Communication method, communication device, chip and computer readable storage medium

Abstract

Disclosed are a communication method, a communication device, a chip and a computer readable storage medium, the method being applicable to a communication system comprising a master node and a plurality of slave nodes, the method comprising: generating a first frame at least used for determining a sleep start time of a second node; and sending the first frame. In the embodiment of the invention, the first frame is at least used for determining the dormancy starting time of the second node, so that the second node determines the dormancy starting time and then enters the dormancy state after the dormancy starting time is reached, and the power consumption can be reduced. Further, the first frame is specifically used for determining sleep start time of the second node and one or more subordinate nodes of the second node; the second node and one or more subordinate nodes of the second node can determine the same dormancy starting time, so that synchronous dormancy is realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of communications, and in particular to a communication method, a communication device, a chip, and a computer-readable storage medium. Background Art

[0002] In the in-vehicle multi-node wired audio transmission system, a daisy chain topology is often used between the master node and multiple slave nodes. In the in-vehicle multi-node wired audio transmission system, the system on chip (SOC) of the vehicle machine acts as the host and communicates with the peripherals of the slave nodes through the master node. An example of an in-vehicle multi-node wired audio transmission system is as follows: the vehicle machine SOC is connected to the master node as the host, the audio codec (Code decode, Codec) is connected to the first slave node (the audio encoder is a peripheral external to the first slave node), the peripheral of microphone (MIC) 1 is connected to the second slave node, and the peripheral of MIC2 is connected to the third slave node. In this example, the audio signal to be played is sent from the host to the audio codec through the master node-first slave node; the audio signal collected by MIC1 is transmitted to the host through the second slave node-first slave node-master node; the audio signal collected by MIC2 is transmitted to the host through the third slave node-second slave node-first slave node-master node.

[0003] When the vehicle-mounted multi-node wired audio transmission system has no data service transmission, if the nodes in the system are dormant, the power consumption of the system can be reduced. Therefore, it is necessary to study how to control the dormancy of nodes in the transmission system in order to reduce power consumption. Summary of the invention

[0004] The embodiments of the present application disclose a communication method, a communication device, a chip and a computer-readable storage medium, which can control multiple nodes in a transmission system to sleep synchronously, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0005] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, the method is applied to a first node, the method comprising: generating a first frame, the first frame being used at least for determining a sleep start time of a second node; sending the first frame. The first frame being used at least for determining a sleep start time of the second node can be replaced by: the first frame being used at least for determining a sleep start time of the second node. The first node and the second node are different.

[0006] In the embodiment of the present application, the first frame is at least used to determine the sleep start time of the second node, so that the second node determines its sleep start time and then enters the sleep state after reaching the sleep start time, which can reduce power consumption.

[0007] In a possible implementation, the first frame is specifically used for the second node and one or more subordinate nodes of the second node to determine the sleep start time. Exemplarily, the first node is a master node in a communication system, the second node is a slave node in the communication system, and the time offset (offset) of the sleep start time determined by each subordinate node of the second node and any two nodes of the second node is less than the transmission period of the communication frame in the communication system, for example, the transmission period is 20.83us, and the time offset of the sleep start time determined by any two nodes does not exceed 2us. In this example, the sleep start time determined by the second node and one or more subordinate nodes of the second node is basically the same, so that the second node and one or more subordinate nodes of the second node enter the sleep state after the sleep start time determined by each node, and the second node and one or more subordinate nodes of the second node can achieve synchronous sleep, that is, sleep at the same time, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0008] In this implementation, the first frame is specifically used for the second node and one or more subordinate nodes of the second node to determine the sleep start time, so that the second node and one or more subordinate nodes of the second node determine their own sleep start time, and then enter the sleep state after reaching the sleep start time, which can reduce power consumption.

[0009] In a possible implementation, the number of the second nodes is k, that is, the first frame is used at least for determining the sleep start time of k second nodes, and k is an integer greater than 1. The k second nodes can determine their own sleep start time based on the first frame. Exemplarily, the first node is a master node in a communication system, and the k second nodes are k slave nodes in the communication system. The time offset (offset) between any two determined sleep start times of the k second nodes is less than the transmission period of the communication frame (such as the control frame below) in the communication system, for example, the transmission period is 20.83us, and the time offset of the sleep start time determined by any two nodes does not exceed 2us. In this example, the first frame is used at least for k second nodes to determine the sleep start time, and the sleep start time determined by the k second nodes is substantially the same, so that the k second nodes enter the sleep state after the sleep start time determined by each node, and the synchronous sleep of the k second nodes can be achieved, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0010] In this implementation, the first frame is used for at least k second nodes to determine the sleep start time, so that the k second nodes determine their own sleep start time and then enter the sleep state after reaching the sleep start time, which can reduce power consumption.

[0011] In a possible implementation, the first frame includes first indication information and second indication information, the first indication information is at least used to indicate that the first frame is a control frame for determining the sleep start time, and the second indication information is at least used to determine the sleep start time.

[0012] In this implementation, the first indication information is at least used to indicate that the first frame is a control frame for determining the sleep start time, so that the second node learns that the first frame is a control frame for determining the sleep start time based on the first indication information. The second indication information is at least used to determine the sleep start time, so that the second node determines its sleep start time based on the second indication information.

[0013] In a possible implementation, the second indication information includes a backoff count value, and the backoff count value is associated with a first time interval, and the first time interval is equal to the time interval between the moment when the second node receives the first frame and the sleep start time of the second node. An example of the backoff count value being associated with the first time interval is: the backoff count value is positively correlated with the first time interval. In the present application, the time interval can be replaced by a time offset or a time offset value. For example, the first time interval can be replaced by a first time offset or a first time offset value.

[0014] In this implementation, the backoff count value is associated with the first time interval, so that the second node obtains the first time interval based on the backoff count value and further determines its sleep start time.

[0015] In a possible implementation, the product of the backoff count value and a first period is equal to the first time interval, and the first period is a sending period of the control frame.

[0016] In this implementation, the product of the backoff count value and the first period is equal to the first time interval, so that the second node can accurately obtain the first time interval.

[0017] In a possible implementation manner, the first indication information includes a frame type of the first frame, and the frame type of the first frame is at least used to indicate that the first frame is a control frame for determining the sleep start time.

[0018] In this implementation, the frame type of the first frame is at least used to indicate that the first frame is a control frame for determining the sleep start time, so that the second node determines that the first frame is a control frame for determining the sleep start time based on the frame type of the first frame.

[0019] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: sending a second frame, wherein the second frame is used for the second node to maintain clock synchronization with the first node. The second frame can be named a heartbeat frame or other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0020] In this implementation, the second frame is sent so that the second node maintains clock synchronization with the first node through the second frame, which facilitates rapid recovery when the second node is awakened, that is, facilitates the second node to enter the working state from the sleep state more quickly.

[0021] In one possible implementation, before sending the second frame, the method also includes: sending a third frame, wherein the third frame is at least used by the second node to determine the sleep start time, the sleep start time is a first moment, and the time interval between the first moment and the moment when the second node receives the third frame is less than a time threshold.

[0022] In this implementation, the third frame is sent, and the third frame is at least used for the second node to determine the sleep start time, which can avoid the second node being unable to determine its sleep start time when it fails to correctly receive the first frame.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the third frame includes a frame type of the third frame and a backoff count value, wherein the frame type of the third frame is at least used to indicate that the third frame is a control frame for determining the sleep start time, and the backoff count value in the third frame is at least used by the second node to determine the sleep start time.

[0024] In this implementation, the frame type of the third frame is at least used to indicate that the third frame is a control frame for determining the sleep start time, so that the second node determines that the third frame is a control frame for determining the sleep start time based on the frame type of the third frame. The backoff count value in the third frame can enable the second node to determine its sleep start time.

[0025] In a possible implementation manner, the backoff count value in the third frame is 0.

[0026] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving a fourth frame, the fourth frame being at least used to indicate that the second node has correctly received a control frame for determining the sleep start time; and stopping sending a control frame at least used by the second node to determine the sleep start time.

[0027] In this implementation, after receiving the fourth frame, the control frame used at least for the second node to determine the sleep start time stops being sent, which can save signaling overhead.

[0028] In a possible implementation manner, the fourth frame is specifically used to indicate that the second node and each subordinate node of the second node have correctly received the control frame used to determine the sleep start time.

[0029] In this implementation, after receiving the fourth frame, the control frame used at least for the second node to determine the sleep start time stops being sent, which can save signaling overhead.

[0030] In one possible implementation, after stopping sending the control frame used at least for the second node to determine the sleep start time, the method further includes: entering the sleep state after reaching a target time point, where the target time point is a preset time point or the sleep start time.

[0031] In this implementation, after reaching the target time point, the system enters a sleep state, thereby saving power consumption.

[0032] In a possible implementation, the first node is a master node in the vehicle-mounted multi-node wired audio transmission system, and the second node is a slave node in the vehicle-mounted multi-node wired audio transmission system. Exemplarily, a daisy chain topology is adopted between the master node and multiple slave nodes (including the second node) in the vehicle-mounted multi-node wired audio transmission system. Exemplarily, a star topology is adopted between the master node and multiple slave nodes (including the second node) in the vehicle-mounted multi-node wired audio transmission system.

[0033] In this implementation, the first frame is used at least for the slave node in the vehicle-mounted multi-node wired audio transmission system to determine the sleep start time, and then enter the sleep state after reaching the sleep start time, which can reduce power consumption.

[0034] In a possible implementation, the number of the second nodes is k, where k is an integer greater than 1, the first node is a node in a communication system, and the second nodes include k nodes of the communication system that have synchronous sleep requirements.

[0035] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: receiving a seventh frame, where the seventh frame is at least used to indicate that the second node has not correctly received the first frame.

[0036] In this implementation, by receiving the seventh frame, it can be known that the second node has not correctly received the first frame, so as to continue to send control frames for the second node to determine the sleep start time.

[0037] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: receiving an eighth frame, where the eighth frame is at least used to indicate that the second node or at least one subordinate node of the second node has not correctly received the first frame.

[0038] In this implementation, the eighth frame is received so as to continue to send control frames for the second node and the subordinate nodes of the second node to determine the sleep start time.

[0039] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides another communication method, which is applied to a second node, and the method includes: receiving a first frame transmitted through a channel, the first frame being at least used to determine a sleep start time of the second node; parsing the received first frame transmitted through the channel. The first frame being at least used to determine a sleep start time of the second node can be replaced by: the first frame is at least used for the second node to determine a sleep start time. The first node and the second node are different.

[0040] In the embodiment of the present application, the first frame is at least used to determine the sleep start time of the second node; the second node can obtain its sleep start time by parsing the first frame, and then enter the sleep state after reaching the sleep start time, which can reduce power consumption.

[0041] In a possible implementation manner, the first frame is specifically used by the second node and one or more subordinate nodes of the second node to determine the sleep start time.

[0042] In this implementation, the first frame is specifically used for the second node and one or more subordinate nodes of the second node to determine the sleep start time. The second node and the subordinate nodes of the second node can parse the first frame to determine their respective sleep start times, and then enter the sleep state after reaching the sleep start time, which can reduce power consumption.

[0043] In a possible implementation manner, the number of the second nodes is k, that is, the first frame is used to determine the sleep start time of at least k second nodes, and k is an integer greater than 1.

[0044] In this implementation, the first frame is used by at least k second nodes to determine the sleep start time. The k second nodes can determine their respective sleep start times by parsing the first frame, and then enter the sleep state after reaching the sleep start time, which can reduce power consumption.

[0045] In a possible implementation, the first frame includes first indication information and second indication information, the first indication information is at least used to indicate that the first frame is a control frame for determining the sleep start time, and the second indication information indicates a control frame for determining the sleep start time.

[0046] In this implementation, the first indication information is at least used to indicate that the first frame is a control frame for determining the sleep start time, and the second node can know that the first frame is a control frame for determining the sleep start time based on the first indication information. The second indication information is at least used to determine the sleep start time, and the second node can determine its sleep start time based on the second indication information.

[0047] In a possible implementation, the second indication information includes a backoff count value, where the backoff count value is associated with a first time interval, where the first time interval is equal to a time interval between a moment when the second node receives the first frame and a sleep start time of the second node.

[0048] In this implementation, the backoff count value is associated with the first time interval, and the second node obtains the first time interval based on the backoff count value, and further determines its sleep start time.

[0049] In a possible implementation, the product of the backoff count value and a first period is equal to the first time interval, and the first period is a sending period of the control frame.

[0050] In this implementation, the product of the backoff count value and the first period is equal to the first time interval. The second node can accurately obtain the first time interval based on the backoff count value.

[0051] In a possible implementation manner, the first indication information includes a frame type of the first frame, and the frame type of the first frame is at least used to indicate that the first frame is a control frame for determining the sleep start time.

[0052] In this implementation, the frame type of the first frame is at least used to indicate that the first frame is a control frame for determining the sleep start time, and the second node can determine that the first frame is a control frame for determining the sleep start time based on the frame type of the first frame.

[0053] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving a second frame, the second frame being used at least for the second node to maintain clock synchronization with the first node, the first node being a source of the first frame. The source of the first frame refers to the node that first sends the first frame, rather than the node that forwards the first frame.

[0054] In this implementation, the second node maintains clock synchronization with the first node through the second frame, so as to facilitate rapid recovery when the second node is awakened, that is, to facilitate the second node to enter the working state from the sleep state more quickly.

[0055] In one possible implementation, before receiving the second frame, the method also includes: receiving a third frame, wherein the third frame is at least used by the second node to determine the sleep start time, the sleep start time is a first moment, and the time interval between the first moment and the moment when the second node receives the third frame is less than a time threshold.

[0056] In this implementation, the third frame is received and the third frame is at least used for the second node to determine the sleep start time, which can avoid the second node being unable to determine its sleep start time when it fails to correctly receive the first frame.

[0057] In one possible implementation, the third frame includes a frame type of the third frame and a backoff count value, wherein the frame type of the third frame is at least used to indicate that the third frame is a control frame for determining the sleep start time, and the backoff count value in the third frame is at least used by the second node to determine the sleep start time.

[0058] In this implementation, the frame type of the third frame is at least used to indicate that the third frame is a control frame for determining the sleep start time, and the second node can determine that the third frame is a control frame for determining the sleep start time based on the frame type of the third frame. The second node can determine its sleep start time based on the backoff count value in the third frame.

[0059] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: forwarding the received first frame transmitted via a channel.

[0060] In this implementation, the first frame is forwarded so that a subordinate node of the second node can determine the sleep start time.

[0061] In a possible implementation, after forwarding the first frame received and transmitted via the channel, the method further includes: sending a fourth frame, wherein the fourth frame is at least used to indicate that the second node has correctly received a control frame used by the second node to determine the sleep start time.

[0062] In this implementation, sending the fourth frame can indicate that the second node has correctly received the control frame used by the second node to determine the sleep start time.

[0063] In a possible implementation manner, the fourth frame is specifically used to indicate that the second node and each subordinate node of the second node have correctly received the control frame used to determine the sleep start time.

[0064] In this implementation, the first node can stop sending control frames used for the second node to determine the sleep start time, and signaling overhead can be saved.

[0065] In one possible implementation, before sending the fourth frame, the method also includes: receiving a fifth frame, wherein the fifth frame is at least used to indicate that each subordinate node of the second node has correctly received a control frame for determining the sleep start time; sending the fourth frame includes: sending the fourth frame when the second node correctly receives the control frame for the second node to determine the sleep start time.

[0066] In this implementation, the fourth frame is sent when the second node and the subordinate node of the second node both correctly receive the control frame for determining the sleep start time, so that the first node stops sending the control frame for determining the sleep start time for the second node, thereby saving signaling overhead.

[0067] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: forwarding the first frame if the first frame is received correctly; or sending a sixth frame if the first frame is not received correctly, wherein the sixth frame is at least used to indicate that the second node did not correctly receive the first frame.

[0068] In this implementation, if the first frame is correctly received, the first frame is forwarded; if the first frame is not correctly received, the sixth frame is sent; forwarding of the incorrectly received first frame can be avoided, thereby saving signaling overhead.

[0069] In a possible implementation, the information source of the first frame is a master node in a vehicle-mounted multi-node wired audio transmission system, and the second node is a slave node in the vehicle-mounted multi-node wired audio transmission system.

[0070] In this implementation, the first frame is used at least for the slave node in the vehicle-mounted multi-node wired audio transmission system to determine the sleep start time, and then enter the sleep state after reaching the sleep start time, which can reduce power consumption.

[0071] In a possible implementation, the number of the second nodes is k, where k is an integer greater than 1, the first node is a node in a communication system, and the second nodes include k nodes of the communication system that have synchronous sleep requirements.

[0072] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: sending a seventh frame, where the seventh frame is at least used to indicate that the second node has not correctly received the first frame.

[0073] In this implementation, the seventh frame is sent so that the first node learns that the second node has not correctly received the first frame, and then continues to send control frames for the second node to determine the sleep start time.

[0074] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: sending an eighth frame, where the eighth frame is at least used to indicate that the second node or at least one subordinate node of the second node has not correctly received the first frame.

[0075] In this implementation, the eighth frame is sent so that the first node continues to send control frames for the second node and the subordinate nodes of the second node to determine the sleep start time.

[0076] In one possible implementation, before sending the eighth frame, the method also includes: receiving a ninth frame, wherein the ninth frame is used to indicate that at least one subordinate node of the second node has not correctly received a control frame for determining the sleep start time; or, determining that the second node has not correctly received a control frame for determining the sleep start time.

[0077] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: sending a tenth frame, where the tenth frame is used to indicate whether the second node has correctly or incorrectly received a control frame used to determine the sleep start time.

[0078] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, which has the function of implementing the behavior in the method embodiment of the first aspect above. The communication device may be a network device, or a component of a network device (such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the network device. The communication device may also be a terminal device, or a component of a terminal device (such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the terminal device. The function of the communication device may be implemented by hardware, or by hardware executing corresponding software implementations, and the hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above functions. The communication device may be the first node in the first aspect. In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a transceiver module and a processing module, wherein: the processing module is used to generate a first frame, and the first frame is at least used to determine the sleep start time of the second node; the transceiver module is used to send the first frame.

[0079] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module is further used to send a second frame, where the second frame is used for the second node to maintain clock synchronization with the communication device (ie, the first node).

[0080] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module is also used to send a third frame, and the third frame is at least used by the second node to determine the sleep start time, the sleep start time is a first moment, and the time interval between the first moment and the moment when the second node receives the third frame is less than a time threshold.

[0081] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module is also used to receive a fourth frame, and the fourth frame is at least used to indicate that the second node has correctly received the control frame used to determine the sleep start time; the processing module is also used to control the transceiver module to stop sending at least the control frame used by the second node to determine the sleep start time.

[0082] In a possible implementation, the processing module is further used to control the communication device to enter a sleep state after reaching a target time point, and the target time point is a preset time point or the sleep start time.

[0083] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module is further used to receive a seventh frame, and the seventh frame is at least used to indicate that the second node has not correctly received the first frame.

[0084] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module is further used to receive an eighth frame, where the eighth frame is at least used to indicate that the second node or at least one subordinate node of the second node has not correctly received the first frame.

[0085] Possible implementations of the communication device of the third aspect may refer to various possible implementations of the first aspect.

[0086] For the technical effects brought about by various possible implementation methods of the third aspect, reference may be made to the introduction to the technical effects of the first aspect or various possible implementation methods of the first aspect.

[0087] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, which has the function of implementing the behavior in the method embodiment of the second aspect above. The communication device may be a network device, or a component of a network device (such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the network device. The communication device may also be a terminal device, or a component of a terminal device (such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the terminal device. The function of the communication device may be implemented by hardware, or by hardware executing corresponding software implementations, and the hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above functions. The communication device may be the second node in the second aspect. In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a transceiver module and a processing module, wherein: the transceiver module is used to receive a first frame transmitted through a channel, and the first frame is at least used to determine the sleep start time of the second node; the processing module is used to parse the first frame received through the channel transmission.

[0088] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module is further used to receive a second frame, the second frame is at least used for the second node to maintain clock synchronization with the first node, and the first node is the source of the first frame. The source of the first frame refers to the first node that sends the first frame, rather than the node that forwards the first frame.

[0089] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module is also used to receive a third frame, and the third frame is at least used by the second node to determine the sleep start time, the sleep start time is a first moment, and the time interval between the first moment and the moment when the second node receives the third frame is less than a time threshold.

[0090] In a possible implementation manner, the transceiver module is further configured to forward the first frame received and transmitted through a channel.

[0091] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module is further used to send a fourth frame, where the fourth frame is at least used to indicate that the second node has correctly received a control frame used by the second node to determine the sleep start time.

[0092] In a possible implementation manner, the fourth frame is specifically used to indicate that the second node and each subordinate node of the second node have correctly received the control frame used to determine the sleep start time.

[0093] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module is also used to receive a fifth frame, and the fifth frame is at least used to indicate that each subordinate node of the second node has correctly received the control frame used to determine the sleep start time; the processing module is also used to control the transceiver module to send the fourth frame when the second node correctly receives the control frame used by the second node to determine the sleep start time.

[0094] In one possible implementation, the processing module is further used to control the transceiver module to forward the first frame when the first frame is correctly received; or, to control the transceiver module to send a sixth frame when the first frame is not correctly received, and the sixth frame is at least used to indicate that the second node has not correctly received the first frame.

[0095] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module is further used to send a seventh frame, and the seventh frame is at least used to indicate that the second node has not correctly received the first frame.

[0096] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module is further used to send an eighth frame, where the eighth frame is at least used to indicate that the second node or at least one subordinate node of the second node has not correctly received the first frame.

[0097] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module is further used to receive a ninth frame, where the ninth frame is used to indicate that at least one subordinate node of the second node has not correctly received a control frame used to determine the sleep start time.

[0098] In a possible implementation manner, the processing module is further used to determine that the second node has not correctly received a control frame used to determine the sleep start time.

[0099] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module is further used to send a tenth frame, where the tenth frame is used to indicate whether the second node has correctly or incorrectly received a control frame used to determine the sleep start time.

[0100] Possible implementations of the communication device of the fourth aspect may refer to various possible implementations of the second aspect.

[0101] For the technical effects brought about by various possible implementation methods of the fourth aspect, reference may be made to the introduction to the technical effects of the second aspect or various possible implementation methods of the second aspect.

[0102] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides another communication device, which includes one or more processors, and the one or more processors are used to process data and / or information so that the method in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect is implemented, or so that the method in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect is implemented.

[0103] Optionally, the communication device further includes a memory storing a program or instruction, and when the program or instruction is executed by the processor, the communication device executes the method as shown in any one of the first aspect to the second aspect. Exemplarily, the communication device may be a chip, the processor may be a processing unit in the chip, and the memory may be a random access memory or a cache in the chip.

[0104] In the embodiment of the present application, in the process of executing the above method, the process of sending information (or signal) in the above method can be understood as the process of outputting information based on the instructions of the processor. When outputting information, the processor outputs the information to the transceiver so that it can be transmitted by the transceiver. After the information is output by the processor, it may also be processed in other ways before reaching the transceiver. Similarly, when the processor receives input information, the transceiver receives the information and inputs it into the processor. Furthermore, after the transceiver receives the information, the information may be processed in other ways before being input into the processor.

[0105] For operations such as sending and / or receiving involved by the processor, unless otherwise specified or unless they conflict with the actual function or internal logic in the relevant description, they can be generally understood as instructions output based on the processor.

[0106] During the implementation process, the processor may be a processor specifically used to execute these methods, or may be a processor that executes computer instructions in a memory to execute these methods, such as a general-purpose processor, etc. For example, the processor may also be used to execute a program stored in the memory, and when the program is executed, the communication device executes the method as shown in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect.

[0107] In a possible implementation, the memory is located outside the communication device. In a possible implementation, the memory is located inside the communication device.

[0108] In a possible implementation, the processor and the memory may also be integrated into one device, that is, the processor and the memory may also be integrated together.

[0109] In a possible implementation, the communication device further includes a transceiver, and the transceiver is used to receive a signal or send a signal.

[0110] In a sixth aspect, the present application provides another communication device, which includes a processing circuit and an interface circuit, wherein the interface circuit is used to acquire or output data; the processing circuit is used to execute the method shown in any one of the first to second aspects above.

[0111] In a seventh aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, in which a computer program is stored. The computer program includes program instructions, and when the program instructions are executed, the computer executes the method shown in any one of the first to second aspects above.

[0112] In an eighth aspect, the present application provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program, and the computer program includes program instructions, which, when executed, enable a computer to execute a method as shown in any one of the first to second aspects above.

[0113] In a ninth aspect, the present application provides a chip comprising a communication interface and a processor; the communication interface is used for sending and receiving signals of the chip; the processor is used for executing computer program instructions so that a communication device including the chip executes a method as shown in any one of the first to second aspects above.

[0114] In the tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication system, comprising the communication device described in the third aspect or any possible implementation of the third aspect, and the communication device described in the fourth aspect or any possible implementation of the fourth aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0115] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application or the background technology, the drawings required for use in the embodiments of the present application or the background technology will be described below.

[0116] Figure 1 A schematic block diagram of a communication system 100 provided in an embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0117] Figure 2 An example of a vehicle-mounted multi-node wired audio transmission system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0118] Figure 3 A schematic block diagram of a communication system 300 provided in an embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0119] Figure 4 An example of another vehicle-mounted multi-node wired audio transmission system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0120] Figure 5 An interactive flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0121] Fig. 6A An example of a frame structure diagram of a first frame provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0122] Figure 6B An example of another frame structure schematic diagram of a first frame provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0123] Figure 7 Another communication method interaction flow chart provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0124] Figure 8 Another communication method interaction flow chart provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0125] Fig. 9 Another communication method interaction flow chart provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0126] Fig.10 A schematic diagram of a first uplink frame provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0127] Fig.11 Another communication method interaction flow chart provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0128] Fig.12 Another communication method interaction flow chart provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0129] Fig.13 Another communication method interaction flow chart provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0130] Fig.14A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 1400 provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0131] Fig.15 A schematic diagram of the structure of another communication device 150 provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0132] Fig.16 A schematic diagram of the structure of another communication device 160 provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0133] The terms "first" and "second" in the specification, claims and drawings of the present application are only used to distinguish different objects, rather than to describe a specific order. It is understood that the various digital numbers involved in the embodiments of the present application are only for the convenience of description and are not used to limit the scope of the embodiments of the present application. The size of the sequence number of the above-mentioned processes does not mean the order of execution, and the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and inherent logic. In addition, the terms "including" and "having" and any of their variations are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, system, product or equipment, etc., comprising a series of steps or units, is not limited to the listed steps or units, but optionally also includes steps or units that are not listed, etc., or optionally also includes other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products or equipment, etc.

[0134] The "embodiment" mentioned in this article means that the specific features, structures or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment of the present application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it an independent or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It can be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0135] The terms used in the following embodiments of the present application are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments, and are not intended to be used as limitations to the present application. As used in the specification and the appended claims of the present application, the singular expressions "one", "a kind of", "said", "above", "the" and "this" are intended to also include plural expressions, unless there is a clear contrary indication in its context. It should also be understood that the term "and / or" used in the present application refers to and includes any or all possible combinations of one or more listed items. For example, "A and / or B" can represent: only A exists, only B exists, and A and B exist at the same time, wherein A, B can be singular or plural. The term "multiple" used in the present application refers to two or more. In the textual description of the present application, the character " / " generally indicates that the front and back associated objects are a kind of "or" relationship.

[0136] It can be understood that in each embodiment of the present application, "A corresponds to B" means that there is a corresponding relationship between A and B, and B can be determined according to A. However, it should also be understood that determining (or generating) B according to (or based on) A does not mean that B is determined (or generated) only according to (or based on) A, and B can also be determined (or generated) according to (or based on) A and / or other information.

[0137] It should be understood that in the present application, indication includes direct indication (also called explicit indication) and implicit indication. Wherein, direct indication of information A means including the information A; implicit indication of information A means indicating information A through the correspondence between information A and information B and direct indication of information B. Wherein, the correspondence between information A and information B can be predefined, pre-stored, pre-burned, or pre-configured.

[0138] It should be understood that in the present application, information C is used to determine information D, which includes information D being determined based only on information C, and information D being determined based on information C and other information. In addition, information C is used to determine information D, and it can also be indirectly determined, for example, information D is determined based on information E, and information E is determined based on information C.

[0139] In addition, "network element A sends information A to network element B" in each embodiment of the present application can be understood as the destination end of the information A or the intermediate network element in the transmission path between the destination end and the network element B, which may include directly or indirectly sending information to network element B. "Network element B receives information A from network element A" can be understood as the source end of the information A or the intermediate network element in the transmission path between the source end and the network element A, which may include directly or indirectly receiving information from network element A. The information may be processed as necessary between the source end and the destination end of the information transmission, such as format changes, etc., but the destination end can understand the valid information from the source end. Similar expressions in the present application can be understood similarly and will not be repeated here.

[0140] To facilitate understanding of the solutions of the present application, the following first introduces the terms and technical solutions involved in the embodiments of the present application.

[0141] Cockpit domain controller (or control domain cockpit, CDC): It can also be called the vehicle computer. The functions of the vehicle computer can include functions in the cockpit such as radio, music and video playback, navigation, etc. It can also include communication functions (4G, 5G, etc.), realizing information communication between people and cars, and cars and the outside world, enhancing user experience and service and safety-related functions.

[0142] Master node and slave node: two types of communication devices with communication functions distinguished by logical functions, respectively called master nodes and slave nodes. A master node refers to a communication device that can communicate with a slave node and has the ability to manage the slave node (such as scheduling resources for the slave node). For example, the master node can manage the resources of the communication domain and has the function of scheduling resources for the communication link between the master node and the slave node. A slave node refers to a device that can obey the management of the master node and has the ability to communicate using the resources allocated by the master node. The master node or slave node can be various communication devices. For example, the master node is a car computer, and the slave node is a speaker or a microphone. The car computer establishes a communication connection with the speaker or microphone to realize data interaction. The car computer manages the speaker or microphone. For another example, the master node is a mobile phone, and the slave node is a headset. The mobile phone establishes a communication connection with the headset to realize data interaction. The mobile phone manages the headset, and the mobile phone has the function of allocating resources, and can allocate resources for the headset to communicate with the mobile phone.

[0143] Communication domain: A system consisting of a group of communication devices with communication relationships and communication relationships between communication devices. Communication relationships refer to the relationship between communication devices that can communicate. Usually, a communication domain includes a master node and at least one slave node. The master node and the slave node communicate using resources scheduled by the master node. For example, in a communication domain, CDC is the master node, and car speakers, microphones, etc. are slave nodes.

[0144] The following introduces a communication system to which the technical solution provided by this application is applicable.

[0145] Figure 1 FIG. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of a communication system 100 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The communication system 100 includes at least one communication domain. Figure 1 , a communication domain 110 is shown, which includes a master node and multiple slave nodes (only three slave nodes are shown, namely the first slave node, the second slave node and the third slave node), and a daisy chain topology is adopted between the master node and the multiple slave nodes. Figure 1 The communication domain 110 shown is only an example. Figure 1The communication domain 110 shown may include more or fewer nodes, and the present application limits the number of slave nodes in the communication domain 110. The master node can communicate with the slave node and can manage the slave node. Some or all of the nodes in the communication system 100 have the need to enter a sleep state (which may be referred to as a sleep state) synchronously. In the present application, multiple nodes synchronously entering a sleep state means that the multiple nodes enter a sleep state within a transmission cycle of a communication frame (data frame or control frame). For example, the master node sends communication frames at a period of 20.83us, that is, a communication frame is sent every 20.83us, and the slave node forwards the received communication frame approximately every 20.83us; the multiple slave nodes managed by the master node synchronously enter the sleep state can be: the multiple slave nodes enter the sleep state within 20.83us after forwarding the same communication frame; the multiple slave nodes managed by the master node asynchronously enter the sleep state can be: a part of the multiple slave nodes enter the sleep state after forwarding the communication frame #1 for the first time and before forwarding the communication frame again (next time), and all slave nodes do not enter the sleep state within the same communication frame sending cycle. In this example, the slave node (such as a speaker) that enters the sleep state later may play abnormal data, causing noise to affect the user experience and increase power consumption. It can be seen that the synchronous entry of multiple nodes in the communication system into the sleep state can further improve the user experience and save power consumption compared to the asynchronous entry into the sleep state.

[0146] Exemplarily, the master node and some or all slave nodes in the communication system 100 perform data transmission when there is data service transmission; when there is no data service transmission, the master node (optional) and some or all slave nodes enter the sleep state, which can reduce the power consumption of the system. It can be seen that multiple nodes in this example have the need to enter the sleep state synchronously.

[0147] The communication domain 110 can be applicable to a variety of environments and the embodiment of the present application does not limit this.

[0148] In a possible implementation, the communication domain 110 may be applicable to a cockpit (also referred to as a vehicle cabin) environment of a motor vehicle (eg, a smart car, an electric car, etc.).

[0149] In another possible implementation, the communication domain 110 may be applicable to a smart terminal device, such as a smart device used in a smart home environment.

[0150] Figure 2 This is an example of a vehicle-mounted multi-node wired audio transmission system provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 2The in-vehicle multi-node wired audio transmission system shown is an example of the communication system 100. In the in-vehicle multi-node wired audio transmission system, a daisy chain topology is adopted between the master node and multiple slave nodes. The host is connected to the master node, and the master node communicates with the peripherals (such as speakers, microphones) connected to the multiple slave nodes. Figure 2 As shown, the vehicle computer SOC is connected to the master node as a host, the audio codec (Code decode, Codec) is connected to the first slave node, the peripheral of microphone (microphone, MIC) 1 is connected to the second slave node, and the peripheral of MIC2 is connected to the third slave node. Figure 2 In the , the master node and the slave nodes are connected by cables, and the slave nodes are connected by cables. Figure 2 , the audio signal to be played is sent by the host to the audio codec through the master node-first slave node; the audio signal collected by MIC1 is passed to the host through the second slave node-first slave node-master node; the audio signal collected by MIC2 is passed to the host through the third slave node-second slave node-first slave node-master node. When the vehicle-mounted multi-node wired audio transmission system has no data service transmission, if the nodes in the system are dormant, the power consumption of the system can be reduced. Multiple slave nodes in the vehicle-mounted multi-node wired audio transmission system have the requirement to enter the dormant state synchronously.

[0151] Figure 3 FIG. 3 shows a schematic block diagram of a communication system 300 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The communication system 300 includes at least one communication domain. Figure 3 The communication domain 310 is shown in the figure, which includes a master node and multiple slave nodes (only three slave nodes are shown, namely the first slave node, the second slave node and the third slave node). A star topology is adopted between the master node and the multiple slave nodes, that is, the master node directly communicates with each slave node respectively. Figure 3 The communication domain 310 shown is only an example. Figure 3 The communication domain 310 shown may include more or fewer nodes, and the present application limits the number of slave nodes in the communication domain 310. The master node can communicate with the slave nodes and can manage the slave nodes. Some or all of the slave nodes in the communication system 300 have the need to enter a sleep state (which may be referred to as a sleep state) synchronously. Exemplarily, the master node and some or all of the slave nodes in the communication system 300 perform data transmission when there is data service transmission; when there is no data service transmission, the master node (optional) and some or all of the slave nodes enter a sleep state, which can reduce the power consumption of the system. It can be seen that multiple nodes in this example have the need to enter a sleep state synchronously.

[0152] The communication domain 310 can be applicable to a variety of environments and the embodiment of the present application does not limit this.

[0153] In a possible implementation, the communication domain 310 may be applicable to a cockpit (also referred to as a vehicle cabin) environment of a motor vehicle (eg, a smart car, an electric car, etc.).

[0154] In another possible implementation, the communication domain 310 may be applicable to a smart terminal device, such as a smart device used in a smart home environment.

[0155] Figure 4 This is an example of another vehicle-mounted multi-node wired audio transmission system provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 4 The vehicle-mounted multi-node wired audio transmission system shown is an example of the communication system 300. Figure 4 In the in-vehicle multi-node wired audio transmission system shown, a star topology is adopted between the master node and multiple slave nodes. For example, the master node is connected to each slave node through a cable; the vehicle computer SOC is connected to the master node as the host, the audio Codec is connected to the first slave node, the MIC1 peripheral is connected to the second slave node, and the MIC2 peripheral is connected to the third slave node; the master node is connected to the first slave node, the second slave node, and the third slave node through cables. Figure 4 , the audio signal to be played is sent from the host to the audio Codec through the master node-the first slave node; the audio signal collected by MIC1 is transmitted to the host through the second slave node-the master node; the audio signal collected by MIC2 is transmitted to the host through the third slave node-the master node. When the vehicle-mounted multi-node wired audio transmission system has no data service transmission, if the nodes in the system are dormant, the power consumption of the system can be reduced. Multiple nodes in the vehicle-mounted multi-node wired audio transmission system have the requirement to enter the dormant state synchronously.

[0156] The master node and the slave node can communicate with each other in a variety of ways, which are not limited in the embodiments of the present application. For example, the master node can communicate with the slave node wirelessly. For another example, the master node can communicate with the slave node in a wired manner. It should be noted that the above-mentioned wired manner can be connected by a data line, or connected by an internal bus, or connected by a cable to achieve communication.

[0157] It should be noted that the above wireless method can be implemented by communication through a communication network, and the communication network can be a local area network, or a wide area network transferred by a relay device, or include a local area network and a wide area network. When the communication network is a local area network, exemplarily, the communication network can be a wifi hotspot network, a Bluetooth network, a Zigbee network, a near field communication (NFC) network, or a possible general short-range communication network in the future. When the communication network is a wide area network, exemplarily, the communication network can be a fourth generation mobile communication technology (the 4th generation mobile communication technology, 4G) network, a fifth generation mobile communication technology (5th-generation mobile communication technology, 5G) network, a public land mobile network (publicland mobile network, PLMN) or the Internet, or even a sixth or seventh generation mobile communication technology, etc., and the embodiments of the present application are not limited to this.

[0158] It should be noted that the master node in the embodiment of the present application can have various forms and can also be called a control device or a control equipment, and the embodiment of the present application does not make any specific limitations on this.

[0159] In a possible implementation, the master node may be an independent device.

[0160] In another possible implementation, the master node may be integrated into the device as a functional module or a chip device.

[0161] Exemplarily, the above-mentioned master node can be an evolved NodeB (eNB or eNodeB) in a long term evolution (LTE) system, or a wireless controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario, or a relay station, access point, vehicle-mounted device, wearable device, access device in a 5G network, or network equipment in a future evolved PLMN, etc. It can be an access point (AP) in a wireless local area network (WLAN), a gNB in ​​a new radio system (NR) system, a control device or control apparatus in a cockpit domain (such as a car computer), or a control device or control apparatus in a scenario including a smart terminal device, and the embodiments of the present application are not limited.

[0162] It should also be noted that the above-mentioned slave node can have various forms and can also be called a terminal or a terminal device, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0163] In a possible implementation, the slave node may be an independent device.

[0164] In another possible implementation manner, the slave node may be integrated into the device as a functional module or a chip device.

[0165] Specifically, the slave node can be a device with a communication function (or the ability to send and receive data). For example: speakers, microphones, mobile phones, tablet computers, laptops, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MID), wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in self-driving, cellular phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, personal digital assistants (PDA), handheld devices with wireless communication functions, computing devices, vehicle-mounted devices, smart home devices, wearable devices, terminal devices in 5G networks or terminal devices in future evolved PLMNs, etc., which are not limited in the embodiments of the present application. Wearable devices can also be called wearable smart devices, which are a general term for wearable devices that are intelligently designed and developed using wearable technology for daily wear, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing and shoes. Wearable devices are portable devices that are worn directly on the body or integrated into the user's clothes or accessories.

[0166] In a possible implementation, taking the above-mentioned communication domain 110 or communication domain 310 applicable to the cockpit domain environment as an example, according to the relationship between the slave node and the cockpit, the slave node may include the following two terminal types: "on-board terminal equipment" and "non-on-board terminal equipment".

[0167] "In-vehicle terminal equipment", also known as on-board unit (OBU), refers to equipment that is integrated or installed in the cockpit domain and is part of the cockpit domain. For example: in-vehicle speakers, in-vehicle microphones, in-vehicle displays, in-vehicle cameras, etc. In general, in-vehicle terminal equipment can refer to equipment that is factory-installed on the vehicle by the vehicle manufacturer.

[0168] "Non-vehicle terminal equipment" refers to devices placed in the cockpit domain, which can communicate or connect with other devices in the cockpit domain but are not part of the cockpit, such as: users' smartphones, tablets, Bluetooth headsets, wearable devices, etc.

[0169] In a possible implementation, the master node may be a CDC, and the CDC may communicate with a plurality of slave nodes, and the plurality of slave nodes may include at least one terminal type of a vehicle-mounted terminal device or a non-vehicle-mounted terminal device.

[0170] When one or more nodes in a communication system have no data service to transmit, the power consumption of the communication system can be reduced by controlling the one or more nodes to enter a sleep state. Compared with asynchronously entering a sleep state, multiple nodes in a communication system synchronously entering a sleep state can further avoid some nodes from transmitting invalid communication frames and save power consumption. The present application provides a technical solution for controlling nodes in a communication system to enter a sleep state, which can reduce power consumption. Furthermore, the present application provides a technical solution for controlling multiple nodes in a communication system to enter a sleep state synchronously; it can avoid some nodes from transmitting invalid communication frames and save power consumption.

[0171] Figure 5 An interactive flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 5 The method flow in this article is applicable to Figure 1 The communication system 100 shown or Figure 3 The communication system 300 shown. For example, Figure 5 The first node in is Figure 1 The master node in Figure 5 The second node in is Figure 1 The first slave node in . For another example, Figure 5 The first node in is Figure 3 The master node in Figure 5 The second node in is Figure 3 The first slave node in . Figure 5 The communication system corresponding to each node in Figure 5 An example of each node in Figure 2 or Figure 4 The in-vehicle multi-node wired audio transmission system shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown, the method includes:

[0172] 501. A first node sends a first frame to a second node.

[0173] Correspondingly, the second node receives the first frame from the first node. The first frame is at least used to determine the sleep start time of the second node. In other words, the first frame is at least used for the second node to determine the sleep start time. The first frame can be named a sleep frame or a sleep controller, or other names, which are not limited in this application. The first frame can be a control frame predefined (newly defined) in this application, and the control frame is at least used to determine the sleep start time of one or more nodes. The first frame can also be based on an existing control frame or data frame, adding the following first indication information and second indication information, for example, adding a control field containing the first indication information and a control field containing the second indication information; it can also be based on an existing control frame or data frame, using reserved bits to represent the first indication information and the second indication information; it can also be based on an existing control frame or data frame, adding one of the first indication information and the second indication information, and the other of the first indication information and the second indication information is represented by a reserved bit.

[0174] In a possible implementation, the first frame is specifically used for the second node and one or more subordinate nodes of the second node to determine the sleep start time. After receiving the first frame, the second node can forward the first frame to the subordinate node of the second node, that is, the third node; the third node can forward the first frame to the subordinate node of the third node, and so on. In this way, the second node and each subordinate node of the second node can receive the first frame. Exemplarily, the first node is a master node in a communication system, the second node is a slave node in the communication system, and the time offset (offset) of the sleep start time determined by each subordinate node of the second node and any two nodes in the second node is less than the transmission period of the communication frame in the communication system, such as 20.83us. In this exemplary embodiment, the sleep start time determined by the second node and one or more subordinate nodes of the second node is substantially the same, so that the second node and one or more subordinate nodes of the second node enter the sleep state after the sleep start time determined by each node, and the second node and one or more subordinate nodes of the second node can achieve synchronous sleep, that is, sleep at the same time, thereby reducing power consumption. In this implementation, the first frame is specifically used for the second node and one or more subordinate nodes of the second node to determine the sleep start time, so that the second node and one or more subordinate nodes of the second node determine their own sleep start time, and then enter the sleep state after reaching the sleep start time, which can reduce power consumption.

[0175] In a possible implementation, the number of the second nodes is k, that is, the first frame is used to determine the sleep start time of at least k second nodes, and k is an integer greater than 1. The k second nodes may include a second node #1, a second node #2, ..., a second node #k, the second node #1 is the upper node of the second node #2, the second node #2 is the node of the second node #3, ..., the second node #(k-1) is the upper node of the second node #k, and the second node #1 may forward the first frame to the lower node of the second node #1, that is, the second node #2 after receiving the first frame; the second node #2 may forward the first frame to the second node #3, and so on. The k second nodes may determine their own sleep start time based on the first frame. Exemplarily, the first node is a master node in a communication system, the k second nodes are k slave nodes in the communication system, and the time offset (offset) between any two determined sleep start times of the k second nodes is less than the transmission period of the communication frame (such as the control frame below) in the communication system, such as 20.83us. In this example, the first frame is used at least for k second nodes to determine the sleep start time, and the sleep start time determined by the k second nodes is substantially the same, so that the k second nodes enter the sleep state after the sleep start time determined by each, and the k second nodes can achieve synchronous sleep, thereby reducing power consumption. In this implementation, the first frame is used at least for k second nodes to determine the sleep start time, so that the k second nodes determine their own sleep start time, and then enter the sleep state after reaching the sleep start time, which can reduce power consumption.

[0176] In one possible implementation, the first node periodically sends a control frame that is at least used by the second node to determine the start time of sleep. In this article, the control frame that is at least used by the second node to determine the start time of sleep can be referred to as a sleep frame. Exemplarily, the first node sends a sleep frame once every 20.83us (that is, the first period is 20.83us), the backoff count value in the control frame sent for the first time by the first node is N, the backoff count value in the control frame sent for the second time is (N-1), the backoff count value in the control frame sent for the third time is (N-2), ..., the backoff count value in the control frame sent for the Nth time is 1, and the backoff count value in the control frame sent for the (N+1)th time is 0. Figure 5The first frame in the example may be the control frame sent for the first time by the first node in this example, and the third frame below may be the control frame sent for the (N+1)th time by the first node in this example. The second node can determine its sleep start time based on the correctly received control frame. For example, the backoff count value in the control frame #1 sent for the first time by the first node is N, where N is an integer greater than 0; the second node calculates the product of the first cycle and the backoff count value N to obtain time offset #1; the second node shifts the moment when the second node receives control frame #1 backward by time offset #1 to obtain the sleep start time. For another example, the backoff count value in the control frame #N sent for the Nth time by the first node is 1, where N is an integer greater than 0; the second node calculates the product of the first cycle and the backoff count value 1 to obtain time offset #N, that is, the first cycle; the second node shifts the moment when the second node receives control frame #N backward by time offset #N to obtain the sleep start time.

[0177] 502. The second node parses the received first frame transmitted through the channel.

[0178] In one possible implementation, when the second node correctly receives the first frame, the second node determines the sleep start time of the second node based on the first frame; after reaching the sleep start time, the second node enters the sleep state; when the first frame is not correctly received, the second node determines its sleep start time based on the correctly received control frame used for the second node to determine the sleep start time. The second node can parse each control frame it receives for the second node to determine the sleep start time, and determine the sleep start time based on the correctly received control frame. Exemplarily, the second node parses each control frame it receives for the second node to determine the sleep start time, and after correctly receiving a control frame, determines the sleep start time based on the backoff count value in the control frame, and no longer uses subsequent correctly received control frames to determine the sleep start time.

[0179] An example of the second node determining the start sleep time of the second node based on the first frame is: the backoff count value in the first frame is N, N is an integer greater than 0; the second node parses the first frame to obtain the first indication information; according to the first indication information, it is known that the first frame contains the backoff count value; the product of the first cycle and the backoff count value N is calculated to obtain the first time interval; the second moment after the moment when the second node receives the first frame is used as the start sleep time of the second node, and the second moment and the moment when the second node receives the first frame are separated by the first time interval. In other words, an example of the second node determining the start sleep time of the second node based on the first frame is: the backoff count value in the first frame is N; the second node parses the first frame to obtain the first indication information; according to the first indication information, it is known that the first frame contains the backoff count value; the product of the first cycle and the backoff count value N is calculated to obtain the first time offset; based on the moment when the second node receives the first frame, the first time offset is shifted backward to obtain the start sleep time of the second node.

[0180] 503. After reaching the sleep start time, the second node enters the sleep state.

[0181] In the embodiment of the present application, the first frame is at least used to determine the sleep start time of the second node, so that the second node determines its sleep start time and then enters the sleep state after reaching the sleep start time, which can reduce power consumption.

[0182] The following describes information that may be included in the first frame, and an implementation method in which the first frame is used at least for the second node to determine the sleep start time.

[0183] In a possible implementation, the first frame includes first indication information and second indication information, the first indication information is at least used to indicate that the first frame is a control frame for determining the sleep start time, and the second indication information is at least used to determine the sleep start time. The first indication information can be understood as a sleep indication, for example, instructing the second node to start sleep control. Exemplarily, after the second node parses the first frame to obtain the first indication information, it can be known that the first frame contains the second indication information according to the first indication information, and then based on the second indication information, the sleep start time of the second node is obtained. In this implementation, the first indication information is at least used to indicate that the first frame is a control frame for determining the sleep start time, so that the second node knows that the first frame is a control frame for determining the sleep start time based on the first indication information. The second indication information is at least used to determine the sleep start time, so that the second node determines its sleep start time based on the second indication information.

[0184] In a possible implementation, the second indication information includes a backoff count value (which may be referred to as a backoff counter), and the backoff count value is associated with a first time interval, and the first time interval is equal to the time interval between the moment when the second node receives the first frame and the sleep start time of the second node. An example of the association of the backoff count value with the first time interval is: the backoff count value is positively correlated with the first time interval. The backoff count value may indicate how many sleep frames are left to be sent by the first node, and the second node enters sleep after the first node sends the last sleep frame. The second node may obtain the first time interval based on the backoff count value. Exemplarily, the product of the backoff count value and the first period is equal to the first time interval, and the first period is the sending period of the control frame, such as 20.83us, and the first period is not limited in this application. Fig. 6A This is an example of a frame structure diagram of a first frame provided in an embodiment of the present application. Fig. 6A As shown, the first frame includes first indication information (sleep indication), cyclic redundancy check (CRC) #1 (optional), second indication information, CRC #2 (optional); wherein CRC #1 is used to verify the first indication information, and CRC #2 is used to verify the second indication information. The present application does not limit the frame structure of the first frame. In this implementation, the backoff count value is associated with the first time interval, so that the second node obtains the first time interval based on the backoff count value, and then determines its sleep start time.

[0185] In a possible implementation manner, the first indication information includes a frame type of the first frame, and the frame type of the first frame is at least used to indicate that the first frame is a control frame for determining the sleep start time. Figure 6B This is an example of another frame structure diagram of the first frame provided in the embodiment of the present application. Figure 6B As shown, the first frame includes a frame type, CRC#1 (optional), a backoff count value, and CRC#2 (optional); wherein CRC#1 is used to verify the frame type, and CRC#2 is used to verify the backoff count value. The frame type in the first frame is an example of the first indication information. In this implementation, the frame type of the first frame is at least used to indicate that the first frame is a control frame for determining the sleep start time, so that the second node determines that the first frame is a control frame for determining the sleep start time based on the frame type of the first frame.

[0186] Figure 7 An interactive flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 7 The method flow is Figure 5 A possible implementation of the method described is shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown, the method includes:

[0187] 701. A first node periodically sends a sleep frame.

[0188] Correspondingly, the second node receives the sleep frame periodically sent by the first node. The first node may send the sleep frame in a first period. The sleep frame periodically sent by the first node may include the above-mentioned first frame and the third frame. The third frame is at least used for the above-mentioned second node to determine the sleep start time of the second node. Exemplarily, the third frame includes a frame type of the third frame, and a backoff count value, the frame type of the above-mentioned third frame is at least used to indicate that the above-mentioned third frame is a control frame for determining the above-mentioned sleep start time, and the backoff count value in the above-mentioned third frame is at least used for the above-mentioned second node to determine the above-mentioned sleep start time. The backoff count value in the third frame may be 0. The sleep start time determined by the second node based on the backoff count value in the third frame is the moment when the second node receives the above-mentioned third frame. The sleep start time determined by the second node based on the backoff count value (not 0) in the first frame is the first moment. The time interval between the above-mentioned first moment and the moment when the above-mentioned second node receives the above-mentioned third frame is less than the time threshold. The time threshold may be 2us, 3us, 5us, 6us, 8us, 10us, 20us, 20.83us, etc., which is not limited in this application. Since the time interval between the first moment and the moment when the second node receives the third frame is less than the time threshold, it can be considered that the moment when the second node receives the third frame is the same as the first moment. In other words, the sleep start time calculated by the second node based on different control frames is the same. The second node can enter the sleep state after receiving the third frame, or it can enter the sleep state after reaching the sleep start time.

[0189] An example of step 701 is: the first node sends a sleep frame once every 20.83us (i.e., the first period is 20.83us), the backoff count value in the control frame sent for the first time by the first node is N, the backoff count value in the control frame sent for the second time is (N-1), the backoff count value in the control frame sent for the third time is (N-2), ..., the backoff count value in the control frame sent for the Nth time is 1, and the backoff count value in the control frame sent for the (N+1)th time (i.e., the third frame) is 0.

[0190] 702. The second node parses the received sleep frame.

[0191] Exemplarily, the second node may parse each received sleep frame and determine whether the sleep frame is correctly received.

[0192] 703. When the sleep frame is correctly received, the second node sends a fourth frame to the first node.

[0193] Accordingly, the first node receives a fourth frame from the second node. The fourth frame is at least used to indicate that the second node correctly receives the control frame used to determine the sleep start time. An example of step 703 is: the second node sends the fourth frame to the first node when correctly receiving the control frame first sent by the first node.

[0194] In a possible implementation, the second node does not feedback to the first node that it has not correctly received the control frame used to determine the sleep start time. For example, if the second node does not correctly receive the control frame sent by the first node for the first time, it does not feedback to the first node that it has not correctly received the control frame. In this implementation, signaling overhead can be saved.

[0195] In a possible implementation, the second node, for a control frame that is not correctly received and used to determine the sleep start time, feeds back to the first node that it has not correctly received the control frame. For example, when the second node does not correctly receive the control frame (i.e., the first frame) sent by the first node for the first time, it sends the seventh frame to the first node, and the seventh frame is at least used to indicate that the second node has not correctly received the first frame. In this implementation, the second node, for a control frame that is not correctly received and used to determine the sleep start time, feeds back to the first node that it has not correctly received the control frame, so as to continue to send control frames for the second node to determine the sleep start time.

[0196] 704. After receiving the fourth frame, the first node stops sending the sleep frame.

[0197] For example, the first node receives the fourth frame before sending the third frame; after receiving the fourth frame, the first node stops sending the sleep frame, that is, it does not need to send the third frame. Step 703 and step 704 are optional.

[0198] 705. The second node enters the sleep state after reaching the sleep start time.

[0199] The second node entering the dormant state may be the second node entering a low-power state. Exemplarily, before the second node enters the dormant state, its data forwarding function is in an enabled state, for example, forwarding a communication frame (or data packet) every 20.83us; the second node entering the dormant state may be the second node turning off the data forwarding function, that is, stopping forwarding communication frames (or data packets), which can reduce power consumption. The second node entering the dormant state may also be turning off some other functions that can save power consumption, which is not limited in this application.

[0200] In one possible implementation, Figure 7The method flow also includes: the first node enters a sleep state after reaching a target time point, and the above target time point is a preset time point or the above sleep start time. The second node entering the sleep state may be the second node entering a low-power state. Exemplarily, before the first node enters the sleep state, its data forwarding function is in an enabled state, for example, a communication frame (or data packet) is sent every 20.83us; the first node entering the sleep state may be the first node turning off the data forwarding function, that is, stopping sending communication frames, which can reduce power consumption. The first node entering the sleep state may also be turning off some other functions that can save power consumption, which is not limited in this application.

[0201] 706. The first node periodically sends a heartbeat frame.

[0202] Correspondingly, the second node receives the heartbeat frame periodically sent by the first node. The second node maintains clock synchronization with the first node through the received heartbeat frame. The possible implementation method of the second node maintaining clock synchronization with the first node through the received heartbeat frame is as follows: the heartbeat frame includes the clock information of the first node, and the second node maintains clock synchronization with the first node through the clock information in the received heartbeat frame; or the sending period of the heartbeat frame corresponds to the clock information, and the second node maintains clock synchronization with the first node through the period of receiving the heartbeat frame. One of the heartbeat frames periodically sent by the second node is the second frame. The second frame is used for the above-mentioned second node to maintain clock synchronization with the above-mentioned first node. Based on the second frame, the second node can maintain clock synchronization with the first node.

[0203] In the embodiment of the present application, the first node stops sending sleep frames after receiving the fourth frame, which can save signaling overhead. In addition, the first node periodically sends sleep frames, and the second node correctly receives a sleep frame to determine the start sleep time, which has high reliability.

[0204] Figure 8 An interactive flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 8 The method flow in this article is applicable to Figure 1 A communication system 100 is shown. Figure 8 The communication system corresponding to each node in Figure 8 An example of each node in Figure 2 The in-vehicle multi-node wired audio transmission system shown. Figure 8 The method flow is Figure 5 A possible implementation of the method described is shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown, the method includes:

[0205] 801 The first node periodically sends a sleep frame.

[0206] Correspondingly, the second node receives the sleep frame periodically sent by the first node. The sleep frame periodically sent by the first node may include the above-mentioned first frame and the above-mentioned third frame. The periodic sending of the sleep frame by the first node may be replaced by: the first node periodically sending a control frame used at least for the second node and the subordinate node of the second node to determine the sleep start time. Figure 8 , the subordinate nodes of the second node may include a third node and a fourth node, the second node is the superior node of the third node (or the third node is the subordinate node of the second node), and the third node is the superior node of the fourth node. Figure 8 In the embodiment, the second node, the third node and the fourth node are only examples, and the embodiment of the present application does not limit the number of slave nodes. The periodic transmission of the sleep frame by the first node can also be replaced by: the first node periodically transmits a control frame for at least a plurality of slave nodes to determine the sleep start time, and the plurality of slave nodes may include the second node, the third node and the fourth node, and the first node is the master node.

[0207] See also Figure 8 An example of step 801 is as follows: the first node sends a sleep frame every 20.83us (i.e., the first period is 20.83us); the backoff count value in the control frame #1 sent for the first time by the first node = N, the backoff count value in the control frame #2 sent for the second time = (N-1), the backoff count value in the control frame #3 sent for the third time = (N-2), …, the backoff count value in the control frame #N sent for the Nth time is 1, and the backoff count value in the control frame #(N+1) sent for the (N+1)th time is 0.

[0208] 802. The second node forwards the received sleep frame to the third node.

[0209] In a possible implementation, the second node periodically forwards the received sleep frame to the third node. Exemplarily, the second node forwards the control frame most recently received by the second node to the third node once every 20.83 us. The order of step 802 and step 803 is not limited.

[0210] 803. The second node determines a sleep start time based on the received sleep frame.

[0211] The second node can parse each control frame it receives for the second node to determine the sleep start time, and determine the sleep start time based on the correctly received control frame. Exemplarily, the second node parses each control frame it receives for the second node to determine the sleep start time; after correctly receiving a control frame, the sleep start time is determined based on the backoff count value in the control frame, and the subsequent correctly received control frames are no longer used to determine the sleep start time. For example, the backoff count value in the control frame #k sent by the first node for the kth time is (N-k+1), N is an integer greater than 0, k is an integer greater than 0, and k is less than or equal to (N+1); the second node calculates the product of the first cycle and the backoff count value (N-k+1) to obtain the time offset #k; the second node offsets the moment when the second node receives the control frame #k backward by the time offset #k to obtain the sleep start time. The order of step 802 and step 803 is not limited.

[0212] 804. The third node forwards the received sleep frame to the fourth node.

[0213] In a possible implementation, the third node periodically forwards the received sleep frame to the fourth node. Exemplarily, the third node forwards the control frame most recently received by the third node to the fourth node once every 20.83 us.

[0214] 805. The third node determines a sleep start time based on the received sleep frame.

[0215] The implementation of step 805 is similar to that of step 803, and will not be described in detail here. The order of step 804 and step 805 is not limited.

[0216] 806. The fourth node determines a sleep start time based on the received sleep frame.

[0217] The implementation of step 806 is similar to that of step 803 and will not be described in detail here.

[0218] 807. The first node, the second node, the third node and the fourth node enter the sleep state when the sleep start time is reached.

[0219] It should be noted that the second node, the third node, and the fourth node use the same method to determine their respective sleep start times. The time offset between the sleep start times determined by any two of the second node, the third node, and the fourth node is less than the above time threshold, so the sleep start time determined by the second node, the sleep start time determined by the third node, and the sleep start time determined by the fourth node can be regarded as the same time.

[0220] 808. The first node periodically sends a heartbeat frame.

[0221] The heartbeat frame is used for the slave nodes (including the second node, the third node, and the fourth node) to maintain clock synchronization with the master node (ie, the first node).

[0222] 809. The second node maintains clock synchronization with the first node through a heartbeat frame, and forwards the heartbeat frame to the third node.

[0223] 810. The third node maintains clock synchronization with the first node through a heartbeat frame, and forwards the heartbeat frame to the fourth node.

[0224] 811. The fourth node maintains clock synchronization with the first node through a heartbeat frame.

[0225] The slave nodes (including the second node, the third node and the fourth node) maintain clock synchronization with the master node (ie the first node) through the heartbeat frame, so that the slave nodes can enter the non-sleeping state from the sleeping state more quickly. Steps 808 to 811 are optional.

[0226] In an embodiment of the present application, the first node periodically sends a sleep frame; the second node, the third node and the fourth node receive the sleep frame, and determine the sleep start time based on the backoff counter in the correctly received sleep frame; in this way, even if some control frames are not received correctly from the node, in theory, as long as one control frame can be received correctly, the synchronous sleep control can be completed, that is, the second node, the third node and the fourth node can enter the sleep state synchronously.

[0227] Fig. 9 An interactive flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. Fig. 9 The method flow in this article is applicable to Figure 1 A communication system 100 is shown. Fig. 9 The communication system corresponding to each node in Figure 8 An example of each node in Figure 2 The in-vehicle multi-node wired audio transmission system shown. Fig. 9 The method flow in is Figure 5 A possible implementation of the method described is shown in FIG. Fig. 9 As shown, the method includes:

[0228] 901. A first node sends a first frame to a second node.

[0229] Step 901 may refer to step 501. For example, the backoff count value in the first frame is N. The first frame is a sleep frame.

[0230] 902. The second node parses the first frame, and forwards the first frame to the third node.

[0231] 903. The third node parses the first frame, and forwards the first frame to the fourth node.

[0232] 904. When the fourth node fails to correctly receive the first frame, the fourth node sends a first uplink frame to the third node.

[0233] Exemplarily, the fourth node parses the received first frame, and sends a first uplink frame to the third node if the first frame is not received correctly. The first uplink frame is at least used to indicate that the fourth node has not received the first frame correctly. The first uplink frame may include identification information of the fourth node. Fig.10 A schematic diagram of a first uplink frame provided in an embodiment of the present application. Fig.10 As shown, the first uplink frame includes a feedback field. Exemplarily, the feedback field in the first uplink frame is NACK, and the first uplink frame is at least used to indicate that the fourth node did not correctly receive the first frame. For example, when the fourth node does not correctly receive the first frame, the feedback field in the first uplink frame is set, for example, to NACK. Exemplarily, the feedback field in the first uplink frame occupies 1 bit, 0 represents ACK, and 1 represents NACK.

[0234] 905. When the third node correctly receives the first frame, the third node forwards the first uplink frame to the second node.

[0235] Step 905 may be replaced by: when the third node fails to correctly receive the first frame, after receiving the first uplink frame, the third node sends a second uplink frame to the second node, the second uplink frame at least being used to indicate that the third node fails to correctly receive the first frame. The second uplink frame may include identification information of the third node.

[0236] 906. When the second node correctly receives the first frame, the second node forwards the first uplink frame to the first node.

[0237] Step 906 may be replaced by: if the second node does not correctly receive the first frame, after receiving the first uplink frame, the second node sends a third uplink frame to the first node, the third uplink frame at least indicating that the second node did not correctly receive the first frame. The third uplink frame may include identification information of the second node.

[0238] Step 906 may also be replaced by: when the second node fails to correctly receive the first frame, after receiving the second uplink frame, the second node sends a third uplink frame to the first node, where the third uplink frame is at least used to indicate that the second node fails to correctly receive the first frame.

[0239] Step 906 may also be replaced by: when the second node correctly receives the first frame, after receiving the second uplink frame, the second node forwards the second uplink frame to the first node.

[0240] From step 905 and step 906, it can be seen that Fig. 9The nodes (including the second node and the third node) that forward the sleep frame in the method process can perform the following operations: when the node correctly receives the sleep frame, it directly forwards the feedback of the node's subordinate nodes, such as the first uplink frame, to the node's superior node; when the node does not correctly receive the sleep frame, it sets the feedback field in the uplink frame sent to the node's superior node to NACK.

[0241] 907. The first node sends the eleventh frame to the second node.

[0242] The eleventh frame is a sleep frame. The backoff count value in the eleventh frame may be (N-1). The first node may periodically send a sleep frame. Figure 7 Step 701 in. Exemplarily, the first node periodically sends sleep frames until receiving at least an uplink frame for indicating that the second node and each subordinate node of the second node have correctly received the sleep frame. In other words, the first node periodically sends sleep frames; after receiving at least an uplink frame (e.g., the fourth frame) for indicating that the second node and each subordinate node of the second node have correctly received the sleep frame, the first node stops sending sleep frames. Exemplarily, after receiving the first uplink frame, the second uplink frame, or the third uplink frame sent by the second node, the first node continues to periodically send sleep frames.

[0243] 908. The second node parses the eleventh frame, and forwards the eleventh frame to the third node.

[0244] 909. The third node parses the eleventh frame, and forwards the eleventh frame to the fourth node.

[0245] 910. When the fourth node correctly receives the eleventh frame, the fourth node sends a fourth uplink frame to the third node.

[0246] Exemplarily, the fourth node parses the received eleventh frame, and sends a fourth uplink frame to the third node when the eleventh frame is correctly received. The fourth uplink frame is at least used to indicate that the fourth node has correctly received the eleventh frame. The fourth uplink frame may include identification information of the fourth node. Exemplarily, the fourth uplink frame includes a feedback field, and the feedback field in the fourth uplink frame is ACK, and the fourth uplink frame is at least used to indicate that the fourth node has correctly received the eleventh frame. For example, when the fourth node correctly receives the eleventh frame, the feedback field in the fourth uplink frame is set, for example, to ACK. In combination with step 904 and step 910, it can be known that when the fourth node correctly receives the sleep frame, it sends an uplink frame at least used to indicate that the fourth node has correctly received the sleep frame to its upper node (i.e., the third node); when the fourth node does not correctly receive the sleep frame, it sends an uplink frame at least used to indicate that the fourth node has not correctly received the sleep frame to its upper node (i.e., the third node), such as the first uplink frame.

[0247] When the fourth node correctly receives the eleventh frame, it can determine the sleep start time based on the eleventh frame.

[0248] 911. When the third node correctly receives the eleventh frame, the third node forwards the fourth uplink frame to the second node.

[0249] When the third node correctly receives the eleventh frame, it can determine the sleep start time based on the eleventh frame.

[0250] 912. When the eleventh frame is correctly received, the second node forwards the fourth uplink frame to the first node.

[0251] When the second node correctly receives the eleventh frame, it can determine the sleep start time based on the eleventh frame.

[0252] 913. After receiving the fourth uplink frame, the first node stops sending the sleep frame.

[0253] Step 913 is optional. The first node receives the fourth uplink frame, indicating that each slave node (including the second node, the third node, and the fourth node) has correctly received the sleep frame, each slave node can determine the sleep start time, and the first node can no longer send the sleep frame. After receiving the fourth uplink frame, the first node stops sending the sleep frame, which can save signaling overhead.

[0254] Step 913 may be replaced by: after receiving the fourth uplink frame, the first node sends the twelfth frame. The twelfth frame is a sleep frame. The backoff count value in the twelfth frame may be (N-2).

[0255] 914. The first node, the second node, the third node, and the fourth node enter a sleep state after reaching the sleep start time.

[0256] The first frame is a sleep frame periodically sent by the first node, and the eleventh frame is another sleep frame periodically sent by the first node. It should be noted that steps 901 to 914 are only an example, and the purpose of the example is to illustrate the operations performed by the first node, the second node, the third node, and the fourth node for the sleep frame. It should be understood that the first node, the second node, the third node, and the fourth node can all be processed in the same manner for each sleep frame sent by the first node.

[0257] 915. The first node periodically sends a heartbeat frame.

[0258] 916. The second node maintains clock synchronization with the first node through a heartbeat frame, and forwards the heartbeat frame to the third node.

[0259] 917. The third node maintains clock synchronization with the first node through a heartbeat frame, and forwards the heartbeat frame to the fourth node.

[0260] 918. The fourth node maintains clock synchronization with the first node through heartbeat frames.

[0261] Steps 914 to 918 may refer to steps 807 to 811 and will not be described in detail here.

[0262] In an embodiment of the present application, the first node periodically sends a sleep frame; the second node, the third node, and the fourth node receive the sleep frame, and determine the sleep start time based on the backoff counter in the correctly received sleep frame; in this way, even if some control frames are not received correctly from the slave node, in theory, as long as one control frame can be received correctly, the synchronous sleep control can be completed, that is, the second node, the third node, and the fourth node can enter the sleep state synchronously. The second node, the third node, and the fourth node provide feedback on the received sleep frame in the uplink direction, and the first node can learn about the reception of the sleep frame by the slave node through the feedback field in the uplink frame fed back by each slave node. After receiving at least an uplink frame indicating that all slave nodes have correctly received the sleep frame, the first node can terminate the sending of the sleep frame in advance, and enter the sleep state after the set time point.

[0263] Fig.11 An interactive flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. Fig.11 The method flow in this article is applicable to Figure 3 A communication system 300 is shown. Fig.11 The communication system corresponding to each node in Fig.11 An example of each node in Figure 4The in-vehicle multi-node wired audio transmission system shown. Fig.11 The method flow is Figure 5 A possible implementation of the method described is shown in FIG. Fig.11 As shown, the method includes:

[0264] 1101. A first node sends a first frame to a second node.

[0265] Correspondingly, the second node receives the first frame from the first node. Fig.11 In the method flow, the first node is the master node, and the second node, the third node and the fourth node are slave nodes. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the number of slave nodes.

[0266] In a possible implementation, the first node periodically sends a sleep frame to the second node, the third node, and the fourth node. Exemplarily, the first node sends a sleep frame every 20.83us (i.e., the first period). In other words, the time interval for the first node to send a sleep frame is 20.83us. The first frame and the thirteenth frame, the fourteenth frame, and the fifteenth frame below are all sleep frames. The sleep frames periodically sent by the first node may include a backoff count value, and the backoff count values ​​in two sleep frames sent by the first node that are adjacent in time differ by 1. For example, the first node sends the first frame to the second node, and the backoff count value in the first frame is N; the first node sends the thirteenth frame to the third node at an interval of 20.83us after sending the first frame, and the backoff count value in the thirteenth frame is (N-1); the first node sends the fourteenth frame to the fourth node at an interval of 20.83us after sending the thirteenth frame, and the backoff count value in the fourteenth frame is (N-2); the first node sends the fifteenth frame to the second node at an interval of 20.83us after sending the fourteenth frame, and the backoff count value in the fifteenth frame is (N-3), where N is an integer greater than 3. In this example, the period of the first node sending the sleep frame is 20.83us. It should be noted that the present application does not limit the period of the first node sending the sleep frame.

[0267] The sleep frame sent by the first node to a certain node is used by the node to determine the sleep start time. The backoff count value in the sleep frame is used to determine the sleep start time. For example, an example of the second node, the third node and the fourth node determining the sleep start time based on the received sleep frame is as follows: the backoff count value in the first frame is N, the second node calculates the product of the first cycle and the backoff count value N, and obtains the time offset #1; the second node shifts the moment when the second node receives the first frame backward by time offset #1 to obtain the sleep start time; the backoff count value in the thirteenth frame is (N-1), the third node calculates the product of the first cycle and the backoff count value (N-1) to obtain time offset #2; the third node shifts the moment when the third node receives the thirteenth frame backward by time offset #2 to obtain the sleep start time; the backoff count value in the fourteenth frame is (N-2), the fourth node calculates the product of the first cycle and the backoff count value (N-2) to obtain time offset #3; the fourth node shifts the moment when the fourth node receives the fourteenth frame backward by time offset #3 to obtain the sleep start time. In this example, the time offset between the sleep start times determined by any two nodes among the second node, the third node and the fourth node is less than the above-mentioned time threshold, so the sleep start time determined by the second node, the sleep start time determined by the third node and the sleep start time determined by the fourth node can be regarded as the same moment.

[0268] 1102. The second node parses the received first frame transmitted through the channel.

[0269] Step 1102 may refer to step 502. When the second node correctly receives the first frame, the second node may determine the sleep start time based on the first frame.

[0270] 1103. When the second node correctly receives the first frame, the second node sends a fifth uplink frame to the first node.

[0271] The fifth uplink frame is at least used to indicate that the second node has correctly received the first frame. The fifth uplink frame may include identification information of the second node.

[0272] 1104. After receiving the fifth uplink frame, the first node stops sending the sleep frame to the second node.

[0273] Step 1103 and step 1104 are optional. Fig.11 The method flow in does not include step 1103 and step 1104. Step 1103 and step 1104 can be replaced by: the second node sends a sixth uplink frame to the first node when the first frame is not correctly received. The sixth uplink frame is at least used to indicate that the second node has not correctly received the first frame. The sixth uplink frame may include identification information of the second node.

[0274] 1105. The first node sends the thirteenth frame to the third node.

[0275] Correspondingly, the third node receives the thirteenth frame from the first node.

[0276] 1106. The third node parses the received thirteenth frame transmitted through the channel.

[0277] When the second node correctly receives the thirteenth frame, it can determine the sleep start time based on the thirteenth frame.

[0278] 1107. When the third node correctly receives the thirteenth frame, the third node sends the seventh uplink frame to the first node.

[0279] The seventh uplink frame is at least used to indicate that the third node has correctly received the thirteenth frame. The seventh uplink frame may include identification information of the third node.

[0280] 1108. After receiving the seventh uplink frame, the first node stops sending sleep frames to the third node.

[0281] Step 1107 and step 1108 are optional. Step 1107 and step 1108 may be replaced by: the third node sends an eighth uplink frame to the first node when the third node fails to correctly receive the thirteenth frame. The eighth uplink frame is at least used to indicate that the third node fails to correctly receive the thirteenth frame. The eighth uplink frame may include identification information of the third node.

[0282] 1109. The first node sends the fourteenth frame to the fourth node.

[0283] Correspondingly, the fourth node receives the fourteenth frame from the first node.

[0284] 1110. The fourth node parses the fourteenth frame received and transmitted through the channel.

[0285] When the fourth node correctly receives the fourteenth frame, it can determine the sleep start time based on the fourteenth frame.

[0286] 1111. When the fourth node correctly receives the fourteenth frame, the fourth node sends the ninth uplink frame to the first node.

[0287] The ninth uplink frame is at least used to indicate that the fourth node has correctly received the fourteenth frame. The ninth uplink frame may include identification information of the fourth node.

[0288] 1112. After receiving the ninth uplink frame, the first node stops sending sleep frames to the fourth node.

[0289] Step 1111 and step 1112 are optional. Step 1111 and step 1112 can be replaced by: the fourth node sends the tenth uplink frame to the first node when the fourth node fails to correctly receive the fourteenth frame. The tenth uplink frame is at least used to indicate that the fourth node fails to correctly receive the fourteenth frame. The tenth uplink frame can include identification information of the fourth node.

[0290] 1113. The first node, the second node, the third node, and the fourth node enter a sleep state when the sleep start time is reached.

[0291] It should be noted that steps 1101 to 1112 are only examples of operations performed before the first node, the second node, the third node, and the fourth node enter the sleep state. Steps 1101 to 1113 can be replaced by: the first node periodically sends a sleep frame in the order of the second node-the third node-the fourth node-the second node; the second node, the third node, and the fourth node parse the received sleep frames and determine the sleep start time based on the correctly received sleep frames.

[0292] 1114. The first node periodically sends heartbeat frames to the second node, the third node, and the fourth node.

[0293] 1115. The second node maintains clock synchronization with the first node through heartbeat frames.

[0294] 1116. The third node maintains clock synchronization with the first node through heartbeat frames.

[0295] 1117. The fourth node maintains clock synchronization with the first node through heartbeat frames.

[0296] In an embodiment of the present application, the first node periodically sends a sleep frame; the second node, the third node and the fourth node receive the sleep frame, and determine the sleep start time based on the backoff counter in the correctly received sleep frame; in this way, even if some control frames are not received correctly from the node, in theory, as long as one control frame can be received correctly, the synchronous sleep control can be completed, that is, the second node, the third node and the fourth node can enter the sleep state synchronously.

[0297] Fig.12 An interactive flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. Fig.12 The method flow in this article is applicable to Figure 1 A communication system 100 is shown. Fig.12 The communication system corresponding to each node in Fig.12 An example of each node in Figure 2 The in-vehicle multi-node wired audio transmission system shown. Fig.12 The method flow in is Figure 5A possible implementation of the method described is shown in FIG. Fig.12 As shown, the method includes:

[0298] 1201. A first node sends a first frame to a second node.

[0299] Correspondingly, the second node receives the first frame from the first node. Step 1501 to step 1502 may refer to step 501 to step 502. Exemplarily, the first node periodically sends a sleep frame to the second node, the first frame is a sleep frame, and the backoff count value in the first frame is N.

[0300] 1202. The second node parses the received first frame transmitted through the channel.

[0301] 1203. When the second node fails to correctly receive the first frame, the second node sends a sixth frame to the first node.

[0302] The sixth frame is at least used to indicate that the second node did not correctly receive the above-mentioned first frame. Step 1203 can be replaced by: the second node forwards the first frame to the third node when the first frame is correctly received. The operation performed by the second node for the received sleep frame can be as follows: when a sleep frame is correctly received, the sleep frame is forwarded to the third node; when the sleep frame is not correctly received, an uplink frame (for example, the sixth frame) is sent to the first node, and the uplink frame is at least used to indicate that the second node did not correctly receive the sleep frame.

[0303] 1204. The first node sends the sixteenth frame to the second node.

[0304] Correspondingly, the second node receives the sixteenth frame from the first node. Exemplarily, the first node periodically sends a sleep frame to the second node, the sixteenth frame is a sleep frame, and the backoff count value in the sixteenth frame is (N-1).

[0305] 1205. The second node parses the received sixteenth frame transmitted through the channel.

[0306] When the second node correctly receives the sixteenth frame, it can determine the sleep start time based on the sixteenth frame.

[0307] 1206. When the sixteenth frame is correctly received, the second node forwards the sixteenth frame to the third node.

[0308] 1207. The third node parses the received sixteenth frame transmitted through the channel.

[0309] When the third node correctly receives the sixteenth frame, it can determine the sleep start time based on the sixteenth frame.

[0310] 1208. When the three nodes receive the sixteenth frame correctly, the three nodes forward the sixteenth frame to the four nodes.

[0311] Step 1208 may be replaced by: when the third node fails to correctly receive the sixteenth frame, the third node sends an uplink frame to the second node, and the uplink frame is at least used to indicate that the third node fails to correctly receive the sixteenth frame. The operation performed by the third node for the received sleep frame may be as follows: when a sleep frame is correctly received, the sleep frame is forwarded to the fourth node; when the sleep frame is not correctly received, an uplink frame (e.g., the sixth frame) is sent to the second node, and the uplink frame is at least used to indicate that the third node fails to correctly receive the sleep frame.

[0312] 1209. The fourth node parses the received sixteenth frame transmitted through the channel.

[0313] When the fourth node correctly receives the sixteenth frame, it can determine the sleep start time based on the sixteenth frame.

[0314] 1210. When the fourth node correctly receives the sixteenth frame, the fourth node sends the seventeenth frame to the third node.

[0315] The seventeenth frame is at least used to indicate that the fourth node has correctly received the sixteenth frame. Step 1210 can be replaced by: when the fourth node has not correctly received the sixteenth frame, the fourth node sends an uplink frame to the third node, the uplink frame is at least used to indicate that the fourth node has not correctly received the sixteenth frame.

[0316] 1211. After receiving the seventeenth frame, the third node forwards the seventeenth frame to the second node.

[0317] 1212. After receiving the seventeenth frame, the second node forwards the seventeenth frame to the first node.

[0318] 1213. After receiving the seventeenth frame, the first node stops sending sleep frames.

[0319] Step 1213 is optional.

[0320] 1214. The first node, the second node, the third node, and the fourth node enter a sleep state when the sleep start time is reached.

[0321] It should be noted that step 1201 to step 1114 are merely examples of operations performed before the first node, the second node, the third node, and the fourth node enter the sleep state.

[0322] 1215. The first node periodically sends a heartbeat frame.

[0323] The heartbeat frame is used for the slave nodes (including the second node, the third node, and the fourth node) to maintain clock synchronization with the master node (ie, the first node).

[0324] 1216. The second node maintains clock synchronization with the first node through a heartbeat frame, and forwards the heartbeat frame to the third node.

[0325] 1217. The third node maintains clock synchronization with the first node through heartbeat frames, and forwards the heartbeat frames to the fourth node.

[0326] 1218. The fourth node maintains clock synchronization with the first node through heartbeat frames.

[0327] The slave nodes (including the second node, the third node and the fourth node) maintain clock synchronization with the master node (ie, the first node) through the heartbeat frame, so that the slave nodes can enter the non-sleeping state from the sleeping state more quickly. Steps 1215 to 1218 are optional.

[0328] In the embodiment of the present application, the second node and the third node forward the sleep frame when the sleep frame is correctly received; and do not forward the sleep frame when the sleep frame is not correctly received; forwarding of the sleep frame that is not correctly received can be avoided, thereby saving signaling overhead.

[0329] Fig.13 An interactive flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. Fig.13 The method flow in this article is applicable to Figure 3 A communication system 300 is shown. Fig.13 The communication system corresponding to each node in Fig.11 An example of each node in Figure 4 The in-vehicle multi-node wired audio transmission system shown. Fig.13 The method flow in is Figure 5 A possible implementation of the method described is shown in FIG. Fig.13 As shown, the method includes:

[0330] 1301. The first node sends a first frame to the second node, the third node, and the fourth node simultaneously.

[0331] An example of step 1301 is: the time offset between the moment #1 when the first node sends the first frame to the second node and the moment #2 when the first node sends the first frame to the third node is less than the above time threshold, the time offset between the moment #1 when the first node sends the first frame to the second node and the moment #3 when the first node sends the first frame to the fourth node is less than the above time threshold, and the time offset between the moment #2 when the first node sends the first frame to the third node and the moment #3 when the first node sends the first frame to the fourth node is less than the above time threshold, for example, the above time threshold is 2us. The first frame is a sleep frame.

[0332] Step 1301 may be an operation of sending a sleep frame once in which the first node periodically sends a sleep frame to the second node, the third node, and the fourth node. For example, the first node sends the same sleep frame to the second node, the third node, and the fourth node at 20.83us intervals; the backoff count value in the sleep frame sent by the first node for the first time is N, the backoff count value in the sleep frame sent by the second node for the second time is (N-1), and so on, the backoff count value in the last sleep frame sent by the first node is 0.

[0333] 1302. The second node parses the received first frame transmitted through the channel.

[0334] 1303. When the second node correctly receives the first frame, the second node sends an eleventh uplink frame to the first node.

[0335] The eleventh uplink frame is at least used to indicate that the second node has correctly received the first frame. The eleventh uplink frame may include identification information of the second node. The second node may determine the sleep start time based on the correctly received sleep frame (eg, the first frame).

[0336] 1304. After receiving the eleventh uplink frame, the first node stops sending sleep frames to the second node.

[0337] Step 1303 and step 1304 are optional. Fig.13 The method flow in does not include step 1303 and step 1304. Step 1303 and step 1304 can be replaced by: when the second node fails to correctly receive the first frame, the second node sends an uplink frame to the first node, which is at least used to indicate that the second node has not correctly received the first frame, and the uplink frame may include identification information of the second node.

[0338] 1305. The third node parses the received first frame transmitted through the channel.

[0339] 1306. When the third node correctly receives the first frame, the third node sends a twelfth uplink frame to the first node.

[0340] The twelfth uplink frame is at least used to indicate that the third node has correctly received the first frame. The twelfth uplink frame may include identification information of the third node. The third node may determine the sleep start time based on the correctly received sleep frame (eg, the first frame).

[0341] 1307. After receiving the twelfth uplink frame, the first node stops sending sleep frames to the third node.

[0342] Step 1306 and step 1307 are optional. Fig.13The method flow in does not include step 1306 and step 1307. Step 1306 and step 1307 can be replaced by: when the third node fails to correctly receive the first frame, the third node sends an uplink frame to the first node, which is at least used to indicate that the third node has not correctly received the first frame, and the uplink frame may include identification information of the third node.

[0343] 1308. The fourth node parses the received first frame transmitted through the channel.

[0344] The order of step 1302, step 1305, and step 1308 is not limited.

[0345] 1309. When the fourth node correctly receives the first frame, the fourth node sends a thirteenth uplink frame to the first node.

[0346] The thirteenth uplink frame is at least used to indicate that the fourth node has correctly received the first frame. The thirteenth uplink frame may include identification information of the fourth node. The fourth node may determine the sleep start time based on the correctly received sleep frame (eg, the first frame).

[0347] 1310. After receiving the thirteenth uplink frame, the first node stops sending the sleep frame to the fourth node.

[0348] Step 1309 and step 1310 are optional. Fig.13 The method flow in does not include step 1309 and step 1310. Step 1309 and step 1310 can be replaced by: when the fourth node fails to correctly receive the first frame, the fourth node sends an uplink frame to the first node, which is at least used to indicate that the fourth node has not correctly received the first frame, and the uplink frame may include identification information of the fourth node.

[0349] It should be noted that steps 1301 to 1310 are only examples of operations performed before the first node, the second node, the third node, and the fourth node enter the sleep state. For example, steps 1301 to 1310 can be replaced by: the first node periodically sends a sleep frame to the second node, the third node, and the fourth node at the same time; the second node, the third node, and the fourth node parse the received sleep frame and determine the sleep start time based on the correctly received sleep frame.

[0350] 1311. The first node, the second node, the third node, and the fourth node enter a sleep state when the sleep start time is reached.

[0351] 1312. The first node periodically sends heartbeat frames to the second node, the third node, and the fourth node.

[0352] 1313. The second node maintains clock synchronization with the first node through a heartbeat frame.

[0353] 1314. The third node maintains clock synchronization with the first node through heartbeat frames.

[0354] 1315. The fourth node maintains clock synchronization with the first node through heartbeat frames.

[0355] In an embodiment of the present application, the first node periodically sends a sleep frame to the second node, the third node, and the fourth node at the same time; the second node, the third node, and the fourth node receive the sleep frame, and determine the sleep start time based on the backoff counter in the correctly received sleep frame; in this way, even if some control frames are not received correctly from the node, in theory, as long as one control frame can be received correctly, the synchronous sleep control can be completed, that is, the second node, the third node, and the fourth node can enter the sleep state synchronously.

[0356] The structure of a communication device that can implement the communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application is described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The following only briefly describes the communication device. For the implementation details of the solution, please refer to the description of the method embodiment above, which will not be repeated below.

[0357] Fig.14 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 1400 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 1400 may correspond to the functions or steps implemented by the first node, the second node, the third node, or the fourth node in each of the above-mentioned method embodiments. The communication device may include a processing module 1410 and a transceiver module 1420. In a possible implementation, a storage unit may also be included, which may be used to store instructions (codes or programs) and / or data. The processing module 1410 and the transceiver module 1420 may be coupled to the storage unit, for example, the processing module 1410 may read the instructions (codes or programs) and / or data in the storage unit to implement the corresponding method. The above-mentioned units may be independently arranged or partially or fully integrated. For example, the transceiver module 1420 may include a sending module and a receiving module. The sending module may be a transmitter, and the receiving module may be a receiver. The entity corresponding to the transceiver module 1420 may be a transceiver or a communication interface.

[0358] In some possible implementations, the communication device 1400 can implement the behavior and function of the first node in the above method embodiment. For example, the communication device 1400 can be the first node, or a component (such as a chip or circuit) used in the first node. The transceiver module 1420 can be used to perform Figure 5 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Fig. 9 , Fig.11 , Fig.12The processing module 1410 may be used to perform, for example, all receiving or sending operations performed by the first node in the embodiment of Figure 5 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Fig. 9 , Fig.11 , Fig.12 All operations except sending and receiving operations performed by the first node in the embodiment.

[0359] In some possible implementations, the communication device 1400 can implement the behavior and function of the second node in the above method embodiment. For example, the communication device 1400 can be a second node, or a component (such as a chip or circuit) used in the second node. The transceiver module 1420 can be used to perform Figure 5 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Fig. 9 , Fig.11 , Fig.12 The processing module 1410 may be used to perform, for example, all receiving or sending operations performed by the second node in the embodiment of Figure 5 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Fig. 9 , Fig.11 , Fig.12 All operations except the sending and receiving operations performed by the second node in the embodiment.

[0360] In some possible implementations, the communication device 1400 can implement the behaviors and functions of the third node in the above method embodiments. For example, the communication device 1400 can be a third node, or a component (such as a chip or circuit) used in the third node. The transceiver module 1420 can be used to perform Figure 8 , Fig. 9 , Fig.11 , Fig.12 The processing module 1410 may be used to perform, for example, all receiving or sending operations performed by the third node. Figure 8 , Fig. 9 , Fig.11 , Fig.12 All operations except the sending and receiving operations are performed by the third node in the embodiment.

[0361] In some possible implementations, the communication device 1400 can implement the behavior and function of the second node in the above method embodiment. For example, the communication device 1400 can be a second node, or a component (such as a chip or circuit) used in the second node. The transceiver module 1420 can be used to perform Figure 8 , Fig. 9 , Fig.11 , Fig.12 The processing module 1410 may be used to perform, for example, all receiving or sending operations performed by the second node in the embodiment of Figure 8 , Fig. 9 , Fig.11 , Fig.12 All operations except the sending and receiving operations performed by the second node in the embodiment.

[0362] Fig.15 A schematic diagram of the structure of another communication device 150 provided in an embodiment of the present application. Fig.15 The communication device in the embodiment may be the first node, the second node, the third node, or the fourth node. Fig.15 As shown, the communication device 150 includes at least one processor 1510 and a transceiver 1520 .

[0363] In some embodiments of the present application, the processor 1510 and the transceiver 1520 may be used to execute the functions or operations performed by the first node. The transceiver 1520 is used to execute Figure 5 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Fig. 9 , Fig.11 , Fig.12 In the embodiment of the present invention, all receiving or sending operations performed by the first node are performed. The processor 1510 is for example configured to perform Figure 5 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Fig. 9 , Fig.11 , Fig.12 All operations except sending and receiving operations performed by the first node in the embodiment.

[0364] In some embodiments of the present application, the processor 1510 and the transceiver 1520 may be used to execute the function or operation performed by the second node. The transceiver 1520 is used to execute Figure 5 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Fig. 9 , Fig.11 , Fig.12 The processor 1510 is used to perform all receiving or sending operations performed by the second node in the embodiment of Figure 5 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Fig. 9 , Fig.11 , Fig.12 All operations except the sending and receiving operations performed by the second node in the embodiment.

[0365] In some embodiments of the present application, the processor 1510 and the transceiver 1520 may be used to execute the functions or operations executed by the third node. The transceiver 1520 is used to execute Figure 8 , Fig. 9 , Fig.11 , Fig.12 The processor 1510 is used to perform all receiving or sending operations performed by the third node in the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 , Fig. 9 , Fig.11 , Fig.12 All operations except the sending and receiving operations are performed by the third node in the embodiment.

[0366] In some embodiments of the present application, the processor 1510 and the transceiver 1520 may be used to execute the functions or operations performed by the fourth node. The transceiver 1520 is used to execute Figure 8 , Fig. 9 , Fig.11 , Fig.12 The processor 1510 is used to perform all receiving or sending operations performed by the fourth node in the embodiment of Figure 8 , Fig. 9 , Fig.11 , Fig.12 All operations except the sending and receiving operations are performed by the fourth node in the embodiment.

[0367] The transceiver 1520 is used to communicate with other devices / apparatuses via a transmission medium. The processor 1510 uses the transceiver 1520 to send and receive data and / or signaling, and is used to implement the method in the above method embodiment. The processor 1510 can implement the functions of the processing module 1410, and the transceiver 1520 can implement the functions of the transceiver module 1420. Optionally, the transceiver 1520 may include a radio frequency circuit and an antenna, and the radio frequency circuit is mainly used for converting baseband signals and radio frequency signals and processing radio frequency signals. The antenna is mainly used to send and receive radio frequency signals in the form of electromagnetic waves. Input and output devices, such as touch screens, display screens, keyboards, etc. are mainly used to receive data input by users and output data to users.

[0368] Optionally, the communication device 150 may also include at least one memory 1530 for storing program instructions and / or data. The memory 1530 is coupled to the processor 1510. The coupling in the embodiment of the present application is an indirect coupling or communication connection between devices, units or modules, which may be electrical, mechanical or other forms, and is used for information exchange between devices, units or modules. The processor 1510 may operate in conjunction with the memory 1530. The processor 1510 may execute program instructions stored in the memory 1530. At least one of the at least one memory may be included in the processor.

[0369] The processor 1510 can read the software program in the memory 1530, interpret and execute the instructions of the software program, and process the data of the software program. When data needs to be sent wirelessly, the processor 1510 performs baseband processing on the data to be sent, and outputs the baseband signal to the radio frequency circuit. The radio frequency circuit performs radio frequency processing on the baseband signal and then sends the radio frequency signal outward in the form of electromagnetic waves through the antenna. When data is sent to the communication device, the radio frequency circuit receives the radio frequency signal through the antenna, converts the radio frequency signal into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the processor 1510. The processor 1510 converts the baseband signal into data and processes the data.

[0370] In another implementation, the above-mentioned RF circuit and antenna can be arranged independently of the processor performing baseband processing. For example, in a distributed scenario, the RF circuit and antenna can be arranged independently of the communication device in a remote manner.

[0371] The specific connection medium between the transceiver 1520, the processor 1510 and the memory 1530 is not limited in the embodiment of the present application. Fig.15 The memory 1530, the processor 1510 and the transceiver 1520 are connected via a bus 1540. Fig.15 The connection between other components is only for illustration and is not intended to be limiting. The bus can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For ease of representation, Fig.15 Only one thick line is used in the diagram, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or only one type of bus.

[0372] In the embodiments of the present application, the processor may be one of the following devices: a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic device, a discrete hardware component, or all or part of the circuits used for processing functions in the aforementioned devices, which may implement or execute the methods, steps and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of the present application. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc. The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of the present application may be directly embodied as being executed by a hardware processor, or may be executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor.

[0373] Fig.16 A schematic diagram of the structure of another communication device 160 provided in an embodiment of the present application. Fig.16 The communication device in the embodiment may be the first node or a chip used for the first node, the second node or a chip used for the second node, the third node or a chip used for the third node, or the fourth node or a chip used for the fourth node. Fig.16 As shown, Fig.16 The communication device shown includes a logic circuit 1601 and an interface 1602 . Fig.14 The processing module 1410 in can be implemented by a logic circuit 1601. Fig.14 The transceiver module 1420 in the embodiment can be implemented with an interface 1602. The logic circuit 1601 can be a chip, a processing circuit, an integrated circuit or a system on chip (SoC) chip, etc., and the interface 1602 can be a communication interface, an input and output interface, etc. In the embodiment of the present application, the logic circuit and the interface can also be coupled to each other. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the specific connection method of the logic circuit and the interface.

[0374] In some embodiments of the present application, the logic circuit and interface may be used to execute the functions or operations performed by the above-mentioned first node, etc.

[0375] In some embodiments of the present application, the logic circuit and interface may be used to execute the functions or operations performed by the second node described above.

[0376] In some embodiments of the present application, the logic circuit and interface may be used to execute the functions or operations performed by the third node mentioned above.

[0377] In some embodiments of the present application, the logic circuit and interface may be used to execute the functions or operations performed by the fourth node, etc.

[0378] The present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium, in which a computer program or instruction is stored. When the computer program or instruction is executed on a computer, the computer executes the method of the above embodiment.

[0379] The present application also provides a computer program product, which includes instructions or a computer program. When the instructions or the computer program are run on a computer, the method in the above embodiment is executed.

[0380] The present application also provides a communication system, including the above-mentioned first node, second node, third node and fourth node.

[0381] The present application also provides a chip, which includes: a communication interface and a processor; the communication interface is used for sending and receiving signals of the above-mentioned chip; the processor is used to execute computer program instructions so that a communication device including the above-mentioned chip executes the method in the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0382] In the above embodiments, it can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The above computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the above computer program or instruction is loaded and executed on a computer, the above process or function of the embodiment of the present application is executed in whole or in part. The above computer may be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a user device or other programmable device. The above computer program or instruction may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium. For example, the above computer program or instruction may be transmitted from one website site, computer, server or data center to another website site, computer, server or data center by wired or wireless means. The above computer-readable storage medium may 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 above available medium may be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, a hard disk, or a tape; it may also be an optical medium, such as a digital video disc; it may also be a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state hard disk. The computer-readable storage medium may be a volatile or nonvolatile storage medium, or may include both volatile and nonvolatile types of storage media.

[0383] In the various embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified or provided for in any logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between the different embodiments are consistent and may be referenced to each other, and the technical features in the different embodiments may be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationships.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: The method is applied to a first node, and the method comprises: generating a first frame, wherein the first frame is at least used to determine a sleep start time of the second node; The first frame is sent.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first frame includes first indication information and second indication information, the first indication information is at least used to indicate that the first frame is a control frame for determining the sleep start time, and the second indication information is at least used to determine the sleep start time.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The second indication information includes a backoff count value, where the backoff count value is associated with a first time interval, where the first time interval is equal to a time interval between a moment when the second node receives the first frame and a sleep start time of the second node.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The product of the backoff count value and the first period is equal to the first time interval, and the first period is the sending period of the control frame.

5. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that: The first indication information includes a frame type of the first frame, and the frame type of the first frame is at least used to indicate that the first frame is a control frame used to determine the sleep start time.

6. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that: The method further comprises: A second frame is sent, where the second frame is used for the second node to maintain clock synchronization with the first node.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that Before sending the second frame, the method further includes: A third frame is sent, where the third frame is at least used by the second node to determine the sleep start time, where the sleep start time is a first moment, and the time interval between the first moment and the moment when the second node receives the third frame is less than a time threshold.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that The third frame includes a frame type of the third frame and a backoff count value, wherein the frame type of the third frame is at least used to indicate that the third frame is a control frame for determining the sleep start time, and the backoff count value in the third frame is at least used by the second node to determine the sleep start time.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that The backoff count value in the third frame is 0.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The method further comprises: receiving a fourth frame, wherein the fourth frame is at least used to indicate that the second node has correctly received a control frame used to determine the sleep start time; Stop sending a control frame at least used by the second node to determine the sleep start time.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that The fourth frame is specifically used to indicate that the second node and each subordinate node of the second node have correctly received the control frame used to determine the sleep start time.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that: After stopping sending the control frame at least for the second node to determine the sleep start time, the method further includes: After reaching the target time point, the system enters the sleep state, where the target time point is a preset time point or the sleep start time.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that: The first node is a master node in the vehicle-mounted multi-node wired audio transmission system, and the second node is a slave node in the vehicle-mounted multi-node wired audio transmission system.

14. A communication method, characterized in that: The method is applied to the second node, and the method includes: receiving a first frame transmitted via a channel, wherein the first frame is at least used for determining a sleep start time of the second node; The first frame received and transmitted through the channel is parsed.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that The first frame includes first indication information and second indication information, the first indication information is at least used to indicate that the first frame is a control frame for determining the sleep start time, and the second indication information is at least used to determine the sleep start time.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that The second indication information includes a backoff count value, where the backoff count value is associated with a first time interval, where the first time interval is equal to a time interval between a moment when the second node receives the first frame and a sleep start time of the second node.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that The product of the backoff count value and the first period is equal to the first time interval, and the first period is the sending period of the control frame.

18. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that The first indication information includes a frame type of the first frame, and the frame type of the first frame is at least used to indicate that the first frame is a control frame used to determine the sleep start time.

19. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 18, characterized in that The method further comprises: A second frame is received, where the second frame is at least used for the second node to maintain clock synchronization with the first node, and the first node is a source of the first frame.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that Before receiving the second frame, the method further includes: A third frame is received, where the third frame is at least used by the second node to determine the sleep start time, where the sleep start time is a first moment, and a time interval between the first moment and a moment when the second node receives the third frame is less than a time threshold.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that The third frame includes a frame type of the third frame and a backoff count value, wherein the frame type of the third frame is at least used to indicate that the third frame is a control frame for determining the sleep start time, and the backoff count value in the third frame is at least used by the second node to determine the sleep start time.

22. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 21, characterized in that The method further comprises: The first frame received and transmitted through the channel is forwarded.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that After forwarding the received first frame transmitted via the channel, the method further comprises: A fourth frame is sent, where the fourth frame is at least used to indicate that the second node has correctly received a control frame used by the second node to determine the sleep start time.

24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that The fourth frame is specifically used to indicate that the second node and each subordinate node of the second node have correctly received the control frame used to determine the sleep start time.

25. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that Before sending the fourth frame, the method further includes: receiving a fifth frame, wherein the fifth frame is at least used to indicate that each subordinate node of the second node has correctly received a control frame used to determine the sleep start time; The sending of the fourth frame comprises: The fourth frame is sent when the second node correctly receives the control frame used by the second node to determine the sleep start time.

26. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 21, characterized in that The method further comprises: forwarding the first frame when the first frame is correctly received; Alternatively, when the first frame is not received correctly, a sixth frame is sent, where the sixth frame is at least used to indicate that the second node has not received the first frame correctly.

27. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 26, characterized in that The information source of the first frame is a master node in the vehicle-mounted multi-node wired audio transmission system, and the second node is a slave node in the vehicle-mounted multi-node wired audio transmission system.

28. A communication device, characterized in that: The method comprises modules for implementing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

29. A communication device, characterized in that: Comprising modules for implementing the method of any one of claims 14 to 27.

30. A communication device, characterized in that: The device comprises a processor, the processor is coupled to a memory, the memory stores computer program instructions, and the processor is used to execute the computer program instructions so that the communication device performs the method according to any one of claims 1 to 27.

31. A chip, characterized in that: It comprises a processor and a communication interface, wherein the processor reads instructions stored in a memory through the communication interface, and executes instructions so that a communication device including the chip executes the method according to any one of claims 1 to 27.

32. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program, wherein the computer program includes program instructions, and when the program instructions are executed, the computer is enabled to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 27.

Images