read / write device may send a response to the first read / write device with a first request message, such as an acknowledgement (ACK); if the second read / write device does not agree to comply with the request of the first read / write device, the second read / write device may send a response to the first read / write device with a first request message, such as a non-acknowledgement (NACK).

[0215] If the second read / write device does not agree to the request of the first read / write device, the first read / write device may stop requesting the second read / write device; if the second read / write device agrees to the request of the first read / write device, it may proceed to step 5.

[0216] Step 5: The first and second read / write devices start reading and writing.

[0217] In one possible scenario, after determining that the second read / write device agrees to the first read / write device's request, the first read / write device may further negotiate with the second read / write device regarding: the antenna for collaborative read / write (including the antenna and the number of antennas), the communication mode of the collaborative read / write antenna, the RF parameter configuration, the amplitude adjustment amount, and the phase adjustment amount.

[0218] Alternatively, in another possible scenario, the first and second read / write devices can also perform read / write operations as requested by the first read / write device in step 3.

[0219] Alternatively, in another possible scenario, the second read / write device may include in its response in step 4 the following suggested parameters: the antenna for collaborative reading / writing (including the number of antennas), the communication mode of the antennas, RF parameter configuration, amplitude adjustment, and phase adjustment. The first and second read / write devices can then perform read / write operations according to the second read / write device's suggestions.

[0220] Alternatively, in another possible scenario, the second read / write device carries in its response in step 4 the following suggestions from the second read / write device: the antenna for collaborative read / write (including the number of antennas), the communication mode of the antennas for collaborative read / write, the RF parameter configuration, the amplitude adjustment amount, and the phase adjustment amount. The first read / write device further adjusts these parameters based on the suggestions from the second read / write device and sends the further adjustment information to the second read / write device.

[0221] Alternatively, in another possible scenario, the first and second read / write devices can flexibly adjust the parameters of the antennas involved in the read / write process during collaborative reading and writing.

[0222] It should be understood that the above is an illustrative example and this application is not limited thereto.

[0223] Step 6, Reading and writing complete.

[0224] For example, if the read / write operation is complete, the first read / write device can send an instruction to the second read / write device to release the resources involved in the collaborative read / write operation, thereby ending the collaborative read / write process.

[0225] The above, in combination with steps 1 to 6, provides a possible process for negotiation and collaborative reading and writing between the first and second reading and writing devices. It should be understood that this application is not limited to this. Any scheme that can realize negotiation and collaborative reading and writing between the first and second reading and writing devices is applicable to the embodiments of this application.

[0226] Option 2: The management device controls multiple read / write devices to perform collaborative read / write operations.

[0227] As mentioned above, management equipment (such as...) Figure 1The management device 130 can be used to schedule and process collaboration between multiple read / write devices. Therefore, collaborative read / write between multiple read / write devices can be achieved through the management device.

[0228] Taking the first read / write device as an example, the first read / write device receives a second request message from the management device, which is used to request antenna pairing; the first read / write device sends a response to the second request message to the management device. As an example, the management device controlling collaborative read / write between multiple read / write devices may include the following steps.

[0229] Step 1: The management device determines whether there is a need for collaborative reading and writing.

[0230] For example, the management device determines whether there is a need for collaborative read / write based on the read / write requirements of the read / write area. For instance, if the read / write area is an edge area, the management device determines that the terminal devices in that area have a need for collaborative read / write. Similarly, if the read / write area is located in an area where multiple read / write devices operate simultaneously, the management device determines that the read / write area has a need for collaborative read / write. Furthermore, if the read / write area requires read / write through multiple antennas, the management device determines that the read / write area has a need for collaborative read / write.

[0231] Step 2: The management device identifies the antennas and / or reading / writing devices involved in the collaborative reading and writing process.

[0232] If the management device determines that the read / write area has a need for collaborative read / write, the management device can identify the read / write devices participating in collaborative read / write, and / or identify the antennas participating in collaborative read / write.

[0233] As an example, the management device determines the read / write devices participating in collaborative read / write. One possible implementation is that the management device can determine the read / write devices participating in collaborative read / write based on one or more of the following: antenna spatial distribution, the antennas configured for each read / write device, the actual deployment location of the read / write devices, or the location of the read / write area.

[0234] In another example, the management device identifies the antennas that participate in collaborative reading and writing.

[0235] Regarding the management equipment's determination of the read / write devices and antennas participating in collaborative read / write, please refer to the description of the determination of the first read / write device in Scheme 1, which will not be repeated here.

[0236] Optionally, the management device can designate a primary read / write device. This primary read / write device can be the read / write device responsible for the read / write process and results among multiple read / write devices participating in collaborative read / write.

[0237] Assume that the management device determines that the first read / write device and the second read / write device will participate in collaborative read / write, and the first read / write device is the master read / write device.

[0238] Step 3: The management device sends a second request message to the first and second read / write devices. This second request message is used to request collaborative read / write.

[0239] Optionally, the second request message includes one or more of the following information: the antenna for collaborative reading and writing, the communication mode of the antenna for collaborative reading and writing, the radio frequency parameter configuration, the amplitude adjustment amount, and the phase adjustment amount.

[0240] The antennas for collaborative reading and writing (including antennas and the number of antennas) may include: antennas participating in collaborative reading and writing among the antennas configured in the first reading and writing device, and antennas participating in collaborative reading and writing among the antennas configured in the second reading and writing device.

[0241] The communication mode of the antenna for collaborative reading and writing may include: the communication mode of the antennas participating in collaborative reading and writing in the antennas configured in the first reading and writing device, and / or the communication mode of the antennas participating in collaborative reading and writing in the antennas configured in the second reading and writing device.

[0242] Specifically, the RF parameter configuration can be the RF parameter configuration of the antennas participating in collaborative read / write. The amplitude adjustment amount can be the amplitude adjustment amount of the antennas participating in collaborative read / write. The phase adjustment amount can be the phase adjustment amount of the antennas participating in collaborative read / write.

[0243] Step 4: The second read / write device and the first read / write device send a response to the second request message to the management device.

[0244] The second and first read / write devices can determine whether to agree to (or accept, or permit) collaborative read / write based on the current situation, such as whether they are in a read / write state. For details, please refer to the description in Scheme 1, which will not be repeated here.

[0245] As an example, if the read / write devices (such as the second read / write device and the first read / write device) agree to collaborative read / write, they can send a response to the management device in the form of a second request message, which may be, for example, an ACK; if the read / write devices (such as the second read / write device and the first read / write device) do not agree to collaborative read / write, they can send a response to the management device in the form of a second request message, which may be, for example, a NACK.

[0246] If the second read / write device and the first read / write device do not agree to collaborative read / write, the management device can stop requesting collaborative read / write; if the second read / write device and the first read / write device agree to collaborative read / write, then proceed to step 5.

[0247] Step 5: The main read / write device (i.e., the first read / write device) starts reading and writing.

[0248] This step can be referred to in step 5 of scheme 1, and will not be repeated here.

[0249] Step 6, Reading and writing complete.

[0250] For example, once the read / write operation is complete, the management device can send an instruction to the first and second read / write devices, instructing them to release the resources involved in the collaborative read / write operation, thereby ending the collaborative read / write process.

[0251] The above steps 1 to 6 provide a possible process for a management device to control multiple read / write devices to perform collaborative read / write operations. It should be understood that this application is not limited to this; any scheme that enables a management device to control multiple read / write devices to perform collaborative read / write operations is applicable to the embodiments of this application. For example, the management device may also send a second request message to the master read / write device (such as the first read / write device), thereby allowing the master read / write device to negotiate collaborative read / write operations with other read / write devices.

[0252] It should be understood that the above mainly uses the example of two read / write devices cooperating in reading and writing, and this application does not limit the number of read / write devices participating in collaborative reading and writing.

[0253] In aspect 4, the antenna configured for the read / write device can be the same as the antenna configured for the network device.

[0254] Optionally, these multiple antennas can also be used by network devices to transmit data for cellular services.

[0255] Reading and writing devices can be integrated with network equipment (such as indoor cellular small base stations). By integrating reading and writing devices with network equipment (such as indoor cellular small base stations), the integrated RFID reading and writing and cellular services can share antennas, coverage areas, hardware platforms, and power supplies. For distinction, the device integrating reading and writing devices and network equipment will be referred to as the integrated platform below. As an example, Figure 14 A schematic diagram of a fusion platform is shown. For example... Figure 14 As shown, the converged platform may include: a baseband unit (BBU), a hub unit (such as an RHUB), and a remote radio unit (RRU) (such as a pico RRU). Transceiver antennas can be integrated within the pRRU. For example, a read / write device is integrated with the pRRU. The antennas within the pRRU can be used by the read / write device to process read / write operations. The management device can be integrated with the BBU, or it can be a separate control system; there are no limitations on this. Regarding the BBU, RHUB, and pRRU, existing technologies can be referenced; there are no limitations on this aspect.

[0256] As an example, Figure 15 Another schematic diagram of the fusion platform is shown. (For example...) Figure 15 As shown, after fusion, cellular services and read / write services can share the same antenna (e.g., ANT1 to ANT4).

[0257] One possible implementation is that the antenna (such as the antenna inside the pRRU) is used to handle cellular services and read / write services.

[0258] For example, when the converged platform processes cellular services, data from each channel is accessed by the cellular communication processing module, and the antenna switch is controlled by the cellular system; when the converged platform processes read / write services, data from each channel is accessed by the read / write communication processing module (or RFID communication processing module), and the antenna switch is controlled by the RFID system. Cellular communication can be performed according to the cellular protocol, and read / write services can be performed according to the method described in this application.

[0259] When the converged platform is processing cellular services, the RFID system can be either off or running. In the running state, each channel is temporarily occupied by the cellular processing module, and read / write services can resume when the cellular service ends.

[0260] When the converged platform is processing read / write operations, the cellular system can be either off or running. In the running state, only the channels are temporarily occupied by RFID; cellular services can be quickly restored when the RFID service ends.

[0261] Another possible implementation is that some antennas inside the pRRU are used to handle cellular services, while other antennas inside the pRRU are used to handle read / write services.

[0262] The antennas used for cellular services are different from those used for read / write services. For example, some antennas inside the pRRU are used for cellular services, while the rest are used for read / write services.

[0263] The above describes two implementation methods, and this application is not limited to these.

[0264] It is understood that the methods and operations implemented by devices (such as read / write devices or management devices) in the above-described method embodiments can also be implemented by components (such as chips or circuits) that can be used in the devices.

[0265] The above combination Figures 4 to 15 The method of this application has been described in detail below, in conjunction with... Figures 16 to 18 The apparatus of this application is described in detail below. It should be understood that the description of the apparatus embodiments corresponds to the description of the method embodiments. Therefore, for any content not described in detail, please refer to the method embodiments above. For the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0266] It is understood that the examples in the above embodiments are merely for the purpose of facilitating understanding of the embodiments of this application by those skilled in the art, and are not intended to limit the embodiments of this application to the specific scenarios illustrated. Figures 5 to 15 For example, those skilled in the art can refer to Figures 5 to 15The examples are obviously subject to various equivalent modifications or changes, and such modifications or changes also fall within the scope of the embodiments of this application.

[0267] Figure 16 This is a schematic block diagram of a signal transmission device 1600 provided in an embodiment of this application. The device 1600 can be a device or a component configurable within a device (e.g., an integrated circuit, a chip, etc.). The device 1600 includes an interface unit 1610 and a processing unit 1620. The interface unit 1610 can implement corresponding communication functions, and the processing unit 1620 is used for data processing. The interface unit 1610 can also be referred to as a communication interface, a communication unit, or a transceiver unit.

[0268] Optionally, the device 1600 may further include a storage unit for storing instructions and / or data, and the processing unit 1620 may read the instructions and / or data from the storage unit to enable the device to implement the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0269] The device 1600 can be used to perform the actions performed by the device (such as a read / write device or a management device) in the above method embodiment. The interface unit 1610 is used to perform the device-side transmit / receive related operations in the above method embodiment, and the processing unit 1620 is used to perform the device-side processing related operations in the above method embodiment.

[0270] As a design, the device 1600 is used to perform the actions performed by the first read / write device in the above method embodiments.

[0271] One possible implementation is a processing unit 1620, which is used to acquire a first communication mode, the first communication mode indicating the communication mode of multiple antennas, the multiple antennas including N1 first antennas and N2 second antennas, where N1 and N2 are integers greater than or equal to 1; and an interface unit 1610, which is used to transmit a signal through the first antenna and receive a signal through the second antenna if the first communication mode takes a first value; and to receive a signal through the first antenna and transmit a signal through the second antenna if the first communication mode takes a second value.

[0272] Optionally, the second communication mode indicates the communication mode of an antenna. For an antenna, the value of the second communication mode corresponds to any of the following communication modes: transmit mode, receive mode, and no communication mode. Among the multiple antennas, there is at least one antenna whose second communication mode is transmit mode and at least one antenna whose second communication mode is receive mode.

[0273] Optionally, the first value indicates that the communication mode of the first antenna is transmit mode, and / or that the communication mode of the second antenna is receive mode.

[0274] Optionally, the second value indicates that the communication mode of the first antenna is receive mode, and / or that the communication mode of the second antenna is transmit mode.

[0275] Optionally, the first value is associated with the first read / write area of ​​the first read / write device, and the second value is associated with the second read / write area of ​​the first read / write device.

[0276] In some possible embodiments of device 1600, the plurality of antennas further includes N3 third antennas and N4 fourth antennas, where N3 and N4 are integers greater than or equal to 1; interface unit 1610 is configured to, if the first communication mode takes a third value, transmit a signal through the first antenna on the first resource and simultaneously receive a signal through the second antenna; and transmit a signal through the third antenna on the second resource and simultaneously receive a signal through the fourth antenna; wherein the first resource and the second resource satisfy any one of the following: time division multiplexing, frequency division multiplexing, or space division multiplexing.

[0277] In some possible embodiments of the device 1600, the processing unit 1620 is specifically used to determine a first communication mode according to read / write requirements; or, the interface unit 1610 is used to receive instruction information from the management device, the instruction information being used to indicate the first communication mode.

[0278] In some possible embodiments of the device 1600, the interface unit 1610 is further configured to send a request message to the second read / write device, the request message being used to request collaborative read / write.

[0279] In some possible embodiments of the device 1600, the interface unit 1610 is further configured to receive a request message for requesting collaborative read / write; and to send a response to the request message.

[0280] Optionally, the request message may include one or more of the following information: the antenna for collaborative reading and writing, the communication mode of the antenna for collaborative reading and writing, the RF parameter configuration, the amplitude adjustment amount, and the phase adjustment amount.

[0281] Optionally, multiple antennas are also used to transmit data for cellular services.

[0282] The device 1600 can implement steps or processes corresponding to those executed by the first read / write device in the method embodiment according to the present application. The device 1600 may include tools for performing... Figures 4 to 15 The first read / write device in the device 1600 is a unit that executes the method. Furthermore, each unit in the device 1600 and the other operations and / or functions described above are respectively for implementing... Figures 4 to 15 The corresponding flow of the method embodiment in the first read / write device.

[0283] As an alternative design, the device 1600 is used to perform the actions performed by the management device in the above method embodiments.

[0284] One possible implementation is a processing unit 1620, which determines a first communication mode, indicating the communication mode of multiple antennas, including N1 first antennas and N2 second antennas, where N1 and N2 are integers greater than or equal to 1; and an interface unit 1610, which sends indication information to a first read / write device, the indication information indicating the first communication mode, wherein if the first communication mode takes a first value, it indicates that a signal is transmitted through the first antenna and a signal is received through the second antenna; if the first communication mode takes a second value, it indicates that a signal is received through the first antenna and a signal is transmitted through the transmission channel.

[0285] Optionally, the second communication mode indicates the communication mode of an antenna. For an antenna, the value of the second communication mode corresponds to any of the following communication modes: transmit mode, receive mode, and no communication mode. Among the multiple antennas, there is at least one antenna whose second communication mode is transmit mode and at least one antenna whose second communication mode is receive mode.

[0286] Optionally, the first value indicates that the communication mode of the first antenna is transmit mode, and / or that the communication mode of the second antenna is receive mode.

[0287] Optionally, the second value indicates that the communication mode of the first antenna is receive mode, and / or that the communication mode of the second antenna is transmit mode.

[0288] Optionally, the first value is associated with the first read / write area of ​​the first read / write device, and the second value is associated with the second read / write area of ​​the first read / write device.

[0289] Optionally, the multiple antennas also include N3 third antennas and N4 fourth antennas, where N3 and N4 are integers greater than or equal to 1; if the first communication mode takes the third value, it means that on the first resource, signals are transmitted through N1 first antennas and received through N2 second antennas; on the second resource, signals are transmitted through N3 third antennas and received through N4 fourth antennas; wherein the first resource and the second resource satisfy any one of the following: time division multiplexing, frequency division multiplexing, or space division multiplexing.

[0290] In some possible embodiments of the device 1600, the interface unit 1610 is further configured to send a request message to the first read / write device, the request message being used to request collaborative read / write.

[0291] Optionally, the request message may include one or more of the following information: the antenna for collaborative reading and writing, the communication mode of the antenna for collaborative reading and writing, the RF parameter configuration, the amplitude adjustment amount, and the phase adjustment amount.

[0292] The device 1600 can implement steps or processes corresponding to those executed by the management device in the method embodiments according to the present application. The device 1600 may include tools for performing... Figures 4 to 15 The unit is a management device that executes a method. Furthermore, each unit in the device 1600 and the other operations and / or functions described above are respectively for implementing... Figures 4 to 15 The corresponding flow of the method embodiment in the management device.

[0293] It should be understood that the specific process of each unit performing the above-mentioned corresponding steps has been described in detail in the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0294] like Figure 17 As shown, this application embodiment also provides a signal transmission apparatus 1700. The apparatus 1700 includes a processor 1710, which is coupled to a memory 1720. The memory 1720 is used to store computer programs or instructions and / or data. The processor 1710 is used to execute the computer programs or instructions and / or data stored in the memory 1720, so that the methods in the above method embodiments are executed.

[0295] Optionally, there may be one or more processors 1710.

[0296] Optionally, such as Figure 17 As shown, the device 1700 also includes a memory 1720. Optionally, the memory 1720 may be one or more.

[0297] Alternatively, the memory 1720 can be integrated with the processor 1710, or it can be set up separately.

[0298] Optionally, such as Figure 17 As shown, the device 1700 also includes a transceiver 1730 for receiving and / or transmitting signals. For example, a processor 1710 controls the transceiver 1730 to receive and / or transmit signals.

[0299] As one option, the device 1700 is used to implement the operations performed by the device (such as a read / write device or a management device) in the above method embodiments.

[0300] For example, processor 1710 is used to implement the processing-related operations performed by the first read / write device in the above method embodiment, and transceiver 1730 is used to implement the send / receive-related operations performed by the first read / write device in the above method embodiment.

[0301] like Figure 18As shown in the illustration, this application also provides a read / write device. The read / write device includes one or more processors, such as processor 1810. Processor 1810 can be used to implement data or signal processing functions, and can also be used to generate radio frequency excitation signals for the terminal device, thereby stimulating the terminal device.

[0302] Optionally, the read / write device also includes multiple antennas, such as antennas 1821, 1822, 1823, and 1824. Antennas 1821, 1822, 1823, and 1824 can be used to implement corresponding communication functions, such as transmitting and receiving signals. Each antenna can correspond to one transmit channel and one receive channel, such as... Figure 18 The sending and receiving channels in the system.

[0303] Optionally, the read / write device may also include one or more switches, such as switch 1831, switch 1832, switch 1833, and switch 1834. These switches can be used to control the antenna, specifically to control whether to select the receiving channel of the corresponding antenna to receive signals or to select the transmitting channel of the corresponding antenna to transmit signals.

[0304] It should be understood that this application does not restrict the specific form of the read / write device.

[0305] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions for implementing the methods executed by a device (such as a read / write device or a management device) in the above method embodiments.

[0306] For example, when the computer program is executed by the computer, it enables the computer to implement the method executed by the first read / write device in the above method embodiments.

[0307] This application also provides a computer program product containing instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method described in the above method embodiments, which is executed by a device (such as a read / write device or a management device).

[0308] This application also provides a communication system, which includes a first read / write device and a second read / write device as described in the above embodiments; or, the communication system includes a first read / write device and a management device as described in the above embodiments; or, the communication system includes a first read / write device, a second read / write device, and a management device as described in the above embodiments.

[0309] The explanation and beneficial effects of the relevant contents of any of the devices provided above can be referred to the corresponding method embodiments provided above, and will not be repeated here.

[0310] It should be understood that the processor mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0311] It should also be understood that the memory mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM). For example, RAM can be used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, RAM can include a variety of forms, such as: static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous linked dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0312] It should be noted that when the processor is a general-purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA, or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, or discrete hardware component, the memory (storage module) can be integrated into the processor.

[0313] It should also be noted that the memory described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0314] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementations should not be considered beyond the scope of protection of this application.

[0315] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces, and the indirect coupling or communication connection of apparatus or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0316] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to implement the solution provided in this application, depending on actual needs.

[0317] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0318] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. A computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the flow or function according to the embodiments of this application is generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. For example, the computer can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc. Computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media can be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., DVDs), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state disks, SSDs). For example, the aforementioned available media may include, but are not limited to, USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks, and other media capable of storing program code.

[0319] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for signal transmission, characterized in that, include: The first read / write device acquires a first communication mode, which indicates the communication mode of multiple antennas, including N1 first antennas and N2 second antennas, where N1 and N2 are integers greater than or equal to 1. If the first communication mode takes the first value, then the first read / write device transmits signals through the N1 first antennas and receives signals through the N2 second antennas. If the first communication mode takes the second value, then the first read / write device receives signals through the N1 first antennas and transmits signals through the N2 second antennas.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second communication mode indicates the communication mode of an antenna. For an antenna, the value of the second communication mode corresponds to any of the following communication modes: transmit mode, receive mode, no communication mode. Among the plurality of antennas, there is at least one antenna whose second communication mode is transmit mode and at least one antenna whose second communication mode is receive mode.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first value indicates that the communication mode of the first antenna is transmit mode, and / or the communication mode of the second antenna is receive mode.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The second value indicates that the communication mode of the first antenna is a receive mode, and / or that the communication mode of the second antenna is a transmit mode.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first value is associated with the first read / write area of ​​the first read / write device, and the second value is associated with the second read / write area of ​​the first read / write device.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The plurality of antennas further includes N3 third antennas and N4 fourth antennas, where N3 and N4 are integers greater than or equal to 1; the method further includes: If the first communication mode takes the third value, then on the first resource, the first read / write device transmits signals through the N1 first antennas and receives signals through the N2 second antennas; on the second resource, the first read / write device transmits signals through the N3 third antennas and receives signals through the N4 fourth antennas. Wherein, the first resource and the second resource satisfy any one of the following: time division multiplexing, frequency division multiplexing, or space division multiplexing.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first read / write device acquires the first communication mode, including: The first read / write device determines the first communication mode based on read / write requirements; or, The first read / write device receives instruction information from the management device, the instruction information being used to indicate the first communication mode.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first read / write device sends a request message to the second read / write device, the request message being used to request collaborative read / write.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The request message includes one or more of the following information: The antenna for collaborative reading and writing, the communication mode of the antenna for collaborative reading and writing, the radio frequency parameter configuration, the amplitude adjustment amount, and the phase adjustment amount.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first read / write device receives a request message, which is used to request collaborative read / write; The first read / write device sends a response to the request message.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The request message includes one or more of the following information: The antenna for collaborative reading and writing, the communication mode of the antenna for collaborative reading and writing, the radio frequency parameter configuration, the amplitude adjustment amount, and the phase adjustment amount.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The multiple antennas are also used to transmit data for cellular services.

13. A method for signal transmission, characterized in that, include: A first communication mode is determined, which indicates the communication mode of multiple antennas, the multiple antennas including N1 first antennas and N2 second antennas, where N1 and N2 are integers greater than or equal to 1; Send indication information to the first read / write device, the indication information being used to indicate the first communication mode; Wherein, if the first communication mode takes a first value, it means that the signal is transmitted through the N1 first antennas and the signal is received through the N2 second antennas; if the first communication mode takes a second value, it means that the signal is received through the N1 first antennas and the signal is transmitted through the N2 second antennas.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The second communication mode indicates the communication mode of an antenna. For an antenna, the value of the second communication mode corresponds to any of the following communication modes: transmit mode, receive mode, no communication mode. Among the plurality of antennas, there is at least one antenna whose second communication mode is transmit mode and at least one antenna whose second communication mode is receive mode.

15. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The first value indicates that the communication mode of the first antenna is transmit mode, and / or the communication mode of the second antenna is receive mode.

16. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that, The second value indicates that the communication mode of the first antenna is a receive mode, and / or that the communication mode of the second antenna is a transmit mode.

17. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that, The first value is associated with the first read / write area of ​​the first read / write device, and the second value is associated with the second read / write area of ​​the first read / write device.

18. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that, The plurality of antennas also includes N3 third antennas and N4 fourth antennas, where N3 and N4 are integers greater than or equal to 1; If the first communication mode takes the third value, it means that on the first resource, signals are transmitted through the N1 first antennas and received through the N2 second antennas; on the second resource, signals are transmitted through the N3 third antennas and received through the N4 fourth antennas. Wherein, the first resource and the second resource satisfy any one of the following: time division multiplexing, frequency division multiplexing, or space division multiplexing.

19. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that, The method further includes: A request message is sent to the first read / write device, the request message being used to request collaborative read / write.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, The request message includes one or more of the following information: The antenna for collaborative reading and writing, the communication mode of the antenna for collaborative reading and writing, the radio frequency parameter configuration, the amplitude adjustment amount, and the phase adjustment amount.

21. A signal transmission device, characterized in that, include: A processor is configured to execute a computer program stored in a memory to cause the apparatus to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, or to cause the apparatus to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 20.

22. The apparatus according to claim 21, characterized in that, The device also includes the memory.

23. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, or causes the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 13 to 20.

24. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes instructions for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, or the computer program product includes instructions for performing the method as described in any one of claims 13 to 20.

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