Data acquisition method and communication device

Abstract

According to the data acquisition method and the communication device, a core network element and a reader-writer can send first information to an Internet of Things device through a downlink signaling sent before the Internet of Things device is registered to the core network element, so as to instruct the Internet of Things device to acquire sensing data; therefore, the Internet of Things equipment can start the collection of the sensing data before being registered to the network element of the core network, and the time for reporting the sensing data by the Internet of Things equipment can be advanced, so that the efficiency of acquiring the sensing data of the label by the network element of the core network is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of communications, and more specifically, to a data acquisition method and a communication device. Background Art

[0002] At present, the mainstream application scenarios of devices in the Internet of Things (IoT) (such as passive tags or semi-passive tags) include the following scenarios: 1) Logistics and warehousing: including inventory and tracking of goods, environmental and cargo status monitoring during the transportation of high-value goods (such as vaccines); 2) Industrial manufacturing: including environmental and equipment status monitoring. With the development of technology and environmental protection requirements, the Internet of Things will have a larger scale of application deployment prospects, and it is predicted that it will cover hundreds of billions of devices in the future.

[0003] IoT devices can have sensing functions and can collect sensor data through sensors. After the IoT device is registered with the network, the network can send a request to the IoT device to obtain sensor data. The IoT device can start collecting sensor data based on the network's request and report it to the network after the collection is completed. However, in this way, the network is very inefficient in obtaining sensor data from IoT devices. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present application provides a data collection method and a communication device, in order to improve the efficiency of a network in acquiring sensor data of an Internet of Things device.

[0005] In a first aspect, a data collection method is provided, which can be performed by an Internet of Things device. Unless otherwise specified, "Internet of Things device" can refer to the Internet of Things device itself, or a device that can support the Internet of Things device to implement the function. Optionally, the Internet of Things device can be a tag. The tag can be a passive tag, a semi-passive tag, or an active tag.

[0006] The method includes: a first Internet of Things device receives first information from a reader / writer, the first information is used to instruct the first Internet of Things device to collect sensor data, and the first information is carried in a downlink signaling sent before the first Internet of Things device is registered with a core network element; the first Internet of Things device collects first sensor data according to the first information; and the first Internet of Things device sends the first sensor data to the reader / writer.

[0007] It should be noted that before the first IoT device registers with the core network element, it may include: before the first IoT device sends a registration request message and during the registration process of the first IoT device with the core network element. In other words, the first information may be carried in the downlink signaling before the registration request message or in the downlink signaling during the registration process of the first IoT device with the core network element.

[0008] The downlink signaling before the registration request message includes at least one of the following: a first excitation signal, a first selection command, and downlink signaling in the first random access process. Among them, the first excitation signal is used to power the IoT device to be inventoried, the first selection command is used to select the IoT device to be inventoried, and the first IoT device belongs to the IoT devices to be inventoried. The downlink signaling in the process of the first IoT device registering with the core network element includes at least one of the following: a first registration message, or downlink signaling in the first security authentication process, and the first registration message is used to indicate that the first IoT device has successfully registered with the core network element.

[0009] Based on the above method, the reader can send the first information to the first IoT device through the downlink signaling sent before the first IoT device is registered with the core network element, so as to instruct the first IoT device to collect sensor data, so that the first IoT device can start collecting sensor data before registering with the core network element. Compared with starting the collection of sensor data according to the data read request message of the core network element after successful registration, the first IoT device starts the collection of sensor data before registering with the core network element, which helps to advance the time for the first IoT device to report sensor data, thereby improving the efficiency of the core network element in acquiring sensor data of the tag.

[0010] In addition, when the reader carries the first information in the downlink signaling of the first excitation signal, the first selection command or the first random access process, the IoT devices to be counted within the range of the reader can collect sensor data in advance according to the first information. In this way, the time for each IoT device to be counted to report sensor data will be advanced, thereby further improving the efficiency of the core network element in acquiring sensor data.

[0011] In combination with the first aspect, in some possible implementations, the downlink signaling in the random access process includes a query command and / or a confirmation command; and / or the first registration message is a registration response message or a registration acceptance message; and / or the downlink first signaling in the first security authentication process includes an authentication pass message and / or an authentication request message.

[0012] In combination with the first aspect or any implementation method thereof, in some other possible implementation methods, the first information is carried in the first excitation signal, the first selection command, or the downlink signaling in the first random access process; the first sensing data is carried in the second registration message, the uplink signaling in the first security authentication process, or the uplink signaling related to service transmission, and the second registration message is used to request registration with the core network element.

[0013] Compared to starting the collection of sensor data based on the data reading request message of the core network network element after successful registration, the first Internet of Things device collects sensor data based on the first information in the downlink signaling during the first excitation signal, the first selection command or the first random access process, which helps to advance the time for the first Internet of Things device to report the sensor data, thereby improving the efficiency of the core network element in acquiring the sensor data of the tag.

[0014] In combination with the first aspect or any implementation thereof, in some other possible implementations, the first information is carried in the first registration message or the downlink signaling in the first security authentication process; the first sensing data is carried in the uplink signaling related to the service transmission.

[0015] Compared to starting the collection of sensor data based on the data reading request message of the core network network element after successful registration, the first Internet of Things device collects sensor data based on the first information in the downlink signaling during the first registration message or the first security authentication process. This helps to advance the time for the first Internet of Things device to report sensor data, thereby improving the efficiency of the core network element in acquiring the sensor data of the tag.

[0016] In combination with the first aspect or any implementation manner thereof, in some other possible implementation manners, the method also includes: the first Internet of Things device receives second information from the reader / writer, and the second information is used to instruct the first Internet of Things device to report sensor data; the first Internet of Things device sends the first sensor data to the reader / writer, including: the first Internet of Things device sends the first sensor data to the reader / writer according to the second information; wherein the first information is carried in the first excitation signal, the first selection command, the downlink signaling in the first random access process, or the downlink signaling in the first security authentication process, and the second information is carried in the first registration message.

[0017] Based on the above method, the first Internet of Things device can report the first sensor data based on the reporting indication information on the network side.

[0018] In combination with the first aspect or any implementation manner thereof, in some other possible implementation manners, after sending the first sensor data, the method also includes: the first Internet of Things device receives the first information from the reader / writer; the first Internet of Things device collects and caches second sensor data based on the first information; the first Internet of Things device receives second information, the second information is used to instruct the first Internet of Things device to report sensor data, the second information is carried in a second excitation signal, a second selection command, or a downlink signaling in a second random access process, the second excitation signal is used to power the Internet of Things device to be counted, and the second selection command is used to select the Internet of Things device to be counted; the first Internet of Things device sends the second sensor data to the reader / writer based on the second information, the second sensor data is carried in a third registration message, and the third registration message is used to request registration with the core network element; after sending the second sensor data, the first Internet of Things device receives the first information from the reader / writer.

[0019] Based on the above method, after sending the first sensor data, the first Internet of Things device can collect the second sensor data based on the first information received again. When the core network network element instructs the first Internet of Things device to report the sensor data again, the first Internet of Things device can directly report the second sensor data collected in advance, which helps to improve the efficiency of the core network network element in acquiring sensor data.

[0020] In combination with the first aspect or any implementation manner thereof, in some other possible implementation manners, the method further includes: the first Internet of Things device receives third information from the reader / writer, the third information is used to instruct the first Internet of Things device to send feedback information when the sensor data collection is not completed, and the feedback information is used to instruct to maintain the communication connection with the first Internet of Things device.

[0021] Based on the above method, before the collection of the first sensor data is completed, the communication connection between the first Internet of Things device and the network side is always maintained. Once the collection of the first sensor data is completed, the first Internet of Things device can report it to the core network network element in a timely manner, which helps to improve the efficiency of the core network network element in acquiring sensor data.

[0022] In combination with the first aspect or any implementation manner thereof, in some other possible implementation manners, the third information and the first information are carried in the same signaling; or, the first information is carried in the first excitation signal, the first selection command, the downlink signaling in the first random access process, or the downlink signaling in the first security authentication process, and the third information is carried in the first registration message.

[0023] In combination with the first aspect or any implementation manner thereof, in some other possible implementation manners, the third information is also used to indicate a period for sending the feedback information.

[0024] In combination with the first aspect or any implementation thereof, in some other possible implementations, the method further includes: before the collection of the first sensor data is completed, the first Internet of Things device sends one or more of the feedback information to the reader / writer.

[0025] In combination with the first aspect or any implementation manner thereof, in some other possible implementation manners, the first Internet of Things device completes the collection of the first sensor data after a first period of time; the first Internet of Things device sends the first sensor data to the reader / writer, including: the first Internet of Things device re-establishes a communication connection with the reader / writer, and sends the first sensor data to the reader / writer on the communication connection.

[0026] Based on the above method, the network side can maintain a communication connection with the first IoT device within a preset time period, which can avoid waiting for a long time for a certain IoT device to report sensor data, help other IoT devices to access the network in time, and help improve the efficiency of core network elements in obtaining sensor data.

[0027] In combination with the first aspect or any implementation manner thereof, in some other possible implementation manners, the method further includes: the first Internet of Things device receives fourth information from the reader / writer, and the fourth information is used to indicate the first duration.

[0028] In combination with the first aspect or any implementation manner thereof, in some other possible implementation manners, the fourth information and the first information are carried in the same signaling; or, the first information is carried in the first excitation signal, the first selection command, the downlink signaling in the first random access process, or the downlink signaling in the first security authentication process, and the fourth information is carried in the first registration message.

[0029] In a second aspect, a data collection method is provided, which can be performed by a core network element. Unless otherwise specified, "core network element" can refer to the core network element itself, or a device that can support the core network element to implement the function. The core network element is a network element responsible for the management of IoT devices, such as a tag management function (TMF).

[0030] The method includes: a core network element receives a data request message from an application function element, the data request message is used to request sensor data of an Internet of Things device to be inventoried, and the Internet of Things device to be inventoried includes a first Internet of Things device; the core network element sends first information to a reader / writer according to the data request message, the first information is used to instruct the first Internet of Things device to collect sensor data, and the first information is carried in a downlink signaling sent before the first Internet of Things device is registered with the core network element; the core network element receives first sensor data of the first Internet of Things device from the reader / writer; and the core network element sends the first sensor data to the application function element.

[0031] The description before the first IoT device registers with the core network element can refer to the first aspect.

[0032] In a second aspect, the downlink signaling before the registration request message includes a first inventory request message, and the inventory request message is used to request an inventory of the IoT device to be inventoried. The downlink signaling in the process of registering the first IoT device with the core network element includes at least one of the following: a first registration message, or downlink signaling in a first security authentication process, and the first registration message is used to indicate that the first IoT device has successfully registered with the core network element.

[0033] Based on the above method, the core network element can send the first information to the reader / writer through the downlink signaling sent before the first IoT device is registered with the core network element, so as to instruct the first IoT device to collect sensor data, so that the first IoT device can start collecting sensor data before registering with the core network element. Compared with starting the collection of sensor data according to the data reading request message of the core network element after successful registration, the first IoT device starts the collection of sensor data before registering with the core network element, which helps to advance the time for the first IoT device to report sensor data, thereby improving the efficiency of the core network element in acquiring sensor data of the tag.

[0034] In addition, when the core network element carries the first information in the first inventory request message, the reader can be supported to carry the first information in the first excitation signal, the first selection command or the downlink signaling in the first random access process, so that the IoT devices to be inventoried within the range of the reader can collect sensor data in advance according to the first information. In this way, the time for each IoT device to be inventoried to report sensor data will be advanced, thereby further improving the efficiency of the core network element in obtaining sensor data.

[0035] In combination with the second aspect, in some possible implementations, the first registration message is a registration response message or a registration acceptance message; and / or, the downlink signaling in the first security authentication process includes an authentication pass message and / or an authentication request message.

[0036] In combination with the second aspect or any implementation method thereof, in some other possible implementation methods, the first information is carried in the first inventory request message; the first sensor data is carried in the second registration message, the uplink signaling in the first security authentication process, or the uplink signaling related to service transmission, and the second registration message is used to request registration with the core network network element.

[0037] In combination with the second aspect or any implementation thereof, in some other possible implementations, the first information is carried in the first registration message or the downlink signaling in the first security authentication process; the first sensing data is carried in the uplink signaling related to the service transmission.

[0038] In combination with the second aspect or any implementation manner thereof, in some other possible implementation manners, the method further includes: the core network network element sends second information to the reader / writer, and the second information is used to instruct the first Internet of Things device to report sensor data; wherein the first information is carried in the first inventory request message, and the second information is carried in the first registration message.

[0039] In combination with the second aspect or any implementation manner thereof, in some other possible implementation manners, the data request message includes periodic information, and the periodic information is used to indicate the period of inventorying the IoT device to be inventoried; the first information and the first sensor data are transmitted within the first period; the method also includes: within the second period, the core network network element sends the first information to the reader / writer via a second inventory request message or a fourth registration message, and the fourth registration message is used to indicate that the first IoT device has been successfully registered with the core network network element.

[0040] In combination with the second aspect or any implementation manner thereof, in some other possible implementation manners, the data request message includes periodic information, and the periodic information is used to indicate the period of inventorying the IoT device to be inventoried; the first information and the first sensor data are transmitted within the first period; the method also includes: after receiving the first sensor data, within the first period, the core network network element sends the first information to the reader / writer; within the second period, the core network network element sends second information to the reader / writer through a second inventory request message, and the second information is used to indicate that the first IoT device reports sensor data; the core network network element receives the second sensor data of the first IoT device from the reader / writer, and the second sensor data is carried in a third registration message, and the third registration message is used to request registration with the core network network element; after receiving the second sensor data, the core network network element sends the first information to the reader / writer.

[0041] In combination with the second aspect or any implementation manner thereof, in some other possible implementation manners, the data request message includes a first data volume, and the first data volume is the data volume that triggers the core network network element to report sensor data to the application function network element; the core network network element sends the first sensor data to the application function network element, including: when the sensor data cached in the core network network element reaches the first data volume, the core network network element sends the sensor data cached by the core network element to the application function network element, and the sensor data cached by the core network element includes the first sensor data.

[0042] In combination with the second aspect or any implementation manner thereof, in some other possible implementation manners, the data request message includes indication information, and the indication information is used to indicate the signaling carrying the first information; the core network network element sends the first information to the reader / writer according to the data request message, including: the core network network element sends the first information to the reader / writer in the signaling indicated by the indication information according to the data request message.

[0043] In combination with the second aspect or any implementation manner thereof, in some other possible implementation manners, the method further includes: the core network network element sends third information to the reader / writer, the third information is used to instruct the first Internet of Things device to send feedback information when the sensor data collection is not completed, and the feedback information is used to instruct to maintain the communication connection with the first Internet of Things device.

[0044] In combination with the second aspect or any implementation manner thereof, in some other possible implementation manners, the third information and the first information are carried in the same signaling; or, the first information is carried in the first inventory request message or the downlink signaling in the first security authentication process, and the third information is carried in the first registration message.

[0045] In combination with the second aspect or any implementation manner thereof, in some other possible implementation manners, the third information is also used to indicate a period for sending the feedback information.

[0046] In combination with the second aspect or any implementation manner thereof, in some other possible implementation manners, the method also includes: within a first time period, the core network network element does not receive the first sensor data from the reader / writer; after the first time period, the core network network element disconnects the communication connection for the first Internet of Things device, and sends fifth information to the reader / writer, the fifth information is used to indicate the inventory of the next Internet of Things device; the core network network element receives the first sensor data of the first Internet of Things device from the reader / writer, including: the core network network element re-establishes a communication connection with the first Internet of Things device, and receives the first sensor data on the communication connection.

[0047] In combination with the second aspect or any implementation manner thereof, in some other possible implementation manners, the method further includes: the core network element starts a first timer, and the timing duration of the first timer is the first duration.

[0048] In combination with the second aspect or any implementation method thereof, in some other possible implementation methods, before the core network network element sends the fifth information to the reader / writer, the method also includes: the core network network element receives the sixth information from the reader / writer, and the sixth information is used to request an inventory of the next Internet of Things device.

[0049] In combination with the second aspect or any implementation manner thereof, in some other possible implementation manners, the method further includes: the core network element sending fourth information to the reader / writer, wherein the fourth information is used to indicate the first duration.

[0050] In combination with the second aspect or any implementation manner thereof, in some other possible implementation manners, the fourth information and the first information are carried in the same signaling; or, the first information is carried in the first inventory request message or the downlink signaling in the first security authentication process, and the fourth information is carried in the first registration message.

[0051] The terms or features in the second aspect or its implementation that are the same as those in the first aspect or its implementation can refer to the first aspect or its implementation, and the technical effects of the second aspect or its implementation can refer to the technical effects in the first aspect or its implementation, and will not be repeated in the second aspect.

[0052] On the third aspect, a data collection method is provided, which can be executed by an application function network element. Unless otherwise specified, "application function network element" may refer to the application function network element itself, or may refer to a device that can support the application function network element to implement the function.

[0053] The method includes: an application function network element determines a data request message, the data request message is used to request sensor data of an Internet of Things device to be inventoried, the data request message includes one or more of the following information: period information, cached data volume or indication information, the period information is used to indicate the period of inventorying the Internet of Things device to be inventoried, the cached data volume is the data volume that triggers the core network element to report sensor data to the application function network element, the indication information is used to indicate signaling that carries first information, the first information is used to instruct a first Internet of Things device to collect sensor data, and the first Internet of Things device belongs to the Internet of Things device to be inventoried; the application function network element sends the data request message to the core network element.

[0054] Based on the above method, the application function network element can provide the designated core network element with at least one of the periodic information for inventory, the amount of data that triggers reporting of sensor data, or the signaling for sending the first information, which can make the inventory more flexible.

[0055] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some possible implementations, the signaling carrying the first information is downlink signaling sent before the first IoT device is registered with the core network element. For a specific description, reference may be made to the second aspect.

[0056] In a fourth aspect, a data collection method is provided, which can be executed by a reader / writer. Unless otherwise specified, "reader / writer" can refer to the reader / writer itself, or a device that can support the reader / writer to implement the function. The reader / writer can be integrated into an access network device, a relay device, or a terminal device, or can be a dedicated reader / writer, without limitation.

[0057] The method includes: a reader / writer receives first information from a core network element, the first information being used to instruct a first Internet of Things device to collect sensor data; the reader / writer sends the first information to the first Internet of Things device; the reader / writer receives first sensor data from the first Internet of Things device; the reader / writer sends the first sensor data to the core network element; wherein the first information is carried in downlink signaling sent before the first Internet of Things device registers with the core network element.

[0058] The description before the first IoT device registers with the core network element can refer to the first aspect.

[0059] The downlink signaling received by the reader before the registration request message can refer to the second aspect, and the downlink signaling sent by the reader before the registration request message can refer to the first aspect. The downlink signaling received by the reader during the registration process of the first IoT device to the core network element can refer to the second aspect, and the downlink signaling sent by the reader during the registration process of the first IoT device to the core network element can refer to the first aspect.

[0060] In combination with the fourth aspect, in some possible implementations, the downlink signaling in the random access process includes a query command and / or a confirmation command; the downlink first signaling in the first security authentication process includes an authentication pass message and / or an authentication request message.

[0061] In combination with the fourth aspect or any implementation manner thereof, in some other possible implementation manners, the first information received by the reader / writer is carried in the first inventory request message; the first information sent by the reader / writer is carried in the first excitation signal, the first selection command, or the downlink signaling in the first random access process; the first sensor data is carried in the second registration message, the uplink signaling in the first security authentication process, or the uplink signaling related to service transmission, and the second registration message is used to request registration with the core network element.

[0062] In combination with the fourth aspect or any implementation thereof, in some other possible implementations, the first information is carried in the first registration message or the downlink signaling in the first security authentication process; the first sensing data is carried in the uplink signaling related to the service transmission.

[0063] In combination with the fourth aspect or any implementation manner thereof, in some other possible implementation manners, the method also includes: the reader / writer receives second information from the core network network element, the second information being used to instruct the first Internet of Things device to report sensor data; the reader / writer sends the second information to the first Internet of Things device; wherein, the first information received by the reader / writer is carried in the first inventory request message, the first information sent by the reader / writer is carried in the first excitation signal, the first selection command, the downlink signaling in the first random access process, or the downlink signaling in the first security authentication process, and the second information is carried in the first registration message.

[0064] In combination with the fourth aspect or any implementation manner thereof, in some other possible implementation manners, after sending the first sensor data, the method further includes: the reader / writer receives the first information from the core network network element, and sends the first information to the first Internet of Things device; the reader / writer receives second information from the core network network element, the second information is used to instruct the first Internet of Things device to report sensor data, and the second information is carried in a second inventory request message; the reader / writer sends the second information to the first Internet of Things device through a second excitation signal, a second selection command, or downlink signaling in a second random access process, the second excitation signal is used to power the Internet of Things device to be inventoried, and the second selection command is used to select the Internet of Things device to be inventoried; the reader / writer receives the third registration message from the first Internet of Things device, the third registration message is used to request registration with the core network network element, and the third registration message includes the second sensor data; the reader / writer sends the third registration message to the core network network element; after sending the third registration message, the reader / writer receives the first information from the core network network element and sends the first information to the first Internet of Things device.

[0065] In combination with the fourth aspect or any implementation manner thereof, in some other possible implementation manners, the method further includes: the reader / writer receives third information from the core network network element, the third information is used to instruct the first Internet of Things device to send feedback information when the sensor data collection is not completed, and the feedback information is used to instruct to maintain the communication connection with the first Internet of Things device; the reader / writer sends the third information to the first Internet of Things device.

[0066] In combination with the fourth aspect or any implementation manner thereof, in some other possible implementation manners, the third information and the first information are carried in the same signaling; or, the first information received by the reader / writer is carried in the first inventory request message, the first information sent by the reader / writer is carried in the first excitation signal, the first selection command, and the downlink signaling in the first random access process, and the third information is carried in the first registration message.

[0067] In combination with the fourth aspect or any implementation manner thereof, in some other possible implementation manners, the third information is also used to indicate a period for sending the feedback information.

[0068] In combination with the fourth aspect or any implementation thereof, in some other possible implementations, the method further includes: the reader / writer receives one or more feedback information from the first Internet of Things device, and sends the one or more feedback information to the core network network element.

[0069] In combination with the fourth aspect or any implementation manner thereof, in some other possible implementation manners, the method further includes: within a first time period, the reader / writer does not receive the first sensor data from the reader / writer; after the first time period, the reader / writer disconnects the communication connection with the first Internet of Things device, and receives fifth information from the core network network element, the fifth information is used to indicate the inventory of the next Internet of Things device; the reader / writer receives the first sensor data from the first Internet of Things device, including: the reader / writer re-establishes a communication connection with the first Internet of Things device, and receives the first sensor data on the communication connection.

[0070] In combination with the fourth aspect or any implementation manner thereof, in some other possible implementation manners, the method further includes: the core network network element starts a first timer, and the timing duration of the first timer is the first duration; before receiving the fifth information, the reader / writer sends sixth information to the core network network element, and the sixth information is used to request an inventory of the next Internet of Things device.

[0071] In combination with the fourth aspect or any implementation manner thereof, in some other possible implementation manners, the method further includes: the reader / writer receives fourth information sent from the core network element, and the fourth information is used to indicate the first duration.

[0072] In combination with the fourth aspect or any implementation manner thereof, in some other possible implementation manners, the method further includes: the reader / writer sends the fourth information to the first Internet of Things device.

[0073] The terms or features in the fourth aspect or its implementation methods that are the same as those in the first aspect or its implementation methods can refer to the first aspect or its implementation methods, and the technical effects of the fourth aspect or its implementation methods can refer to the technical effects in the first aspect or its implementation methods, and will not be repeated in the fourth aspect.

[0074] In a fifth aspect, a communication device is provided, which is used to execute the method provided by any one of the above aspects or its implementation. Specifically, the device may include units and / or modules, such as a processing unit and / or a transceiver unit, for executing the method provided by any one of the above aspects or its implementation.

[0075] In one implementation, the device is an IoT device, a core network element, an application function element, or a reader / writer. When the device is an IoT device, a core network element, an application function element, or a reader / writer, the transceiver unit may be a transceiver, or an input / output interface, or a communication interface; the processing unit may be at least one processor. Optionally, the transceiver is a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface is an input / output circuit.

[0076] In another implementation, the device is a chip, chip system or circuit used in an IoT device, a core network element, an application function element or a reader / writer. When the device is a chip, chip system or circuit used in an IoT device, a core network element, an application function element or a reader / writer, the transceiver unit may be an input / output interface, an interface circuit, an output circuit, an input circuit, a pin or a related circuit on the chip, chip system or circuit; the processing unit may be at least one processor, a processing circuit or a logic circuit.

[0077] In a sixth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising: a memory for storing programs; and at least one processor for executing computer programs or instructions stored in the memory to execute the method provided by any one of the above aspects or its implementation.

[0078] In one implementation, the device is an Internet of Things device, a core network element, an application function network element, or a reader / writer.

[0079] In another implementation, the device is a chip, a chip system or a circuit used in an Internet of Things device, a core network element, an application function network element or a reader / writer.

[0080] In a seventh aspect, a communication device is provided, the device comprising: at least one processor and a communication interface, the at least one processor is used to obtain a computer program or instruction stored in a memory through the communication interface to execute the method provided by any one of the above aspects or its implementation. The communication interface can be implemented by hardware or software.

[0081] In one implementation, the device also includes the memory.

[0082] In an eighth aspect, a processor is provided for executing the methods provided in the above aspects.

[0083] For the operations such as sending and acquiring / receiving involved in the processor, if there is no special explanation, or if it does not conflict with its actual function or internal logic in the relevant description, then it can be understood as operations such as processor output and reception, input, etc., and can also be understood as sending and receiving operations performed by the radio frequency circuit and antenna. This application does not limit this.

[0084] In a ninth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores a program code for execution by a device, wherein the program code includes a method for executing any one of the above aspects or its implementation.

[0085] In a tenth aspect, a computer program product comprising instructions is provided, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the method provided by any one of the above aspects or its implementation.

[0086] In an eleventh aspect, a chip is provided, the chip comprising a processor and a communication interface, the processor reads instructions stored in a memory through the communication interface, and executes the method provided by any one of the above aspects or its implementation. The communication interface can be implemented by hardware or software.

[0087] Optionally, as an implementation method, the chip also includes a memory, in which a computer program or instructions are stored, and the processor is used to execute the computer program or instructions stored in the memory. When the computer program or instructions are executed, the processor is used to execute the method provided by any one of the above aspects or its implementation methods.

[0088] Among them, when the method provided by the present application is executed by a chip, the present application does not limit the number of chips that specifically implement the method of the present application. For example, it can be executed by one chip or by two or more chips. Moreover, when the number of chips that implement the method of the present application is two or more, the chip manufacturers are not limited and can be the same manufacturer or different manufacturers.

[0089] In the twelfth aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising at least one of the Internet of Things devices, core network elements, application function network elements or readers / writers described above.

[0090] In a thirteenth aspect, a computer program is provided, which, when executed on a computer, enables the method provided by any one of the above aspects or its implementation to be executed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0091] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of a network architecture to which an embodiment of the present application can be applied.

[0092] Figure 2 It is a schematic flow chart of tag sensor data collection and reading.

[0093] Figure 3 It is a schematic flow chart of the data collection method 300 provided in this application.

[0094] Figure 4 It is a schematic flow chart of the data collection method 400 provided in this application.

[0095] Figure 5 It is a schematic flow chart of the data collection method 500 provided in this application.

[0096] Figure 6 It is a schematic flow chart of the data collection method 600 provided in the present application.

[0097] Figure 7 It is a structural schematic diagram of the device provided in the embodiment of the present application.

[0098] Figure 8 This is another schematic diagram of the structure of the device provided in the embodiment of the present application.

[0099] Fig. 9 It is a schematic diagram of a chip system provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0100] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present application, the following points are explained before introducing the embodiments of the present application.

[0101] "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. Information C is used to determine information D, including information D being determined only based 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. "Network element A sends information A to network element B", which 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, and can include directly or indirectly sending information to network element B. "Network element B receives information A from network element A", which 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, and can include directly or indirectly receiving information from network element A. The information may be processed as necessary between the source and destination of the information transmission, such as format changes, but the destination can understand the valid information from the source. The first, second, and other digital numbers are only used for the convenience of description and are not used to limit the scope of the embodiments of the present application, such as distinguishing different messages, different information, etc. "Pre-definition" can be implemented by pre-saving the corresponding code, table or other methods that can be used to indicate relevant information in the device, and the present application does not limit its specific implementation method. The "protocol" involved may refer to a standard protocol in the field of communication, such as the long term evolution (LTE) protocol, the new radio (NR) protocol, and related protocols used in future communication systems, and the present application does not limit this. "Example", "for example", "exemplarily", "as (another) example" and other words are used to indicate examples, illustrations or explanations. Any embodiment or design described as an "example" in the present application should not be interpreted as being more preferred or more advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. The terms "including", "comprising", "having" and their variations all mean "including but not limited to", unless otherwise specifically emphasized. "At least one" means one or more, and "more" means two or more. "At most one" means one or zero. "And / or" describes the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the previous and next associated objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items.For example, at least one of a, b and c can represent: a, or b, or c, or a and b, or a and c, or b and c, or a, b and c. A, b and c can be single or multiple. Descriptions such as "when...", "in the case of...", "if" and "if" all mean that the device will make corresponding processing under certain objective circumstances, but do not limit the time, nor do they require the device to have a judgment action when implementing, nor do they mean that there are other limitations.

[0102] The "uplink signaling" in the embodiments of the present application may refer to the signaling sent from the terminal device (such as an IoT device) to the network (such as a reader / writer or a core network element), and the "downlink signaling" may refer to the signaling sent from the network (such as a reader / writer or a core network element) to the terminal device (such as an IoT device). For example, the downlink of the downlink signaling refers to the direction in which the signaling is sent: from the application function network element to the core network element, then to the access network device, and then to the IoT device; the uplink of the uplink signaling refers to the direction in which the signaling is sent: from the IoT device to the access network device, to the core network element, and then to the application function network element. Downlink signaling or uplink signaling is not necessarily end-to-end (i.e., IoT device to application function network element), but can be in the corresponding direction, such as from the IoT device to the core network element or access network device.

[0103] In addition, the network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of the present application are intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application. Ordinary technicians in this field can know that with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0104] A communication system to which the embodiments of the present application can be applied is described below.

[0105] The embodiments of the present application can be applied to the optimization of the traditional radio frequency identification (RFID) system, and can also be applied to the scene of taking inventory of tags through the mobile communication system, without limitation. The following describes the technical solution of the present application by taking the scene of taking inventory of tags through the mobile communication system as an example.

[0106] The embodiments of the present application can be applied to various mobile communication systems. For example: long term evolution (LTE) system, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, LTE time division duplex (TDD), public land mobile network (PLMN), fifth generation (5G) system, sixth generation (6G) system or future communication system. The 5G system in the present application includes a non-standalone (NSA) 5G mobile communication system or a standalone (SA) 5G mobile communication system. The embodiments of the present application can also be applied to non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication systems such as satellite communication systems. The embodiments of the present application can also be applied to device to device (D2D) communication systems, sidelink (SL) communication systems, machine to machine (M2M) communication systems, machine type communication (MTC) systems, Internet of things (IoT) communication systems, vehicle to everything (V2X) communication systems, uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) communication systems or other communication systems.

[0107] For example, Figure 1 A network architecture to which the embodiments of the present application can be applied is shown.

[0108] Figure 1It is a schematic diagram of a network architecture to which an embodiment of the present application can be applied. The network architecture may include: a tag, an access network device, a tag management function (TMF) and an application function (AF). The tag can interact with the TMF through the access network device. The access network device and the TMF can communicate through an interface. The TMF can communicate with the AF directly or through a network exposure function (NEF). Optionally, the network architecture may also include: a unified data management (UDM) network element and a unified data repository (UDR), etc., and the TMF can communicate with the UDM or UDR through an interface. Figure 1 The dashed lines and dashed boxes in the figure represent optional network elements and optional connections.

[0109] Below Figure 1 Provide a brief description of the network elements or devices involved.

[0110] 1. Tags

[0111] In the embodiments of the present application, the tag may also be referred to as a terminal, a terminal device, a user equipment (UE), an access terminal, a user unit, a user station, a mobile station, a mobile station, a remote station, a remote terminal, a mobile device, a user terminal, a wireless communication device, a user agent, a user device, an Internet of Things terminal, an Internet of Things device or an Internet of Things terminal device, etc. The terminal may be a passive Internet of Things terminal or a tag. The terminal may be a passive device, and the passive device may be a passive tag, which may collect energy through backscattering technology to send and receive messages, and the passive tags include but are not limited to radio frequency identification (RFID), Bluetooth, Zigbee and other non-powered terminal tags. The terminal may also be a semi-passive device or an active device. The active device may be a device with wireless transceiver function, such as a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a computer with wireless transceiver function, a virtual reality (VR) terminal, an augmented reality (AR) terminal, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in self driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical, a wireless terminal in smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in a smart city, a wireless terminal in a smart home, a cellular phone, a cordless phone, a session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a handheld device with wireless communication function, a computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, a vehicle-mounted device, a wearable device, a terminal in a 5G mobile communication system or a terminal in a future evolution network, etc. Wearable devices can also be called wearable smart devices, which are a general term for wearable devices that use wearable technology to intelligently design and develop wearable devices 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. Wearable devices are not just hardware devices, but also realize powerful functions through software support, data interaction, and cloud interaction.In a broad sense, wearable smart devices include those that are fully functional, large in size, and can achieve complete or partial functions without relying on smartphones, such as smart watches or smart glasses, as well as those that only focus on a certain type of application function and need to be used in conjunction with other devices such as smartphones, such as various smart bracelets and smart jewelry for vital sign monitoring.

[0112] It should be noted that the device for realizing the function of the tag can be a tag, or a device that can support the tag to realize the function, such as a chip system, which can be installed in the tag or used in combination with the tag. In the embodiment of the present application, the chip system can be composed of a chip, or it can include a chip and other discrete devices. In the embodiment of the present application, only the device for realizing the function of the tag is an example of a tag, and the scheme of the embodiment of the present application is not limited.

[0113] 2. Access network equipment

[0114] In the embodiments of the present application, the access network device can also be referred to as an access device or a network device. The access network device can manage wireless resources, provide access services for user devices, and complete the forwarding of user device data between the user device and the core network. The access network device can also be understood as a base station in the network. The reader / writer involved in the embodiments of the present application can be deployed in the access network device. In other words, the access network device has the reader / writer capability, that is, the ability to inventory tags.

[0115] Exemplarily, the access network device in the embodiment of the present application may be any communication device with wireless transceiver function for communicating with user equipment. The access network equipment includes, but is not limited to, evolved NodeB (eNB), radio network controller (RNC), Node B (NB), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), home evolved NodeB (HeNB, or home Node B, HNB), baseband unit (BBU), access point (AP) in wireless fidelity (WIFI) system, wireless relay node, wireless backhaul node, transmission point (TP) or transmission and reception point (TRP), etc. It can also be a 5G mobile communication system, such as gNB in ​​NR system, or transmission point (TRP or TP), one or a group of (including multiple antenna panels) antenna panels of a base station in a 5G mobile communication system, or it can also be a network node constituting a gNB or a transmission point, such as a baseband unit (BBU), or a distributed unit (DU), etc.

[0116] In some deployments, the access network device may be a device including a CU, or a DU, or a device including a CU and a DU, or a device including a control plane CU node (central unit control plane (CU-CP)) and a user plane CU node (central unit user plane (CU-UP)) and a DU node. For example, the access network device may include a gNB-CU-CP, a gNB-CU-UP and a gNB-DU. The CU (or the CU-CP and the CU-UP) implements some functions of the access network device, and the DU implements some functions of the access network device. For example, the CU is responsible for processing non-real-time protocols and services, and implements the functions of the radio resource control (RRC) and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layers. The DU is responsible for processing physical layer protocols and real-time services, and implements the functions of the radio link control (RLC) layer, the media access control (MAC) layer and the physical (PHY) layer. The AAU implements some physical layer processing functions, RF processing and related functions of active antennas. The information of the RRC layer is generated by the CU, and will eventually be encapsulated by the PHY layer of the DU to become the PHY layer information, or converted from the PHY layer information. Therefore, under this architecture, high-level signaling such as RRC layer signaling can also be considered to be sent by the DU, or sent by the DU+AAU. It can be understood that the access network device can be a device including one or more of the CU node, DU node, and AAU node. In addition, the CU can be divided into an access network device in the access network, and the CU can also be divided into an access network device in the core network (CN), and this application does not limit this.

[0117] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU or RU may also have different names, but those skilled in the art can understand their meanings. For example, in the ORAN system, CU may also be called O-CU (open CU), DU may also be called O-DU, CU-CP may also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP may also be called O-CU-UP, and RU may also be called O-RU. Any unit in the CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU and RU in this application may be implemented by a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of a software module and a hardware module.

[0118] It should be noted that the device for implementing the function of the access network device may be an access network device; or it may be a device that can support the access network device to implement the function, such as a chip system, a hardware circuit, a software module, or a hardware circuit plus a software module. The device may be installed in the access network device or used in combination with the access network device. In the embodiments of the present application, only the device for implementing the function of the access network device is an access network device as an example for description, and the scheme of the embodiments of the present application is not limited.

[0119] The access network device and / or tag can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; it can also be deployed on the water surface; it can also be deployed on aircraft, balloons and satellites in the air. The scenarios in which the access network device and the tag are located are not limited in the embodiments of the present application. In addition, the tag and the access network device can be a hardware device, or it can be a software function running on dedicated hardware, a software function running on general-purpose hardware, such as a virtualized function instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform), or an entity including dedicated or general-purpose hardware devices and software functions. The present application does not limit the specific form of the tag and the access network device.

[0120] In addition, in order to support artificial intelligence (AI) technology in wireless networks, AI nodes may also be introduced into the network. Optionally, the AI ​​node can be deployed in one or more of the following locations in the communication system: access network equipment, tags, or core network elements, etc., or the AI ​​node can also be deployed separately, for example, deployed in a location other than any of the above devices, such as a host or cloud server in an over the top (OTT) system. The AI ​​node can communicate with other devices in the communication system, and the other devices may be, for example, one or more of the following: access network equipment, tags, or core network elements, etc.

[0121] 3. TMF

[0122] TMF is mainly responsible for managing labels, such as for label inventory and access management. TMF can be an independent network element, or it can be co-located or deployed with other network elements, such as co-located with access and mobility management function (AMF) network element, user plane function (UPF), UDM or UDR. TMF is co-located with AMF, UPF, UDM or UDR, which can be understood as improving other network elements so that the network elements have the functions that TMF is responsible for, such as improving AMF, UPF, UDM or UDR so that AMF, UPF, UDM or UDR have the functions of TMF. It can also be understood that TMF can have the functions of AMF, UPF, UDM or UDR in addition to the functions of label management, such as for label inventory and access management. For example, TMF can assume the functions of label mobility management, label user data transmission, label mobility management, label data unified management, or label data cache.

[0123] 4.AF

[0124] AF can be an application function of a third party or an operator. It is an interface for the mobile communication system to obtain external application data and is mainly used to transmit the requirements of the application side to the network side.

[0125] 5. NEF

[0126] NEF is mainly used to expose the services and capabilities of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) network functions to AF, and also allows AF to provide information to 3GPP network functions. NEF is an optional network element.

[0127] 6. UDM

[0128] UDM is mainly used to generate 3GPP authentication and key agreement (AKA) authentication certificates, user ID processing, access authorization based on contract information, service network function (NF) registration management, contract information management and other function-related data. UDM is an optional network element, such as TMF can be responsible for the unified management of tag data.

[0129] 7.UDR

[0130] UDR is mainly used by UDM to store and obtain contract data, Policy Control Function (PCF) network element to store and obtain policy data, store and use structured data for capability exposure, and store application data for application detection. UDM is an optional network element, such as TMF, which can be responsible for the function of caching label data.

[0131] exist Figure 1 In the network architecture shown, there may be interface communication between network elements. The interface between network elements may be a physical interface, a logical interface or a protocol interface, or a service-oriented interface, which is not limited in this application.

[0132] It should be understood that the network architecture shown above is only an exemplary description, and the network architecture applicable to the embodiments of the present application is not limited thereto. Any network architecture that can realize the functions of the above-mentioned network elements is applicable to the embodiments of the present application.

[0133] It should also be understood that Figure 1 The functions or network elements such as TMF, NEF, UDM, UDR, AF, etc. shown in the specification can be understood as network elements used to implement different functions, for example, they can be combined into network slices as needed. These network elements can be independent devices, or they can be integrated into the same device to implement different functions, or they can be network elements in hardware devices, or they can be software functions running on dedicated hardware, or they can be virtualized functions instantiated on a platform (for example, a cloud platform). This application does not limit the specific form of the above network elements.

[0134] It should also be understood that the above naming is only defined for the convenience of distinguishing different functions and should not constitute any limitation to this application. This application does not exclude the possibility of using other naming in 6G networks and other future networks. For example, in a 6G network, some or all of the above network elements may use the terminology in 5G, or may use other names, etc.

[0135] Figure 2 It is a schematic flow chart of tag sensor data collection and reading.

[0136] Step 201: AF sends a data request message to TMF, and correspondingly, TMF receives the data request message from AF.

[0137] The data request message is used to notify the TMF to read the sensor data of the tag. The data request message usually carries information related to data reading. The information related to data reading may include one or more of the area information of data reading, the range of the tag identification, or the tag type. The tag identification is information that can uniquely determine the identification, such as a tag identifier (TID) or an electronic product code (EPC).

[0138] Step 202: TMF sends an inventory request message to the reader / writer according to the data request message. Correspondingly, the reader / writer receives the inventory request message from TMF.

[0139] The inventory request message is used to request the reader to perform an inventory on the tags. The inventory request message may carry information of the tags to be counted, such as the range of the tag identification, the tag type, etc.

[0140] The TMF may send an inventory request message to one or more readers / writers, and the one or more readers / writers may be determined based on the area information of the data read carried in the data request message.

[0141] It should be noted that the reader / writer is a device that reads information from a tag and / or writes information to a tag. The reader / writer may also be called a card reader, a read / write device, a readout device, a scanner, a reader head, a communicator, a reader, an interpreter, a device with reading and / or writing functions, etc. The reader / writer may be integrated into an access network device, a relay device, or a terminal device, etc., or may be a dedicated reader / writer, without limitation.

[0142] Step 203: The reader sends an excitation signal to the tags within the coverage of the reader according to the inventory request message. Correspondingly, the tags within the coverage of the reader receive the excitation signal sent by the reader to energize the tags. The energized tags have the energy to send information or data to the reader.

[0143] Step 204: the reader sends a selection command to the tags within the coverage of the reader, and correspondingly, the tags within the coverage of the reader receive the selection command sent by the reader.

[0144] Among them, the selection command is used to select the tags to be counted.

[0145] Exemplarily, the selection command may include conditions that the tag needs to meet, and the tag to be counted is the tag that meets the conditions in the selection command. In this way, after receiving the selection command, the tags within the coverage range of the reader can be matched to determine whether they meet the conditions in the selection command. The selection command is used to select tags, and a single or multiple tags within the range are selected by the range of tag IDs. The single or multiple tags successfully match the range of the tag identification in step 201, that is, the identification of the single or multiple tags belongs to the range of tag identification. The tag ID can be the EPC code of the tag or the TID of the tag or other IDs of the tag to uniquely identify the tag. Taking the selection command carrying the TID range as an example, the tag can determine whether the value in its TID storage area is within the TID range. If the value in the TID storage area of ​​the tag is within the TID range, the tag is selected or matched successfully and belongs to the tag to be counted. If the value in the TID storage area of ​​the tag is not within the TID range, the tag is not selected or the matching fails and does not belong to the tag to be counted.

[0146] Step 205: The tag performs matching according to the selection command and performs a random access process with the reader / writer if the matching is successful.

[0147] The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific implementation of random access. In one possible implementation, the reader sends a query command (query) to the tag. The query command can carry a Q value, which is used for the tag to randomly generate a random value in the range of (0, 2^Q–1) according to probability; after receiving the query command, the tag generates a random value according to probability, and the tag with a random value of 0 replies to the reader with the random number RN16 it generated; after receiving the random number, the reader replies to the tag with an acknowledgment (ACK) command, which can carry the random number; the tag compares the random number sent and the random number received, and when the two random numbers are consistent, the tag random access is successful. The query command can also be a repeated query command (QueryRep) or a query adjustment command (QueryAdjust).

[0148] Step 206: The tag that has successfully accessed randomly sends a registration request message to the TMF through the reader / writer. Correspondingly, the TMF receives the registration request message from the tag.

[0149] The registration request message is used to register with TMF, and the registration request message carries a tag identifier.

[0150] Optionally, in step 207, the tag that has successfully random access and the TMF perform a security authentication process.

[0151] Step 208: TMF sends a registration acceptance message to the tag through the reader, and the tag receives the registration acceptance message from TMF accordingly, wherein the registration acceptance message is used to indicate that the registration is successful.

[0152] If the tag and TMF perform the security authentication process, TMF sends a registration acceptance message to the tag if the security authentication is successful.

[0153] Step 209: TMF sends a data read request message to the tag through the reader / writer, and correspondingly, the tag receives the data read request message from TMF. The data read request message can be used to request to read the sensor data of the tag.

[0154] Step 210: The tag collects sensor data according to the data read request message.

[0155] Step 211, after the sensor data collection is completed, the tag sends a data read response message to the TMF through the reader, and accordingly, the TMF receives the data read response message from the tag, wherein the data read response message includes the sensor data collected by the tag.

[0156] Step 212: TMF sends the tag identification and corresponding sensor data to AF, and correspondingly, AF receives the tag identification and sensor data from TMF.

[0157] Depend on Figure 2 As can be seen from the process shown, the sensor data collection of the tag is controlled by the command of TMF, that is, the tag will start collecting sensor data only after receiving the data reading request message from TMF. The collection of sensor data takes a certain amount of time. If all the tags to be counted wait until each tag receives the data reading request message before starting to collect, the efficiency of AF in obtaining sensor data will be very low.

[0158] In response to the above problems, the present application provides a data collection method and a communication device, in order to improve the efficiency of the network in acquiring the sensor data of the tag.

[0159] The following is a description of the method embodiments of the present application.

[0160] Figure 3 It is a schematic flow chart of the data collection method 300 provided in this application.

[0161] Method 300 can be executed by an IoT device, a reader / writer, a core network element and an AF. Unless otherwise specified, "IoT device", "reader / writer", "core network element" or "AF" may refer to an IoT device, a reader / writer, a core network element or the AF itself, or may refer to a device that can support the IoT device, the reader / writer, the core network element or the AF to implement the function. For the sake of convenience, the following text will uniformly use IoT devices, readers / writers, core network elements or AF for description.

[0162] The IoT device may be the tag described above. The core network element is a network element responsible for managing the IoT device, such as the TMF described above. The reader / writer may be integrated into an access network device, a relay device, or a terminal device, or may be a dedicated reader / writer, without limitation.

[0163] The method 300 includes at least part of the following.

[0164] Step 301: AF sends a data request message to a core network element. Correspondingly, the core network element receives the data request message from AF.

[0165] The data request message is used to request the sensor data of the IoT device to be counted or to notify the core network element to read the sensor data in the IoT device to be counted. The data request message usually carries information related to data reading. The information related to data reading may include one or more of the area information of data reading, the range of IoT device identification, or the type of IoT device. For example, the IoT device is a tag, and the tag identification is information that can uniquely determine the identification, such as TID or EPC.

[0166] Step 302: The core network element sends first information to the reader / writer according to the data request message. Correspondingly, the reader / writer receives the first information from the core network element.

[0167] The first information is used to instruct the first IoT device to collect sensor data. The first IoT device belongs to the IoT devices to be counted.

[0168] The embodiments of the present application do not limit the manner in which the core network element sends the first information.

[0169] In a possible implementation, the first information may be carried in downlink signaling sent before the first IoT device registers with the core network element. Before the first IoT device registers with the core network element, it may include: before the first IoT device sends a registration request message and during the registration process of the first IoT device with the core network element. In other words, the first information may be carried in downlink signaling before the registration request message or in downlink signaling during the registration process of the first IoT device with the core network element.

[0170] The downlink signaling before the registration request message includes a first inventory request message. The first inventory request message is used to request the reader to take inventory of the IoT devices to be inventoried. The first inventory request message can carry information of the IoT devices to be inventoried, such as the range of IoT device identification, the type of IoT device, etc. The downlink signaling in the process of the first IoT device registering with the core network element includes at least one of the following: a first registration message, or downlink signaling in the first security authentication process. Among them, the first registration message is used to indicate that the first IoT device has successfully registered with the core network element. Exemplarily, the first registration message can be a registration acceptance message or a registration response message. The first security authentication process is a process in which the first IoT device and the core network element perform security authentication. Exemplarily, the downlink signaling in the first security authentication process can include an authentication pass message and / or an authentication request message, wherein the authentication pass message is used to indicate that the first IoT device has passed the security authentication, and the authentication request message includes security materials for security authentication, so that the first IoT device can authenticate the core network element.

[0171] In addition, the core network element can send an inventory request message to one or more readers / writers. The one or more readers / writers can be determined based on the data collection area information carried in the data collection request message. The following is explained using one of the one or more readers / writers as an example.

[0172] Step 303: After receiving the first information, the reader / writer sends the first information to the first IoT device, and correspondingly, the first IoT device receives the first information from the reader / writer.

[0173] The first information is used to instruct the first Internet of Things device to collect sensor data.

[0174] The embodiments of the present application do not limit the manner in which the reader / writer sends the first information.

[0175] In a possible implementation, the first information is carried in a downlink signaling sent before the first IoT device is registered with the core network element. For the description of “before the first IoT device is registered with the core network element”, refer to step 303.

[0176] In step 303, the downlink signaling before the registration request message includes at least one of the following: a first excitation signal, a first selection command, and downlink signaling in the first random access process. Among them, the first excitation signal is used to power the IoT device to be counted. In one embodiment, the first excitation signal is a background carrier. The first selection command is used to select the IoT device to be counted. The first random access process is the process of the first IoT device accessing the reader / writer. Exemplarily, the downlink signaling in the first random access process includes one or more of a query command, a repeated query command, a query adjustment command, or a confirmation command. The downlink signaling in the process of the first IoT device registering with the core network element includes at least one of the following: a first registration message, or downlink signaling in the first security authentication process. The first registration message includes a registration acceptance message or a registration response message. The downlink signaling in the first security authentication process includes an authentication pass message and / or an authentication request message.

[0177] As an example, when the core network element sends the first information through the first inventory request message, the reader can carry the first information in the first excitation signal, the first selection command, or the downlink signaling in the first random access process according to the first inventory request message, so that the first IoT device collects sensor data according to the first information after receiving the first information. The first excitation signal, the first selection command, or the downlink signaling in the first random access process will be sent to the IoT devices to be inventoried within the range of the reader at the same time. When there are multiple IoT devices to be inventoried, all of the multiple IoT devices will collect sensor data according to the first information.

[0178] As another example, when the core network element sends the first information through the first registration message or the downlink signaling in the first security authentication process, the reader / writer can correspondingly send the first information to the first Internet of Things device through the first registration message or the downlink signaling in the first security authentication process. Since the signaling interaction in the registration process or the security authentication process is between the first Internet of Things device and the network (such as the reader / writer or the core network element), the first Internet of Things device that receives the first registration message or the downlink signaling in the first security authentication process will collect sensor data based on the first information. For example, after the first Internet of Things device randomly accesses the reader / writer, the first Internet of Things device starts the registration process or the first security authentication process, thereby receiving the first registration message or the downlink signaling in the first security authentication process, and collecting sensor data based on the first information therein.

[0179] Step 304: The first IoT device collects first sensor data according to the first information.

[0180] Step 305: The first IoT device sends first sensing data to the reader / writer, and correspondingly, the reader / writer receives the first sensing data from the first IoT device.

[0181] The embodiments of the present application do not limit the manner in which the first IoT device sends the first sensor data.

[0182] In a possible implementation, when the first information is carried in the first excitation signal, the first selection command, or the downlink signaling in the first random access process, the first sensing data may be carried in the second registration message, the uplink signaling in the first security authentication process, or the uplink signaling related to service transmission. The second registration message is used to request registration with the core network element, and illustratively, the second registration message is a registration request message.

[0183] As an example, when the first IoT device is successfully randomly accessed, the first IoT device also completes the collection of the first sensor data, and the first IoT device can carry the first sensor data in the second registration message. This method can be applicable to the case where the first IoT device and the core network element do not require security authentication, and can also be applicable to the case where the first IoT device and the core network element require security authentication, without limitation. The case where the first IoT device and the core network element do not require security authentication can refer to: in the current inventory, the first IoT device and the core network element do not require security authentication. For example, in the previous inventory process, the first IoT device was registered with the core network element and completed the security authentication between the core network element and the core network element. The core network element still retains the relevant information of the first IoT device. In this case, when the first IoT device is inventoried again, the security authentication process may not be performed. The case where the first IoT device and the core network element do not require security authentication can also refer to: the first IoT device and the core network element themselves do not require security authentication.

[0184] As another example, when the first Internet of Things device successfully accesses randomly, the first Internet of Things device completes the collection of first sensor data in the first security authentication process. In this case, the first Internet of Things device can carry the first sensor data in the uplink signaling (such as an authentication request message or an authentication pass message) in the first security authentication process.

[0185] As another example, the first IoT device completes the collection of the first sensor data after the registration process. In this case, the first IoT device can carry the first sensor data in the uplink signaling related to the service transmission.

[0186] In another possible implementation, when the first information is carried in the first registration message or in the downlink signaling in the first security authentication process, the first sensing data may be carried in the uplink signaling related to the service transmission.

[0187] Step 306: The reader / writer sends the first sensing data to the core network element. Correspondingly, the core network element receives the first sensing data from the reader / writer.

[0188] The embodiments of the present application do not limit the manner in which the reader / writer sends the first sensor data. The manner in which the reader / writer transmits the first sensor data corresponds to the manner in which the first IoT device transmits the first sensor data. Exemplarily, the reader / writer forwards the signaling carrying the first sensor data received from the first IoT device to the core network network element. For example, when the first IoT device receives the second registration message, the uplink signaling in the first security authentication process, or the uplink signaling related to the service transmission, the reader / writer forwards the received second registration message, the uplink signaling in the first security authentication process, or the uplink signaling related to the service transmission to the core network network element, thereby sending the first sensor data to the core network network element.

[0189] Step 307: The core network element sends the first sensing data to the AF, and correspondingly, the AF receives the first sensing data from the core network element.

[0190] In method 300, the core network element and the reader / writer can send first information to the first IoT device through downlink signaling sent before the first IoT device registers with the core network element, so as to instruct the first IoT device to collect sensor data, so that the first IoT device can start collecting sensor data before registering with the core network element. Compared with starting the collection of sensor data according to the data read request message of the core network element after successful registration, the first IoT device starts collecting sensor data before registering with the core network element, which helps to advance the time for the first IoT device to report sensor data, thereby improving the efficiency of the core network element in obtaining sensor data of the IoT device.

[0191] In addition, when the core network element sends the first information through the first inventory request message, the reader can carry the first information in the first excitation signal, the first selection command or the downlink signaling in the first random access process according to the first inventory request message, so that the IoT devices to be inventoried within the reader range can collect sensor data in advance according to the first information. In this way, the time for each IoT device to be inventoried to report sensor data will be advanced, thereby further improving the efficiency of the core network element in obtaining sensor data of IoT devices.

[0192] In an embodiment of the present application, the first Internet of Things device may actively report the first sensor data after the first sensor data collection is completed, or may report the first sensor data after the first sensor data collection is completed based on the reporting instruction from the core network network element. In the case where the first Internet of Things device reports the first sensor data with a reporting instruction, the core network network element may also send a second message to the reader / writer, and the second message is used to instruct the first Internet of Things device to report the sensor data; the reader / writer may send the second message to the first Internet of Things device after receiving the second message; the first Internet of Things device may report the first sensor data based on the received second message. Among them, the second information and the first information may be carried in the same signaling or in different signaling, without limitation. For example, both the first information and the second information are carried in the first registration message. For another example, the first information is carried in the first excitation signal, the first selection command, the downlink signaling in the first random access process, or the downlink signaling in the first security authentication process, and the second information is carried in the first registration message.

[0193] In an embodiment of the present application, for the case where the first IoT device reports the first sensor data, the core network element can also send a third message to the reader / writer, and the third message is used to instruct the first IoT device to send feedback information when the sensor data collection is not completed, and the feedback information is used to instruct to maintain the communication connection with the first IoT device; the reader / writer can send the third message to the first IoT device after receiving the third message; subsequently, if the first IoT device has not completed the collection of the first sensor data when the second message is received, the first IoT device can send feedback information to the reader / writer, and the reader / writer can maintain the communication connection with the first IoT device based on the received feedback information; the reader / writer can also send the feedback information to the core network element, so that the core network element maintains the communication connection with the first IoT device based on the received feedback information. In this way, before the collection of the first sensor data is completed, the communication connection between the first IoT device and the network side is always maintained. Once the first sensor data collection is completed, the first IoT device can report to the core network element in time, which helps to improve the efficiency of the core network element in acquiring sensor data.

[0194] The third information and the first information may be carried in the same signaling or in different signalings without limitation. For example, both the first information and the third information are carried in the first registration message. For another example, the first information is carried in the first excitation signal, the first selection command, the downlink signaling in the first random access process, or the downlink signaling in the first security authentication process, and the third information is carried in the first registration message.

[0195] In addition, before completing the collection of the first sensor data, the first IoT device may send one or more feedback information. Optionally, the third information is also used to indicate a period for sending feedback information, so that the first IoT device may periodically send feedback information according to the period indicated by the third information to maintain a communication connection with the network side.

[0196] In an embodiment of the present application, for the first IoT device, the network side can maintain a timer. During the operation of the timer, the network side maintains a communication connection with the first IoT device. After the timer times out, the network side disconnects the communication connection with the first IoT device and starts to count the next IoT device. In this case, if the first IoT device completes the collection of the first sensor data after the timer times out, the first IoT device executes a random access process and a registration process to re-establish a communication connection with the network side, and transmits the first sensor data through the newly established communication connection. This can avoid waiting for a long time for a certain IoT device to report sensor data, helps other IoT devices to access the network in a timely manner, and helps to improve the efficiency of the core network elements in acquiring sensor data.

[0197] As an example, the above-mentioned timer is maintained by the core network network element. For example, after sending the second information or the first information, the core network network element starts the first timer, and the timing duration of the first timer is the first duration. If the core network network element receives the first sensor data from the reader / writer within the first duration, then after receiving the first sensor data, the core network network element sends the fifth information to the reader / writer, and the fifth information is used to indicate the inventory of the next Internet of Things device. Accordingly, the reader / writer starts to inventory the next Internet of Things device according to the fifth information. If the core network network element does not receive the first sensor data from the reader / writer within the first duration, the core network network element disconnects the communication connection with the first Internet of Things device and sends the fifth information to the reader / writer, and the fifth information is used to indicate the inventory of the next Internet of Things device. Accordingly, the reader / writer starts to inventory the next Internet of Things device according to the fifth information.

[0198] As another example, the above-mentioned timer is maintained by the reader / writer. For example, after receiving the second information or the first information, the reader / writer starts the first timer, and the timing duration of the first timer is the first duration. If the reader / writer receives the first sensor data within the first duration, then after sending the first sensor data to the core network network element, the reader / writer can send the sixth information to the core network network element, and the sixth information is used to request an inventory of the next Internet of Things device. Correspondingly, the core network network element sends the fifth information to the reader / writer according to the sixth information, and the fifth information is used to instruct the inventory of the next Internet of Things device. If the reader / writer does not receive the first sensor data within the first duration, the reader / writer disconnects the communication connection with the first Internet of Things device and sends the sixth information to the core network network element. The sixth information is used to request an inventory of the next Internet of Things device. Correspondingly, the core network network element disconnects the communication connection with the first Internet of Things device according to the sixth information, and sends the fifth information to the reader / writer, and the fifth information is used to instruct the inventory of the next Internet of Things device.

[0199] Optionally, the network side may also provide the first duration of the timer to the first IoT device. For example, the reader or the core network element sends the fourth information to the first IoT device, and the fourth information is used to indicate the first duration. In this way, when the collection of the first sensor data is completed within the first duration, the first IoT device directly reports the first sensor data; when the collection of the first sensor data is completed after the first duration, the first IoT device re-establishes a communication connection with the network side, and reports the first sensor data through the established communication connection. Among them, the fourth information and the first information can be carried in the same signaling or in different signaling, without limitation. For example, both the first information and the fourth information are carried in the first registration message. For another example, the first information is carried in the first excitation signal, the first selection command, the downlink signaling in the first random access process, or the downlink signaling in the first security authentication process, and the fourth information is carried in the first registration message.

[0200] In an embodiment of the present application, the data request message sent by the AF to the core network element may also include periodic information, and the periodic information is used to indicate the period of taking inventory of the IoT devices to be taken inventory. In this way, the core network element can periodically take inventory of the IoT devices to be taken inventory according to the periodic information.

[0201] In a possible implementation, in a first cycle, the core network element sends first information to the first IoT device and receives first sensor data reported by the first IoT device; in the next inventory cycle (recorded as the second cycle), the core network element starts a new round of inventory process, and the inventory process in the second cycle is the same as the inventory process in the first cycle. For example, based on the cycle information, the core network element sends the first information to the reader again in the second cycle through a second inventory request message or a fourth registration message, wherein the fourth registration message is used to indicate that the first IoT device has been successfully registered with the core network element; after receiving the first information, the reader sends the first information to the first IoT device through a second excitation signal, a second selection command, a downlink signaling in a second random access process, a fourth registration message, or a downlink signaling in a second security authentication process. Among them, the description of the second inventory request message, the fourth registration message, the second excitation signal, the second selection command, the downlink signaling in the second random access process, or the downlink signaling in the second security authentication process can refer to the first inventory request message, the first registration message, the first excitation signal, the first selection command, the downlink signaling in the first random access process, or the downlink signaling in the first security authentication process.

[0202] In another possible implementation, in the first cycle, the core network element sends the first information to the first IoT device, receives the first sensor data reported by the first IoT device, and after receiving the first sensor data, sends the first information to the first IoT device through the reader / writer, and the first IoT device can collect the second sensor data after receiving the first information. In the next inventory cycle (recorded as the second cycle), the core network element sends the second information to the reader / writer through the second inventory request message, and the second information is used to indicate that the first IoT device reports the sensor data; after receiving the second inventory request, the reader / writer sends the second information to the first IoT device through the second excitation signal, the second selection command, or the downlink signaling in the second random access process; after receiving the second information, the first IoT device sends the third registration message according to the second information, and the third registration message is used to request registration with the core network element, and the third registration message includes the second sensor data; the reader / writer sends the third registration message to the core network element; after receiving the third registration message, the core network element sends the first information to the first IoT device through the reader / writer. In this manner, in one cycle, after receiving the corresponding sensor data, the core network element can again instruct the first IoT device to collect sensor data. In this way, in the next cycle, the core network element can directly instruct the first IoT device to report the second sensor data collected in advance, which helps to improve the efficiency of the core network element in acquiring sensor data.

[0203] It should be noted that in the above manner, the core network element may not send the second information to the first IoT device, but the first IoT device may actively report the second sensor data. For example, in the second period, after receiving the registration acceptance message or the registration response message, the first IoT device may directly report the collected second sensor data.

[0204] It should also be noted that the embodiments of the present application do not limit the manner in which the first IoT device collects sensor data based on the newly received first information after sending the first sensor data. For example, the first IoT device can continuously collect sensor data and continuously update the sensor data. For another example, the first IoT device can continuously collect sensor data and cache all sensor data. For another example, the first IoT device can collect sensor data once and cache it.

[0205] In an embodiment of the present application, the data request message sent by the AF to the core network element may also include a first data volume, and the first data volume is the data volume that triggers the core network element to report the sensor data to the AF. For example, when the first sensor data of 50 tags are collected, the TMF uniformly sends the first sensor data of the 50 tags to the AF. In this case, the core network element sends the first sensor data to the application function element, which may include: when the sensor data cached in the core network element reaches the first data volume, the core network element sends the sensor data cached by the core network element to the AF, and the sensor data cached by the core network element includes the first sensor data.

[0206] In an embodiment of the present application, the data request message sent by the AF to the core network element may further include indication information, where the indication information is used to indicate signaling carrying the first information. In this case, the core network element sends the first information to the reader / writer according to the data request message, including: the core network element sends the first information to the reader / writer in the signaling indicated by the indication information according to the data request message.

[0207] In an embodiment of the present application, the core network element may also report only updated sensor data to the AF. For example, in the first cycle, the sensor data reported by the first Internet of Things is data A, and in the second cycle, the sensor data reported by the first Internet of Things is data B. Compared with data B, only the first part of data A is updated. In this case, the core network element may report the first part of data B to the AF.

[0208] Combine the following Figure 4 , taking the example of carrying the first information in the inventory request message and the selection command, and carrying the sensor data in the service-related uplink signaling, the technical solution of the present application is described in detail.

[0209] Figure 4The tags, TMF, collection indication information, service reporting message, data collection request message, and reporting indication information may respectively correspond to the Internet of Things device, core network element, first information, service-related uplink signaling, data request message, and second information in method 300.

[0210] Figure 4 It is a schematic flow chart of the data collection method 400 provided in this application.

[0211] Step 401: AF sends a data request message to TMF, and correspondingly, TMF receives the data request message from AF.

[0212] The data request message is used to notify the TMF to read the sensor data of the tag. The detailed description of step 401 can refer to step 301.

[0213] Step 402: TMF sends an inventory request message to the reader / writer according to the data request message. Correspondingly, the reader / writer receives the inventory request message from TMF.

[0214] The inventory request message is used to request the reader to perform an inventory on the tag. The inventory request message may carry information about the tag to be counted, such as the range of the tag identification, the tag type, etc. In addition, in the implementation of the present application, the inventory request message may also carry collection indication information, and the collection indication information is used to instruct the tag to collect sensor data.

[0215] The TMF may send an inventory request message to one or more readers / writers, and the one or more readers / writers may be determined based on the area information of data collection carried in the data collection request message.

[0216] Step 403: the reader sends an excitation signal to the tags within the coverage of the reader according to the inventory request message. Correspondingly, the tags within the coverage of the reader receive the excitation signal sent by the reader to energize the tags. The energized tags have the energy to send information or data to the reader.

[0217] In method 400, tag #1 is within the coverage of the reader.

[0218] Step 404: the reader sends a selection command to the tags within the coverage of the reader, and correspondingly, the tags within the coverage of the reader receive the selection command sent by the reader.

[0219] Among them, the selection command is used to select the tags to be counted.

[0220] Exemplarily, the selection command may include conditions that the tag needs to meet, and the tags to be counted are tags that meet the conditions in the selection command. In this way, after receiving the selection command, the tags within the coverage of the reader can be matched to determine whether they meet the conditions in the selection command. Taking the selection command carrying the TID range as an example, the tag can determine whether the value in its TID storage area is within the TID range. If the value in the TID storage area of ​​the tag is within the TID range, the tag is selected or matched successfully and belongs to the tag to be counted. If the value in the TID storage area of ​​the tag is not within the TID range, the tag is not selected or the match fails and does not belong to the tag to be counted.

[0221] In addition, the selection command may also carry collection instruction information, and the collection instruction information is used to instruct the tag to collect sensor data. In this way, the tag can start collecting sensor data after the matching is successful.

[0222] Step 405 , the tag performs matching according to the selection command and immediately starts sensor data collection if the matching is successful.

[0223] If multiple tags within the coverage of the reader are matched successfully, these multiple tags will start sensor data collection.

[0224] Step 406: The successfully matched tag and the reader perform a random access process.

[0225] The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific implementation of random access. In one possible implementation, the reader sends a query command to the tag, which can carry a Q value, for the tag to generate a random value according to probability; after receiving the query command, the tag with a random value of 0 replies with a random number RN16 to the reader; after receiving the random number, the reader replies with an acknowledgment (ACK) command to the tag, which can carry the random number; the tag compares the random number sent and the random number received, and when the two random numbers are consistent, the tag has successfully accessed randomly. The query command can also be a repeated query command or a query adjustment command.

[0226] The method 400 takes label #1 as an example in which the label for successful random access is used.

[0227] Step 407: Tag #1 sends a registration request message to TMF via the reader / writer. Correspondingly, TMF receives the registration request message from tag #1.

[0228] The registration request message is used to register with TMF, and the registration request message carries the identifier of label #1.

[0229] Optionally, in step 408, tag #1 and TMF perform a security authentication process.

[0230] Step 409, TMF sends a registration acceptance message #1 to the reader / writer, and correspondingly, the reader / writer receives the registration acceptance message #1 from TMF.

[0231] Among them, the registration acceptance message #1 is used to indicate that the tag #1 is successfully registered.

[0232] Optionally, the registration acceptance message #1 may also carry reporting indication information, where the reporting indication information is used to instruct the tag #1 to report the sensor data.

[0233] If the tag and TMF perform the security authentication process, TMF sends a registration acceptance message #1 to the tag if the security authentication is successful.

[0234] In one possible implementation, a timer #1 can be maintained in TMF. During the operation of timer #1, TMF maintains a communication connection with tag #1. After timer #1 expires or times out, TMF no longer maintains a communication connection with tag #1, and TMF can instruct the reader to inventory the next tag, and the reader no longer powers tag #1. In this case, if tag #1 wants to communicate with the network side, tag #1 needs to re-execute the random access process. This can avoid waiting for a certain tag to report sensor data for a long time, which helps other tags to join the network in time. Optionally, TMF can carry duration information #1 in registration acceptance message #1, and duration information #1 is used to indicate the timing duration of timer #1 so that the reader can provide it to tag #1.

[0235] In another possible implementation, TMF can provide duration information #2 to the reader through the registration acceptance message #1. Duration information #2 is used to indicate the duration of maintaining the communication connection with tag #1, or the duration of maintaining communication with tag #1. In this way, the reader can maintain a timer #2 according to the duration information #2, and the timing duration of timer #2 is the duration indicated by duration information #2. During the operation of timer #2, the reader maintains a communication connection with tag #1 and continues to power tag #1. After timer #2 expires or times out, the reader no longer maintains a communication connection with tag #1, no longer powers tag #1, and feeds back to TMF that the next tag can be counted. In this case, if tag #1 wants to communicate with the network side, tag #1 needs to re-execute the random access process. This can avoid waiting for a tag to report sensor data for a long time, which helps other tags to enter the network in a timely manner.

[0236] In another possible implementation, TMF can carry indication information #1 in registration acceptance message #1, and indication information #1 is used to instruct tag #1 to send feedback information when the sensor data has not been collected. The feedback information is used to indicate that the sensor data has not been collected. In this way, the reader and TMF can maintain the communication connection with tag #1 according to the feedback information of tag #1 and keep powering tag #1. Optionally, registration acceptance message #1 can also carry period information #1, and period information #1 is used to indicate the period of sending feedback information.

[0237] Step 410: The reader sends a registration acceptance message #2 to tag #1. Accordingly, tag #1 receives the registration acceptance message #2 from the reader.

[0238] Among them, the registration acceptance message #2 is used to indicate that the tag #1 is successfully registered.

[0239] Optionally, the registration acceptance message #2 carries reporting indication information, and the reporting indication information is used to instruct tag #1 to report the sensor data.

[0240] In one possible implementation, when the registration acceptance message #1 carries duration information #1, the reader / writer may carry duration information #1 in the registration acceptance message #2, so that tag #1 can report the sensor data according to duration information #1. For example, tag #1 completes the collection of sensor data within the duration indicated by duration information #1. In this case, the communication connection between tag #1 and the reader / writer and TMF still exists, and tag #1 can directly report the sensor data to TMF through the reader / writer without random access again. For another example, tag #1 completes the collection of sensor data after the duration indicated by duration information #1. In this case, the communication connection between tag #1 and the reader / writer and TMF no longer exists. If tag #1 wants to report sensor data, it needs to perform random access again, that is, it needs to wait for the reader / writer to count tag #1 next time.

[0241] In another possible implementation, when the registration acceptance message #1 carries duration information #2, the reader can maintain a timer #2 according to duration information #2, and the timing duration of timer #2 is the duration indicated by duration information #2. During the operation of timer #2, the reader maintains a communication connection with tag #1 and continues to power tag #1. After timer #2 expires or times out, the reader no longer maintains a communication connection with tag #1, no longer powers tag #1, and feeds back to TMF that the next tag can be counted.

[0242] Optionally, the reader / writer can provide duration information #2 to tag #1 through registration acceptance message #2, so that tag #1 can report sensor data according to duration information #2. For example, tag #1 completes the collection of sensor data within the duration indicated by duration information #2. In this case, the communication connection between tag #1 and the reader / writer and TMF still exists, and tag #1 can report sensor data to TMF directly through the reader / writer without random access again. For another example, tag #1 completes the collection of sensor data after the duration indicated by duration information #2. In this case, the communication connection between tag #1 and the reader / writer and TMF no longer exists. If tag #1 wants to report sensor data, it needs to perform random access again, that is, it needs to wait for the reader / writer to count tag #1 next time.

[0243] In another possible implementation, when the registration acceptance message #1 carries indication information #1, the reader may carry indication information #1 in the registration acceptance message #2, and indication information #1 is used to instruct tag #1 to send feedback information when the sensing data has not been collected. Optionally, the registration acceptance message #2 may also carry cycle information #2, and cycle information #2 is used to indicate the cycle for sending feedback information. When the registration acceptance message #1 carries cycle information #1, cycle information #2 may be determined based on cycle information #1, such as cycle information #2 is the same as cycle information #1. The reader may also determine cycle information #2 based on itself.

[0244] Optionally, in step 411, when the registration acceptance message #2 carries the indication information #1 and the tag #1 has not completed the collection of the sensor data, the tag #1 sends feedback information to the reader, or the reader receives feedback information from the tag #1. The feedback information is used to indicate that the collection of the sensor data has not been completed.

[0245] Tag #1 may send one or more feedback information to the reader to maintain the communication connection between tag #1 and the reader before the collection of sensor data is completed. In a possible implementation, if the registration acceptance message #2 carries period information #2, tag #1 may send feedback information according to the period indicated by period information #2.

[0246] Step 412, tag #1 completes sensor data collection.

[0247] Step 413, tag #1 sends a service report message to TMF through the reader, and correspondingly, TMF receives the service report message from the tag, wherein the service report message includes sensor data.

[0248] In a possible implementation, when the registration acceptance message #2 carries reporting indication information, tag #1 can report the sensor data according to the reporting indication information. When the registration acceptance message #2 does not carry reporting indication information, tag #1 determines that the collected sensor data needs to be reported.

[0249] In one possible implementation, when the registration acceptance message #2 carries duration information #1 or duration information #2, tag #1 can report the sensor data according to duration information #1 or duration information #2. For example, tag #1 completes the collection of sensor data within the duration indicated by duration information #1 or duration information #2. In this case, the communication connection between tag #1 and the reader and TMF still exists, and tag #1 can directly report the sensor data to TMF through the reader without random access again. For another example, tag #1 completes the collection of sensor data after the duration indicated by duration information #1 or duration information #2. In this case, the communication connection between tag #1 and the reader and TMF no longer exists. If tag #1 wants to report sensor data, it needs to perform random access again, that is, it needs to wait for the reader to count tag #1 next time. Figure 4 What is shown in FIG. 1 is the situation where tag #1 completes the collection of sensing data within the duration indicated by duration information #1 or duration information #2.

[0250] Optionally, in step 414, if tag #1 does not receive a service acceptance message indicating successful reception of the sensor data within a preset time, tag #1 may again send a service reporting message to TMF through the reader / writer, wherein the service reporting message includes the sensor data.

[0251] Optionally, in step 415, TMF sends a service acceptance message indicating successful reception of the sensing data to tag #1 through the reader / writer, and accordingly, tag #1 receives the service acceptance message from TMF.

[0252] Step 416, after receiving the sensor data from tag #1, TMF sends the tag #1 identifier and the corresponding sensor data to AF, and correspondingly, AF receives the tag #1 identifier and the sensor data from TMF.

[0253] Step 417, TMF sends a command to the reader to count the next tag, and correspondingly, the reader receives the command from TMF.

[0254] Step 418, repeat steps 406 to 417 until all tags are counted.

[0255] Combine the following Figure 5 , taking the example of carrying the first information in the inventory request message and the selection command, and carrying the sensor data in the registration request message, the technical solution of the present application is described in detail.

[0256] Figure 5 The tags, TMF, collection indication information, service reporting message, data collection request message, and reporting indication information may respectively correspond to the Internet of Things device, core network element, first information, service-related uplink signaling, data request message, and second information in method 300.

[0257] Figure 5 It is a schematic flow chart of the data collection method 500 provided in this application.

[0258] Step 501, AF sends a data collection request message to TMF, and correspondingly, TMF receives the data collection request message from AF, wherein the data collection request message is used to notify TMF to read the data of the tag.

[0259] In step 502, TMF sends an inventory request message to the reader / writer according to the data collection request message, and accordingly, the reader / writer receives the inventory request message from TMF. The inventory request message is used to request the reader / writer to perform an inventory on the tags. The inventory request message may carry information about the tags to be counted, such as the range of the tag identification, the tag type, etc. In addition, the inventory request message may also carry collection indication information, and the collection indication information is used to instruct the tag to collect sensor data. Step 502 may refer to step 402 and will not be described in detail.

[0260] Step 503: the reader sends an excitation signal to the tags within the coverage of the reader according to the inventory request message. Correspondingly, the tags within the coverage of the reader receive the excitation signal sent by the reader to power the tags.

[0261] Step 504: the reader sends a selection command to the tags within the coverage of the reader, and accordingly, the tags within the coverage of the reader receive the selection command sent by the reader. The selection command is used to select the tags to be counted. In addition, the selection command may also carry collection instruction information, which is used to instruct the tags to collect sensor data.

[0262] Step 505: The tag performs matching according to the selection command and immediately starts sensor data collection if the matching is successful.

[0263] Step 506: The successfully matched tag and the reader perform a random access process.

[0264] Steps 501 to 506 may refer to steps 401 to 406 and will not be described in detail.

[0265] The method 500 takes label #1 as an example in which the label for successful random access is used.

[0266] When tag #1 completes random access, two situations may occur depending on whether tag #1 completes the collection of sensor data. The two situations are respectively introduced below.

[0267] Case 1: When tag #1 completes random access, tag #1 has completed the collection of sensor data.

[0268] In this case, steps 507 to 509 may be performed.

[0269] Step 507, tag #1 has completed sensor data collection.

[0270] The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific time when tag #1 completes the sensor data collection, as long as the tag is in a state of completing the sensor data collection when tag #1 completes the random access. For example, tag #1 completes the sensor data collection during the random access process. For another example, tag #1 completes the sensor data collection after the random access process and before sending the registration request message.

[0271] Step 508: Tag #1 sends a registration request message to TMF via the reader / writer. Correspondingly, TMF receives the registration request message from tag #1.

[0272] The registration request message is used to register with TMF, and the registration request message carries the identifier and sensor data of tag #1.

[0273] Step 509, TMF sends a registration acceptance message to tag #1 through the reader box, and correspondingly, the tag receives the registration acceptance message from TMF.

[0274] The registration acceptance message is used to indicate that tag #1 is successfully registered and the sensor data is successfully received.

[0275] Case 2: When tag #1 completes random access, tag #1 has not yet completed the collection of sensor data.

[0276] In this case, steps 510 to 517 may be performed.

[0277] Step 510: Tag #1 sends a registration request message to TMF via the reader / writer. Correspondingly, TMF receives the registration request message from tag #1.

[0278] The registration request message is used to register with TMF, and the registration request message carries the identifier of tag #1 but does not carry sensor data.

[0279] Step 511, TMF sends a registration acceptance message #1 to the reader, and accordingly, the reader receives the registration acceptance message #1 from TMF. The registration acceptance message #1 is used to indicate that the tag #1 is successfully registered. Optionally, the registration acceptance message #1 can carry one or more of the reporting indication information, duration information #1, duration information #2, indication information #1, or cycle information #1.

[0280] Step 512: The reader sends a registration acceptance message #2 to tag #1. Accordingly, tag #1 receives the registration acceptance message #2 from the reader. The registration acceptance message #2 is used to indicate that tag #1 has successfully registered. Optionally, the registration acceptance message #2 may carry one or more of the reporting indication information, duration information #1, duration information #2, indication information #1, or period information #2.

[0281] Optionally, in step 513, when the registration acceptance message #2 carries the indication information #1 and the tag #1 has not completed the collection of the sensor data, the tag #1 sends feedback information to the reader, or the reader receives feedback information from the tag #1. The feedback information is used to indicate that the collection of the sensor data has not been completed.

[0282] Step 514, tag #1 completes sensor data collection.

[0283] Step 515: Tag #1 sends a service report message to TMF via the reader / writer, and TMF receives the service report message from the tag accordingly. The service report message includes sensor data.

[0284] Optionally, in step 516, if tag #1 does not receive a service acceptance message indicating successful reception of the sensor data within a preset time, tag #1 may again send a service reporting message to TMF through the reader / writer, wherein the service reporting message includes the sensor data.

[0285] Optionally, in step 517, TMF sends a service acceptance message indicating successful reception of the sensing data to tag #1 through the reader / writer, and accordingly, tag #1 receives the service acceptance message from TMF.

[0286] Steps 510 to 517 may refer to steps 407 and 409 to 415 and will not be described in detail.

[0287] After tag #1 completes reporting of the sensing data, steps 518 to 520 may be executed.

[0288] Step 518, after receiving the sensor data from tag #1, TMF sends the identifier of tag #1 and the corresponding sensor data to AF, and accordingly, AF receives the identifier of tag #1 and the sensor data from TMF.

[0289] Step 519, TMF sends a command to the reader to count the next tag, and correspondingly, the reader receives the command from TMF.

[0290] Step 520, repeat steps 506 to 519 until all tags are counted.

[0291] It should be noted that method 500 can be applied to scenarios where it is not necessary to perform security authentication between the tag and TMF. For example, the tag has completed registration with TMF, and before the registration with TMF is completed, the tag and TMF have performed security authentication. Another example is the scenario where TMF trusts the tag.

[0292] Combine the following Figure 6 , taking the example of AF providing the first information or the second information in the registration acceptance message to TMF, the first inventory and the second inventory of the tags are described in detail.

[0293] Figure 6 The tags, TMF, collection indication information, service reporting message, data collection request message, and reporting indication information may respectively correspond to the Internet of Things device, core network element, first information, service-related uplink signaling, data request message, and second information in method 300.

[0294] Figure 6 It is a schematic flow chart of the data collection method 600 provided in the present application.

[0295] Step 601: AF sends a data collection request message to TMF, and correspondingly, TMF receives the data collection request message from AF.

[0296] The data collection request message is used to notify the TMF to read the data of the tag. The data collection request message usually carries information related to data collection. The information related to data collection may include one or more of the area information of data collection, the range of the tag identification, or the tag type. The tag identification is information that can uniquely identify the identification, such as TID or EPC.

[0297] Optionally, the information related to data collection may also include one or more of cycle information #2, cached data volume, or indication information #2. Cycle information #2 is used to indicate the cycle of starting the inventory process, or to indicate the cycle of collecting the latest sensor data. The cached data volume is the amount of data that triggers TMF to report sensor data to AF. For example, the cached data volume is the sensor data of a tag, that is, TMF reports to AF in a timely manner after obtaining the sensor data of a single tag. For example, the cached data volume is the sensor data of a preset number of tags, that is, TMF reports to AF in a centralized manner after obtaining the sensor data of the preset number of tags. Indication information #2 is used to indicate the way of sending the collection indication information, and the collection indication information is used to indicate the sensor data of the tag set. The way of sending the collection indication information may refer to the timing of sending the collection indication information or the message or command used to carry the collection indication information, such as carrying the collection indication information in the inventory request message, and carrying the collection indication information in the registration acceptance message. Method 600 takes carrying the collection indication information in the registration acceptance message as an example.

[0298] Step 602: TMF sends an inventory request message to the reader / writer according to the data collection request message, and the reader / writer receives the inventory request message from TMF accordingly. The inventory request message is used to request the reader / writer to perform an inventory on the tags.

[0299] Step 603: the reader sends an excitation signal to the tags within the coverage of the reader according to the inventory request message. Correspondingly, the tags within the coverage of the reader receive the excitation signal sent by the reader to enable the tags to be powered.

[0300] Step 604: the reader sends a selection command to the tags within the coverage of the reader, and correspondingly, the tags within the coverage of the reader receive the selection command sent by the reader. The selection command is used to select the tags to be counted.

[0301] Step 605: The tag performs matching according to the selection command and performs a random access process with the reader / writer if the matching is successful.

[0302] Step 606: The tag that has successfully accessed randomly sends a registration request message to the TMF through the reader, and the TMF receives the registration request message from the tag accordingly. The registration request message is used to register with the TMF, and the registration request message carries a tag identifier.

[0303] Optionally, in step 607, the tag that has successfully random access and the TMF perform a security authentication process.

[0304] Steps 602 to 607 may refer to steps 202 to 207 and will not be described in detail. In steps 602 to 607, since the inventory request message and the selection command do not carry the collection indication information, the tag performs a normal random access or registration process. Method 600 takes the tag #1 as an example in which the random access succeeds.

[0305] Step 608: TMF sends a registration acceptance message #3 to the reader / writer, and accordingly, the reader / writer receives the registration acceptance message #3 from TMF, wherein the registration acceptance message #3 is used to indicate that the tag #1 is successfully registered.

[0306] The registration acceptance message #3 carries the collection indication information, and the collection indication information is used to instruct the tag to collect sensor data. In a possible implementation, when the data collection request message of step 601 carries the indication information #2 and the indication information #2 is used to indicate that the collection indication information is carried in the registration acceptance message, the TMF carries the collection indication information in the registration acceptance message according to the indication information #2.

[0307] Optionally, the registration acceptance message #3 may also carry reporting indication information, and the reporting indication information is used to instruct the tag #1 to report the sensor data. Optionally, the registration acceptance message #3 may also carry one or more of duration information #1, duration information #2, indication information #1 or period information #1. For a detailed description, please refer to step 409.

[0308] If the tag and TMF perform the security authentication process, TMF sends a registration acceptance message #3 to the tag if the security authentication is successful.

[0309] Step 609: The reader sends a registration acceptance message #4 to tag #1. Accordingly, tag #1 receives the registration acceptance message #4 from the reader. The registration acceptance message #4 is used to indicate that tag #1 has been successfully registered. The registration acceptance message #4 may carry collection indication information, which is used to instruct the tag to collect sensor data.

[0310] Optionally, the registration acceptance message #4 may also carry reporting indication information, where the reporting indication information is used to instruct the tag #1 to report the sensor data.

[0311] Optionally, the registration acceptance message #4 may also carry one or more of duration information #1, duration information #2, indication information #1 or period information #2. For a detailed description, please refer to step 410.

[0312] Step 610, tag #1 completes sensor data collection.

[0313] Step 611, tag #1 sends a service report message to TMF through the reader, and correspondingly, TMF receives the service report message from the tag, wherein the service report message includes sensor data.

[0314] In a possible implementation, tag #1 actively reports to the reader after completing sensor data collection.

[0315] Another possible implementation is that if the registration acceptance message #4 includes reporting indication information, then the tag #1 can report to the reader / writer after the sensor data collection is completed according to the reporting indication information.

[0316] Optionally, in step 612, if tag #1 does not receive a service acceptance message indicating successful reception of the sensor data within a preset time, tag #1 may again send a service reporting message to TMF through the reader / writer, wherein the service reporting message includes the sensor data.

[0317] Optionally, in step 613, TMF sends a service acceptance message indicating successful reception of the sensing data to tag #1 through the reader / writer, and accordingly, tag #1 receives the service acceptance message from TMF.

[0318] Step 614, after receiving the sensor data from tag #1, TMF sends the identifier of tag #1 and the corresponding sensor data to AF, and accordingly, AF receives the identifier of tag #1 and the sensor data from TMF.

[0319] In a possible implementation, when the data collection request message of step 601 carries the amount of cached data, TMF sends the sensor data of tag #1 to AF based on the amount of cached data. For example, if the amount of cached data is the sensor data of one tag, TMF can send the identifier of tag #1 and the corresponding sensor data to AF after receiving the sensor data of tag #1. For another example, if the amount of cached data is the sensor data of a preset number of tags, TMF can send the sensor data of the preset number of tags to AF after receiving the sensor data of the preset number of tags, and the sensor data of the preset number of tags includes the sensor data of tag #1.

[0320] Optionally, in step 615, TMF sends indication information #3 to tag #1 through the reader / writer, and accordingly, tag #1 receives indication information #3 from TMF, wherein indication information #3 is used to instruct tag #1 to continuously collect and cache sensor data.

[0321] Optionally, in step 616, tag #1 sends response information to TMF via the reader / writer, and accordingly, TMF receives the response information from tag #1, wherein the response information is used to indicate that tag #1 has successfully received indication information #3.

[0322] It should be noted that steps 615 to 616 are only one way to enable tag #1 to continuously collect and cache sensor data in the subsequent period of time. In another way, tag #1 can continue to collect and cache sensor data according to the built-in strategy after receiving the collection indication information carried in the registration acceptance message, until TMF notifies tag #1 to stop collecting and caching sensor data. In another way, after receiving the collection indication information carried in the registration acceptance message, tag #1 can default to continuing to collect and cache sensor data until TMF notifies tag #1 to stop collecting and caching sensor data.

[0323] Step 617 , tag #1 continues to collect and cache sensor data.

[0324] Since tag #1 continuously caches the sensor data, when tag #1 needs to be counted again later, tag #1 can carry the sensor data in the registration request message.

[0325] Optionally, the inventory of the next tag may be continued, and steps 605 to 617 may be repeated until all tags are completely inventoried.

[0326] TMF can then inventory the tags again, and the specific process can be as follows.

[0327] Optionally, in step 618, the AF sends a data collection request message to the TMF, and correspondingly, the TMF receives the data collection request message from the AF, wherein the data collection request message is used to notify the TMF to read the data of the tag.

[0328] It should be noted that step 618 is only one way to trigger another inventory of tags. In another way, when the data collection request message in step 601 carries cycle information #2, TMF can regularly start the inventory of tags according to the cycle indicated by cycle information #2.

[0329] Step 619, TMF sends an inventory request message to the reader / writer according to the data collection request message, and accordingly, the reader / writer receives the inventory request message from TMF. The inventory request message is used to request the reader / writer to perform an inventory on the tags. The inventory request message may carry information about the tags to be counted, such as the range of the tag identification, the tag type, etc. In addition, the inventory request message may also carry reporting indication information, which is used to instruct the tag to report the collected sensor data.

[0330] Step 620: the reader sends an excitation signal to the tags within the coverage of the reader according to the inventory request message. Correspondingly, the tags within the coverage of the reader receive the excitation signal sent by the reader to power the tags.

[0331] Step 621, the reader sends a selection command to the tags within the coverage of the reader, and accordingly, the tags within the coverage of the reader receive the selection command sent by the reader. The selection command is used to select the tags to be counted. In addition, the selection command can also carry reporting indication information, which is used to instruct the tags to report the collected sensor data.

[0332] Step 622: The successfully matched tag performs a random access process with the reader.

[0333] The method 600 takes label #1 as an example in which the label for successful random access is used.

[0334] Since tag #1 continuously caches the sensor data, when tag #1 needs to be counted again later, tag #1 can carry the sensor data in the registration request message, as follows.

[0335] Step 623, tag #1 sends a registration request message to TMF through the reader, and accordingly, TMF receives the registration request message from tag #1. The registration request message is used to register with TMF, and the registration request message carries the tag #1's identification and sensor data.

[0336] Step 624, TMF sends a registration acceptance message to tag #1 through the reader box, and accordingly, the tag receives the registration acceptance message from TMF, wherein the registration acceptance message is used to indicate that tag #1 is successfully registered and the sensor data is successfully received.

[0337] Step 625 , tag #1 continues to collect and cache sensor data.

[0338] Step 626: After receiving the sensor data from tag #1, TMF sends the tag #1 identifier and the corresponding sensor data to AF, and accordingly, AF receives the tag #1 identifier and sensor data from TMF. Step 626 can refer to step 614 and will not be described in detail.

[0339] The next label can be counted subsequently, and steps 622 to 626 are repeated until all labels are counted.

[0340] Optionally, when the tag is counted for the last time, TMF can send indication information #4 to the tag through the reader after receiving the sensor data from the tag. Indication information #4 is used to instruct the tag to stop collecting sensor data. In this case, the tag can stop collecting sensor data.

[0341] Combination of the above Figures 3 to 6 , describes in detail the method embodiment provided by the present application, and will be combined with Figures 7 to 9 , describing an apparatus embodiment of the present application.

[0342] It can be understood that in order to realize the functions in the above embodiments, Figures 7 to 9 The device includes hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. It should be easily appreciated by those skilled in the art that, in combination with the units and method steps of each example described in the embodiments disclosed in this application, this application can be implemented in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software.

[0343] Figure 7 and Figure 8 The schematic diagram of the structure of possible devices provided by the embodiments of the present application. These devices can be used to implement the functions of the Internet of Things device, core network element, AF or reader / writer in the above method embodiments, and thus can also achieve the beneficial effects possessed by the above method embodiments.

[0344] like Figure 7 As shown, the device 10 includes a transceiver unit 11 and a processing unit 12 .

[0345] When the apparatus 10 is used to implement the functions of the IoT device in the above-mentioned method embodiments, the transceiver unit 11 is used to execute the transceiver steps of the IoT device, such as steps 303, 305, 403, 404, 406, 407, 410, 411, 413, 414, 415, 503, 504, 506, 508, 509, 510, 512, 513, 515, 516, 517, 603, 604, 606, 607, 609, 611, 612, 613, 615, 616, 620, 621, 622, 623 or 624, and the processing unit 12 is used to execute the processing steps of the IoT device, such as steps 304, 405, 412, 505, 507, 514, 610, 617 or 626, etc.

[0346] When the device 10 is used to implement the functions of the reader / writer in the above method embodiments, the transceiver unit 11 is used to execute the transceiver steps of the reader / writer, such as steps 303, 305, 302, 306, 402, 403, 404, 406, 407, 408, 409, 410, 411, 413, 414, 415, 417, 502, 503, 504, 506, 508 , 509, 510, 511, 512, 513, 515, 516, 517, 519, 602, 603, 604, 605, 606, 607, 608, 609, 611, 612, 613, 614, 615, 616, 619, 620, 621, 622, 623 or 624, the processing unit 12 is used to execute the processing steps of the reader / writer.

[0347] When the device 10 is used to implement the functions of the core network network element in the above-mentioned method embodiments, the transceiver unit 11 is used to execute the transceiver steps of the core network network element, such as steps 301, 302, 306, 307, 401, 402, 407, 408, 409, 413, 414, 415, 416, 417, 501, 502, 508, 509, 510, 511, 515, 516, 517, 518, 519, 601, 602, 606, 607, 608, 611, 612, 613, 614, 615, 616, 618, 619, 623, 623, 624 or 625, and the processing unit 12 is used to execute the processing steps of the core network network element.

[0348] When the device 10 is used to implement the AF function in the above-mentioned method embodiments, the transceiver unit 11 is used to execute the AF transceiver steps, such as steps 301, 307, 401, 416, 501, 518, 601, 614, 618 or 625, and the processing unit 12 is used to execute the AF processing steps.

[0349] For a more detailed description of the transceiver unit 11 and the processing unit 12, reference may be made to the relevant description in the above method embodiment, which will not be described again here.

[0350] like Figure 8 As shown, the device 20 includes a processing circuit 21. The processing circuit 21 is coupled to a memory 23, and the memory 23 is used to store instructions. When the device 20 is used to implement the method described above, the processing circuit 21 is used to execute the instructions in the memory 23 to implement the functions of the processing unit 12 described above.

[0351] Optionally, the device 20 further includes a memory 23 .

[0352] Optionally, the device 20 further includes an interface circuit 22. The interface circuit can be referred to as a communication interface. The processing circuit 21 and the interface circuit 22 are coupled to each other. It is understood that the interface circuit 22 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. When the device 20 is used to implement the method described above, the processing circuit 21 is used to execute instructions to implement the functions of the processing unit 12, and the interface circuit 22 is used to implement the functions of the transceiver unit 11.

[0353] Optionally, the device 20 may be an IoT device, a core network element, an AF or a reader / writer.

[0354] Optionally, the device 20 may be a chip applied to an IoT device, a core network element, an AF or a reader / writer.

[0355] Exemplarily, when the device 20 is a chip applied to an IoT device, a core network element, an AF, or a reader / writer, the chip implements the functions of the IoT device, the core network element, the AF, or the reader / writer in the above method embodiment. The chip receives information from other modules (such as a radio frequency module or antenna) in the IoT device, the core network element, the AF, or the reader / writer, and the information is sent by other devices to the IoT device, the core network element, the AF, or the reader / writer; or, the chip sends information to other modules (such as a radio frequency module or antenna) in the IoT device, the core network element, the AF, or the reader / writer, and the information is sent by the IoT device, the core network element, the AF, or the reader / writer to other devices.

[0356] Fig. 9 Schematic diagram of a chip system 30 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The chip system 30 (or also referred to as a processing system) includes a logic circuit 31 and an input / output interface 32.

[0357] Among them, the logic circuit 31 can be a processing circuit in the chip system 30. The logic circuit 31 can be coupled to the storage unit and call the instructions in the storage unit so that the chip system 30 can implement the methods and functions of each embodiment of the present application. The input / output interface 32 can be an input / output circuit in the chip system 30, outputting information processed by the chip system 30, or inputting data or signaling information to be processed into the chip system 30 for processing.

[0358] As a solution, the chip system 30 is used to implement the operations performed by the Internet of Things device, core network element, AF or reader / writer in the above method embodiments.

[0359] For example, the logic circuit 31 is used to implement the processing-related operations performed by the Internet of Things device, core network network element, AF or reader / writer in the above method embodiments; the input / output interface 32 is used to implement the sending and / or receiving-related operations performed by the Internet of Things device, core network network element, AF or reader / writer in the above method embodiments.

[0360] The present application also provides a communication device, including a processing circuit, the processing circuit is coupled to a memory, the memory is used to store computer programs or instructions and / or data, and the processing circuit is used to execute the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory, or read the data stored in the memory to execute the methods in the above method embodiments. Optionally, the processing circuit is one or more. Optionally, the communication device includes a memory. Optionally, the memory is one or more. Optionally, the memory is integrated with the processing circuit, or is separately arranged.

[0361] The present application also provides a chip, including a processing circuit, which is coupled to a memory, the memory is used to store computer programs or instructions, and the processing circuit is used to execute the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory to implement the methods performed by the Internet of Things device, core network network element, AF or reader in the above-mentioned method embodiments.

[0362] The present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium on which are stored computer instructions for implementing the methods executed by an IoT device, a core network element, an AF or a reader / writer in the above-mentioned method embodiments.

[0363] The present application also provides a computer program product, comprising instructions, which, when executed by a computer, implement the methods performed by an IoT device, a core network element, an AF or a reader / writer in the above-mentioned method embodiments.

[0364] The present application also provides a communication system, which includes at least one of the Internet of Things device, core network element, AF or reader / writer in the above embodiments.

[0365] The explanation of the relevant contents and beneficial effects of any of the above-mentioned devices can be referred to the corresponding method embodiments provided above, which will not be repeated here.

[0366] It is understood that the processing circuit in the embodiments of the present application can be a processor or a circuit in a processor for performing processing operations, and the processor can be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSP), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA) or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components or any combination thereof. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0367] The method steps in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented by hardware or by a processor executing software instructions. The software instructions can be composed of corresponding software modules, and the software modules can be stored in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, registers, hard disks, mobile hard disks, compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor so that the processor can read information from the storage medium and write information to the storage medium. Of course, the storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and the storage medium can be located in an ASIC. In addition, the ASIC can be located in an Internet of Things device, a core network element, an AF or a reader / writer. Of course, the processor and the storage medium can also exist as discrete components in an Internet of Things device, a core network element, an AF or a reader / writer.

[0368] In the above embodiments, it can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. When implemented by software, it can be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the computer program or instruction is loaded and executed on a computer, the process or function described in the embodiment of the present application is executed in whole or in part. The 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 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 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 computer-readable storage medium may be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server, data center, etc. that integrates one or more available media. The available medium may be a magnetic medium, for example, a floppy disk, a hard disk, a tape; it may also be an optical medium, for example, a digital video disc; it may also be a semiconductor medium, for example, a solid-state hard disk.

[0369] In the various embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified or provided in a 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.

[0370] Unless otherwise stated, all technical and scientific terms used in the embodiments of the present application have the same meaning as those generally understood by those skilled in the art of the technical field of the present application. The terms used in this application are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the present application. It should be understood that the above is for illustration, and the examples above are only to help those skilled in the art understand the embodiments of the present application, rather than to limit the application embodiments to the specific numerical values ​​or specific scenarios illustrated. It is obvious that various equivalent modifications or changes can be made by those skilled in the art according to the examples given above, and such modifications and changes also fall within the scope of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A data collection method, characterized in that: The method comprises: The first Internet of Things device receives first information from the reader / writer, where the first information is used to instruct the first Internet of Things device to collect sensor data, and the first information is carried in a first excitation signal, a first selection command, a downlink signaling in a first random access process, a first registration message, or a downlink signaling in a first security authentication process, and the first registration message is used to indicate that the first Internet of Things device has successfully registered with a core network element; The first IoT device collects first sensor data according to the first information; The first Internet of Things device sends the first sensing data to the reader / writer.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The downlink signaling in the first random access process includes a query command and / or a confirmation command; and / or, The first registration message is a registration acceptance message or a registration response message; and / or, The downlink signaling in the first security authentication process includes an authentication success message and / or an authentication request message.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first information is carried in the first excitation signal, the first selection command, or downlink signaling in the first random access process; The first sensing data is carried in a second registration message, uplink signaling in the first security authentication process, or uplink signaling related to service transmission, and the second registration message is used to request registration with the core network element.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first information is carried in the first registration message or in downlink signaling in the first security authentication process; The first sensing data is carried in uplink signaling related to service transmission.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The method further includes: the first IoT device receiving second information from the reader / writer, where the second information is used to instruct the first IoT device to report sensor data; The first IoT device sends the first sensor data to the reader / writer, including: the first IoT device sends the first sensor data to the reader / writer according to the second information; The first information is carried in the first excitation signal, the first selection command, the downlink signaling in the first random access process, or the downlink signaling in the first security authentication process, and the second information is carried in the first registration message.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that After sending the first sensing data, the method further includes: The first Internet of Things device receives the first information from the reader; The first IoT device collects and caches second sensor data according to the first information; The first IoT device receives second information, where the second information is used to instruct the first IoT device to report sensor data, and the second information is carried in a second excitation signal, a second selection command, or downlink signaling in a second random access process, where the second excitation signal is used to power the IoT device to be counted, and the second selection command is used to select the IoT device to be counted; The first IoT device sends a third registration message to the reader / writer according to the second information, where the third registration message is used to request registration with the core network element, and the third registration message includes the second sensing data; After sending the second sensing data, the first Internet of Things device receives the first information from the reader / writer.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The method further comprises: The first Internet of Things device receives third information from the reader / writer, where the third information is used to instruct the first Internet of Things device to send feedback information when the sensor data collection is not completed, and the feedback information is used to instruct to maintain a communication connection with the first Internet of Things device.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that The third information and the first information are carried in the same signaling; or, The first information is carried in the first excitation signal, the first selection command, the downlink signaling in the first random access process, or the downlink signaling in the first security authentication process, and the third information is carried in the first registration message.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The first Internet of Things device completes the collection of the first sensor data after a first period of time; The first Internet of Things device sends the first sensor data to the reader / writer, including: the first Internet of Things device re-establishes a communication connection with the reader / writer, and sends the first sensor data to the reader / writer on the communication connection.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that The first excitation signal is used to power the IoT device to be counted, the first selection command is used to select the IoT device to be counted, and the first IoT device belongs to the IoT device to be counted.

11. A data collection method, characterized in that: The method comprises: The core network element receives a data request message from the application function element, where the data request message is used to request sensor data of an IoT device to be inventoried, where the IoT device to be inventoried includes a first IoT device; The core network element sends first information to the reader / writer according to the data request message, where the first information is used to instruct the first Internet of Things device to collect sensor data, and the first information is carried in a first inventory request message, a first registration message, or a downlink signaling in a first security authentication process, where the first registration message is used to indicate that the first Internet of Things device has successfully registered with the core network element; The core network element receives the first sensor data of the first Internet of Things device from the reader / writer; The core network element sends the first sensing data to the application function network element.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The first registration message is a registration acceptance message or a registration response message; and / or, The downlink signaling in the first security authentication process includes an authentication success message and / or an authentication request message.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that: The first information is carried in the first inventory request message; The first sensing data is carried in a second registration message, uplink signaling in the first security authentication process, or uplink signaling related to service transmission, and the second registration message is used to request registration with the core network element.

14. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that: The first information is carried in the first registration message or in downlink signaling in the first security authentication process; The first sensing data is carried in uplink signaling related to service transmission.

15. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that The method further comprises: The core network element sends second information to the reader / writer, where the second information is used to instruct the first IoT device to report sensor data; The first information is carried in the first inventory request message, and the second information is carried in the first registration message.

16. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 15, characterized in that The data request message includes period information, where the period information is used to indicate a period for taking inventory of the IoT device to be taken inventory; the first information and the first sensing data are transmitted within a first period; The method further comprises: In the second cycle, the core network network element sends the first information to the reader / writer through a second inventory request message or a fourth registration message, and the fourth registration message is used to indicate that the first Internet of Things device has been successfully registered with the core network network element.

17. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 15, characterized in that The data request message includes period information, where the period information is used to indicate a period for taking inventory of the IoT device to be taken inventory; the first information and the first sensing data are transmitted within a first period; The method further comprises: After receiving the first sensing data, the core network element sends the first information to the reader / writer within the first period; In the second cycle, the core network network element sends second information to the reader / writer through a second inventory request message, where the second information is used to instruct the first IoT device to report sensor data; the core network network element receives second sensor data of the first IoT device from the reader / writer, where the second sensor data is carried in a third registration message, and the third registration message is used to request registration with the core network network element; after receiving the second sensor data, the core network network element sends the first information to the reader / writer.

18. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 17, characterized in that The data request message includes a first data amount, where the first data amount is a data amount that triggers the core network element to report the sensor data to the application function network element; The core network network element sends the first sensor data to the application function network element, including: when the sensor data cached in the core network network element reaches the first data volume, the core network network element sends the sensor data cached by the core network network element to the application function network element, and the sensor data cached by the core network network element includes the first sensor data.

19. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 18, characterized in that The method further comprises: The core network element sends third information to the reader / writer, where the third information is used to instruct the first Internet of Things device to send feedback information when the sensor data collection is not completed, and the feedback information is used to instruct to maintain the communication connection with the first Internet of Things device.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that The third information and the first information are carried in the same signaling; or, The first information is carried in the first inventory request message or in downlink signaling in the first security authentication process, and the third information is carried in the first registration message.

21. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 20, characterized in that The method further includes: within a first time period, the core network element does not receive the first sensing data from the reader; after the first time period, the core network element disconnects the communication connection for the first IoT device and sends fifth information to the reader, the fifth information being used to instruct to take inventory of the next IoT device; The core network network element receives the first sensor data of the first Internet of Things device from the reader / writer, including: the core network network element re-establishes a communication connection with the first Internet of Things device, and receives the first sensor data on the communication connection.

22. A data collection method, characterized in that: The method comprises: The application function network element determines a data request message, where the data request message is used to request sensor data of the Internet of Things device to be inventoried, and the data request message includes one or more of the following information: period information, cached data volume, or indication information, where the period information is used to indicate a period for inventorying the Internet of Things device to be inventoried, the cached data volume is a data volume for triggering a core network network element to report sensor data to the application function network element, and the indication information is used to indicate signaling that carries first information, where the first information is used to instruct a first Internet of Things device to collect sensor data, and the first Internet of Things device belongs to the Internet of Things device to be inventoried; The application function network element sends the data request message to the core network element.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that The signaling carrying the first information is an inventory request message, a registration message, or downlink signaling in a security authentication process, and the registration message is used to indicate that the first Internet of Things device has successfully registered with the core network element.

24. A communication system, characterized in that: Includes at least one of the following devices: A communication device for performing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10; A communication device for performing the method according to any one of claims 11 to 21; or, A communication device for performing the method according to any one of claims 22 to 23.

25. A communication device, characterized in that: The method comprises a module or a unit for executing the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 23.

26. A communication device, characterized in that: include: A processing circuit and a memory, the memory being used to store a computer program or instructions, the processing circuit being used to execute the computer program or the instructions stored in the memory, so that the apparatus performs the method according to any one of claims 1 to 23.

27. The device according to claim 26, characterized in that The device is a chip.

28. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions, and when the computer program or instructions are executed on a computer, the computer is caused to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 23.

29. A computer program product, characterized in that The computer program product comprises instructions for performing the method of any one of claims 1 to 23.

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