Wireless communication method and device

Abstract

A wireless communication method and device, the method comprising: a first terminal sends a second signal to a second terminal based on a first signal, the second signal being used for supplying energy to the second terminal, the first signal being sent by a network device or a third terminal.

Description

Wireless communication method and device Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present application relate to the field of communications, and specifically to a method and device for wireless communications. Background Art

[0002] In zero-power communication, zero-power terminals need to harvest energy to drive themselves to work for data transmission. Therefore, how to supply energy to zero-power terminals is an urgent problem to be solved.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present application provides a method and device for wireless communication, in which a network device can supply power to a second terminal through one or more terminals, thereby expanding the coverage range of the power supply signal and increasing the power level of the power supply signal reaching the second terminal.

[0005] In a first aspect, a method for wireless communication is provided, comprising: a first terminal sending a second signal to a second terminal based on a first signal, wherein the second signal is used to power the second terminal, and the first signal is sent by a network device or a third terminal.

[0006] In a second aspect, a method for wireless communication is provided, including: a network device sends a first signal to a first terminal, the first signal is used by the first terminal to send a second signal, and the second signal is used to power the second terminal.

[0007] According to a third aspect, a method for wireless communication is provided, including: a second terminal sending first request information to a first terminal, wherein the first request information is used to request the first terminal to send a power supply signal.

[0008] In a fourth aspect, a terminal device is provided for executing the method in the above-mentioned first aspect or its various implementation modes.

[0009] Specifically, the terminal device includes a functional module for executing the method in the above-mentioned first aspect or its various implementation modes.

[0010] In a fifth aspect, a network device is provided for executing the method in the above second aspect or its various implementations.

[0011] Specifically, the network device includes a functional module for executing the method in the above-mentioned second aspect or its various implementation modes.

[0012] In a sixth aspect, a terminal device is provided for executing the method in the above-mentioned first aspect or its various implementation modes.

[0013] Specifically, the terminal device includes a functional module for executing the method in the above-mentioned third aspect or its various implementation modes.

[0014] In a seventh aspect, a terminal device is provided, comprising a processor and a memory, wherein the memory is configured to store a computer program, and the processor is configured to call and execute the computer program stored in the memory to perform the method of the first aspect or its respective implementations.

[0015] In an eighth aspect, a network device is provided, comprising a processor and a memory, wherein the memory is configured to store a computer program, and the processor is configured to call and execute the computer program stored in the memory to perform the method of the second aspect or its respective implementations.

[0016] In a ninth aspect, a terminal device is provided, comprising a processor and a memory, wherein the memory is configured to store a computer program, and the processor is configured to call and execute the computer program stored in the memory to perform the method of the third aspect or its respective implementations.

[0017] In a tenth aspect, a chip is provided for implementing the method described in any one of the first to third aspects or their respective implementations. Specifically, the chip includes a processor for loading and executing a computer program from a memory, causing a device equipped with the chip to perform the method described in any one of the first to third aspects or their respective implementations.

[0018] In the eleventh aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided for storing a computer program, which enables a computer to execute the method of any one of the first to third aspects or their respective implementations.

[0019] In the twelfth aspect, a computer program product is provided, comprising computer program instructions, wherein the computer program instructions enable a computer to execute the method in any one of the above-mentioned first to third aspects or their respective implementations.

[0020] In a thirteenth aspect, a computer program is provided, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the method in any one of the first to third aspects or its respective implementations.

[0021] Through the above technical solution, the first terminal can send a second signal based on the first signal sent by the network device or the third terminal to supply power to the second terminal. In this way, the network device and one or more terminals (for example, the first terminal, or the first terminal and the third terminal) supply power to the second terminal in a relay manner, thereby expanding the coverage range of the power supply signal and improving the power level of the power supply signal reaching the second terminal. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system architecture provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0023] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a zero-power communication system according to an example of the present application.

[0024] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of energy harvesting according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0025] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of backscatter communication according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0026] FIG5 is a circuit diagram of resistive load modulation according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0027] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of supplying energy to a zero-power terminal by deploying energy supply nodes.

[0028] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of a wireless communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0029] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of a network device extending the coverage of a power supply signal through a first type of terminal.

[0030] FIG9 is a schematic diagram of a network device extending the coverage of a power supply signal through multiple levels of first-class terminals.

[0031] FIG10 is a schematic diagram of a first type of terminal sending a power supply signal based on certain spatial characteristics.

[0032] FIG11 is a schematic block diagram of a terminal device provided according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0033] FIG12 is a schematic block diagram of a network device provided according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0034] FIG13 is a schematic block diagram of another terminal device provided according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0035] FIG14 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0036] FIG15 is a schematic block diagram of a chip provided according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0037] FIG16 is a schematic block diagram of a communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The following will describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the embodiments described are part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. With respect to the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0039] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: Global System of Mobile communication (GSM) system, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) system, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) system, General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, Advanced Long Term Evolution (LTE-A) system, New Radio (NR) system, NR system evolution system, LTE on unlicensed spectrum (LTE-U) system, NR on unlicensed spectrum (NR-U) system, Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) system, Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN), Wireless Fidelity (Wireless Fidelity) system. Fidelity, WiFi), fifth-generation communication (5th-Generation, 5G) system, cellular Internet of Things system, cellular passive Internet of Things system or other communication systems, etc.

[0040] Generally speaking, traditional communication systems support a limited number of connections and are easy to implement. However, with the development of communication technology, mobile communication systems will not only support traditional communications, but will also support, for example, device-to-device (D2D) communication, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication, or vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, etc. The embodiments of the present application can also be applied to these communication systems.

[0041] Optionally, the communication system in the embodiment of the present application can be applied to a carrier aggregation (CA) scenario, a dual connectivity (DC) scenario, or a standalone (SA) networking scenario.

[0042] Optionally, the communication system in the embodiment of the present application can be applied to an unlicensed spectrum, where the unlicensed spectrum can also be considered as a shared spectrum; or, the communication system in the embodiment of the present application can also be applied to an authorized spectrum, where the authorized spectrum can also be considered as an unshared spectrum.

[0043] The embodiments of the present application describe various embodiments in conjunction with network devices and terminal devices, wherein the terminal device may also be referred to as user equipment (UE), access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication device, user agent or user device, etc.

[0044] In an embodiment of the present application, the network device may be a device for communicating with a mobile device. The network device may be an access point (AP) in WLAN, a base station (BTS) in GSM or CDMA, a base station (NodeB, NB) in WCDMA, an evolved base station (eNB or eNodeB) in LTE, or a relay station or access point, or a vehicle-mounted device, a wearable device, and a network device (gNB) in an NR network, or a network device in a cellular Internet of Things, or a network device in a cellular passive Internet of Things, or a network device in a future evolved PLMN network or a network device in an NTN network, etc.

[0045] As an example and not a limitation, in an embodiment of the present application, the network device may have a mobile feature, for example, the network device may be a mobile device. Alternatively, the network device may be a satellite or a balloon station. For example, the satellite may be a low earth orbit (LEO) satellite, a medium earth orbit (MEO) satellite, a geostationary earth orbit (GEO) satellite, a high elliptical orbit (HEO) satellite, etc. Optionally, the network device may also be a base station set up in a location such as land or water.

[0046] In an embodiment of the present application, the network device can provide services for a cell, and the terminal device communicates with the network device through the transmission resources used by the cell (for example, frequency domain resources, or spectrum resources). The cell can be a cell corresponding to the network device (for example, a base station). The cell can belong to a macro base station or a base station corresponding to a small cell. The small cells here may include: metro cells, micro cells, pico cells, femto cells, etc. These small cells have the characteristics of small coverage and low transmission power, and are suitable for providing high-speed data transmission services.

[0047] The terminal device can be a station (ST) in a WLAN, a cellular phone, a cordless phone, a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phone, a Wireless Local Loop (WLL) station, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) device, a handheld device with wireless communication capabilities, a computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, a vehicle-mounted device, a wearable device, a terminal device in a next-generation communication system such as an NR network, or a terminal device in a future evolved Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) network, a terminal device in a cellular Internet of Things, a terminal device in a cellular passive Internet of Things, etc.

[0048] In an embodiment of the present application, the terminal device can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld, wearable or vehicle-mounted; it can also be deployed on the water surface (such as ships, etc.); it can also be deployed in the air (such as airplanes, balloons and satellites, etc.).

[0049] In an embodiment of the present application, the terminal device may be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a computer with wireless transceiver function, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal device in industrial control, a wireless terminal device in self-driving, a wireless terminal device in remote medical, a wireless terminal device in a smart grid, a wireless terminal device in transportation safety, a wireless terminal device in a smart city, or a wireless terminal device in a smart home, etc.

[0050] As an example and not a limitation, in the embodiment of the present application, the terminal device may also be a wearable device. Wearable devices may also be called wearable smart devices, which are a general term for wearable devices that are intelligently designed and developed using wearable technology for daily wear, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and shoes. A wearable device is a portable device that is worn directly on the body or integrated into the user's clothes or accessories. Wearable devices are not only hardware devices, but also achieve powerful functions through software support, data interaction, and cloud interaction. Broadly speaking, 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.

[0051] For example, a communication system 100 used in an embodiment of the present application is shown in FIG1 . The communication system 100 may include a network device 110, which may be a device that communicates with a terminal device 120 (or a communication terminal or terminal). The network device 110 may provide communication coverage for a specific geographic area and may communicate with terminal devices within the coverage area.

[0052] FIG1 exemplarily shows a network device and two terminal devices. Optionally, the communication system 100 may include multiple network devices and each network device may include other numbers of terminal devices within its coverage area, which is not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0053] Optionally, the communication system 100 may further include other network entities such as a network controller and a mobility management entity, which is not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0054] It should be understood that in the embodiments of the present application, a device having a communication function in a network / system may be referred to as a communication device. Taking the communication system 100 shown in FIG1 as an example, the communication device may include a network device 110 and a terminal device 120 having a communication function. The network device 110 and the terminal device 120 may be the specific devices described above and will not be described in detail here. The communication device may also include other devices in the communication system 100, such as a network controller, a mobility management entity, and other network entities, which are not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0055] It should be understood that the terms "system" and "network" are often used interchangeably herein. The term "and / or" is simply a description of an association between related objects, indicating that three possible relationships exist. For example, "A and / or B" can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone. Furthermore, the character " / " generally indicates that the related objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0056] It should be understood that the "indication" mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be a direct indication, an indirect indication, or an indication of an association. For example, "A indicates B" can mean that A directly indicates B, for example, B can be obtained through A; it can also mean that A indirectly indicates B, for example, A indicates C, and B can be obtained through C; it can also mean that there is an association between A and B.

[0057] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the term "corresponding" may indicate a direct or indirect correspondence between the two, or an association relationship between the two, or a relationship between indication and being indicated, configuration and being configured, etc.

[0058] In the embodiments of the present application, "pre-defined" may be implemented by pre-storing corresponding codes, tables, or other methods that can be used to indicate relevant information in a device (e.g., a terminal device or a network device). The present application does not limit the specific implementation method. For example, pre-defined may refer to information defined in a protocol.

[0059] In the embodiments of the present application, the "protocol" may refer to a standard protocol in the communication field, for example, it may include an LTE protocol, an NR protocol, and related protocols used in future communication systems, and this application does not limit this.

[0060] To facilitate understanding of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the relevant technologies of the present application are explained.

[0061] 1. Zero-power communication

[0062] In recent years, the application of zero-power terminals has become increasingly widespread. A typical zero-power terminal is radio frequency identification (RFID), a technology that uses spatial coupling of wireless radio frequency signals to achieve contactless automatic transmission and identification of tag information. RFID tags are also known as "radio frequency tags" or "electronic tags." Electronic tags are categorized by their power supply method and can include active, passive, and semi-passive tags. Active tags, also known as active tags, are powered by a battery. The battery, memory, and antenna together form an active tag. Unlike passive RF activation, active tags transmit information over a set frequency band until the battery is replaced. Passive tags, also known as passive tags, do not support internal batteries. When a passive tag approaches a reader, it is within the near field formed by the reader's antenna radiation. The tag antenna generates an induced current through electromagnetic induction, which drives the tag's chip circuit. The chip circuit transmits the identification information stored in the tag to the reader via the tag antenna. Semi-active electronic tags inherit the advantages of passive electronic tags, such as small size, light weight, low price and long service life. When there is no reader access, the built-in battery only provides power for a small number of circuits in the chip. Only when the reader accesses, the built-in battery supplies power to the RFID chip to increase the reading and writing distance of the tag and improve the reliability of communication.

[0063] The most basic RFID system consists of two parts: an electronic tag (TAG) and a reader / writer. The tag consists of a coupling component and a chip. Each tag has a unique electronic code and is placed on the target to mark the object. The reader / writer can not only read the information on the tag, but also write information to the tag, while also providing the energy required for communication. When the tag enters the electromagnetic field, it receives the radio frequency signal emitted by the reader / writer. Passive or passive tags use the energy generated by the electromagnetic field to transmit the information stored on the tag. The reader / writer reads the information and decodes it, thereby identifying the tag.

[0064] Communication based on zero-power terminals is referred to as zero-power communication.

[0065] As shown in Figure 2, a typical zero-power communication system (such as an RFID system) includes a network device (such as a reader / writer of an RFID system) and a zero-power terminal (such as an electronic tag). The network device is used to send wireless power supply signals, downlink communication signals, and receive backscattered signals from the zero-power terminal to the zero-power terminal. Optionally, the zero-power terminal includes an energy collection module, a backscatter communication module, and a low-power computing module. In addition, the zero-power terminal may also have a memory or sensor for storing some basic information (such as item identification, etc.) or sensor data such as ambient temperature and ambient humidity.

[0066] For example, the energy harvesting module can collect energy carried by radio waves in space (Figure 2 shows radio waves emitted by network devices) to drive the low-power computing module of the zero-power terminal and implement backscatter communication. After obtaining energy, the zero-power terminal can receive control commands from the network device and send data to the network device based on control signaling using backscattering. The data sent can be data stored in the zero-power terminal itself (such as an identity or pre-written information, such as the product's production date, brand, manufacturer, etc.). The zero-power terminal can also be loaded with various sensors, so that the data collected by various sensors can be reported based on the zero-power mechanism.

[0067] The following describes the key technologies in zero-power communication.

[0068] 1. RF Power Harvesting

[0069] As shown in Figure 3, the RF energy harvesting module uses the principle of electromagnetic induction to collect electromagnetic wave energy from space, thereby obtaining the energy required to operate the zero-power terminal. For example, it is used to drive low-power demodulation and modulation modules, sensors, and memory reading. Therefore, the zero-power terminal does not require traditional batteries.

[0070] 2. Back Scattering

[0071] As shown in Figure 4, a zero-power terminal receives a carrier signal sent by a network device, modulates it, loads the information to be transmitted, and radiates the modulated signal from the antenna. This information transmission process is called backscatter communication. Backscatter and load modulation are closely related. Load modulation achieves this by adjusting and controlling the circuit parameters of the zero-power terminal's oscillator circuit according to the data stream's rhythm, causing parameters such as the zero-power terminal's impedance to change accordingly. Load modulation techniques primarily include resistive load modulation and capacitive load modulation. In resistive load modulation, a resistor is connected in parallel with the load, which is switched on or off based on the binary data stream, as shown in Figure 5. The switching of the resistor causes a change in the circuit voltage, thus implementing amplitude-shifted keying (ASK). This modulation and transmission of the signal is achieved by adjusting the amplitude of the zero-power terminal's backscattered signal. Similarly, in capacitive load modulation, the switching of the capacitor changes the circuit's resonant frequency, enabling frequency-shifted keying (FSK). This modulation and transmission of the signal is achieved by adjusting the operating frequency of the zero-power terminal's backscattered signal.

[0072] It can be seen that the zero-power terminal uses load modulation to modulate the incoming signal, thereby realizing the backscatter communication process. Therefore, the zero-power terminal has significant advantages:

[0073] (1) It does not actively transmit signals, so it does not require complex RF links, such as PA, RF filters, etc.

[0074] (2) There is no need to actively generate high-frequency signals, so no high-frequency crystal oscillator is required;

[0075] (3) With the help of backscatter communication, terminal signal transmission does not need to consume the terminal's own energy.

[0076] 3. Coding technology

[0077] Data transmitted by zero-power terminals can use various codes to represent binary "1" and "0." RFID systems typically use one of the following encoding methods: non-return-to-zero (NRZ), Manchester, unipolar return-to-zero, differential bi-phase (DBP), differential, pulse interval encoding (PIE), bidirectional space encoding (FMO), Miller, and differential encoding. In simple terms, different encoding techniques use different pulse signals to represent 0 and 1.

[0078] In some scenarios, based on their energy sources and usage, zero-power terminals can be categorized into the following types:

[0079] 1. Passive zero-power terminal

[0080] Zero-power terminals (such as electronic tags in RFID systems) do not require internal batteries. When a zero-power terminal approaches a network device (such as an RFID reader), it is within the near-field radiation generated by the network device's antenna. Consequently, the zero-power terminal's antenna generates an induced current through electromagnetic induction, which drives the low-power chip circuitry in the zero-power terminal. This enables forward link signal demodulation and reverse link (or reflection link) signal modulation. For backscatter links, the zero-power terminal uses backscattering to transmit signals.

[0081] It can be seen that the passive zero-power terminal does not require a built-in battery to drive either the forward link or the reverse link, and is a true zero-power terminal.

[0082] Passive zero-power terminals do not require batteries, and the RF circuit and baseband circuit are very simple. For example, they do not require low-noise amplifiers (LNAs), power amplifiers (PAs), crystal oscillators, analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), and other devices. Therefore, they have many advantages such as small size, light weight, very low price, and long service life.

[0083] 2. Semi-passive zero-power terminal

[0084] Semi-passive zero-power terminals do not have conventional batteries themselves, but instead use RF energy harvesting modules to harvest radio wave energy and store it in an energy storage unit (such as a capacitor). This energy is then used to power the low-power chip circuitry in the zero-power terminal, performing tasks such as demodulating forward link signals and modulating reverse link signals. For backscatter links, the zero-power terminal uses backscattering to transmit signals.

[0085] It can be seen that the semi-passive zero-power terminal does not require a built-in battery to drive either the forward link or the reverse link. Although energy stored in capacitors is used in operation, the energy comes from the radio energy collected by the energy harvesting module. Therefore, it is also a true zero-power terminal.

[0086] Semi-passive zero-power consumption terminals inherit many advantages of passive zero-power consumption terminals, so they have many advantages such as small size, light weight, very low price, and long service life.

[0087] 3. Active zero-power terminal

[0088] In some scenarios, zero-power terminals can also be active zero-power terminals, which can have built-in batteries. The batteries power the low-power chip circuits in the zero-power terminal, which perform tasks such as demodulating forward link signals and modulating reverse link signals. However, for backscatter links, zero-power terminals use backscattering to transmit signals. Therefore, the zero-power nature of these devices lies primarily in the fact that reverse link signal transmission does not require the terminal's own power, but rather utilizes backscattering.

[0089] 2. Cellular Passive IoT

[0090] As 5G industry applications expand, the types of connected objects and application scenarios will increase, placing higher demands on the cost and power consumption of communication terminals. The application of battery-free, low-cost passive IoT devices has become a key technology for cellular IoT, expanding the types and number of terminals connected to 5G networks and truly realizing the interconnection of everything. Passive IoT devices can be based on zero-power communication technologies, such as RFID, and can be extended to suit cellular IoT.

[0091] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present application, the power supply signal, scheduling signal and carrier signal related to zero-power communication are explained.

[0092] 1. Energy supply signal

[0093] The energy supply signal is an energy source for the zero-power terminal to collect energy.

[0094] In terms of frequency band, the frequency band of radio waves used for energy supply can be low frequency, medium frequency, high frequency, etc.

[0095] In terms of waveform, the radio waves used for power supply can be sine waves, square waves, triangle waves, pulses, rectangular waves, etc.

[0096] In addition, the power supply signal can be a continuous wave or a discontinuous wave (ie, a certain period of interruption is allowed).

[0097] Optionally, the energy supply signal can be an existing signal in the 3GPP standard, such as a sounding reference signal (SRS), a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH), a physical random access channel (PRACH), a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH), a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH), a physical broadcast channel (PBCH), etc., or it can be a WiFi signal or a Bluetooth signal.

[0098] Optionally, the energy supply signal may also be implemented by a newly defined signal, for example, a newly defined signal dedicated to energy supply.

[0099] 2. Trigger signal or scheduling signal

[0100] The trigger signal is used to trigger or schedule the zero-power terminal to transmit data.

[0101] In terms of frequency band, the radio waves used for triggering or scheduling can be low frequency, medium frequency, high frequency, etc.

[0102] In terms of waveform, the radio wave used for triggering or scheduling can be a sine wave, square wave, triangle wave, pulse, rectangular wave, etc.

[0103] In addition, the trigger signal can be a continuous wave or a discontinuous wave (ie, a certain period of interruption is allowed).

[0104] Optionally, the trigger signal may be an existing signal in the 3GPP standard, such as SRS, PUSCH, PRACH, PUCCH, PDCCH, PDSCH, PBCH, or a WIFI signal or a Bluetooth signal.

[0105] Optionally, the trigger signal may also be implemented by a newly defined signal, such as a newly defined signal dedicated to triggering or scheduling.

[0106] 3. Carrier signal

[0107] The carrier signal is used by the zero-power terminal to generate a backscatter signal. For example, the zero-power terminal may modulate the received carrier signal according to the information to be sent to form a backscatter signal.

[0108] In terms of frequency band, the radio waves used as carrier signals can be low frequency, medium frequency, high frequency, etc.

[0109] In terms of waveform, the radio wave used as the carrier signal can be a sine wave, square wave, triangle wave, pulse, rectangular wave, etc.

[0110] In addition, the carrier signal can be a continuous wave or a discontinuous wave (ie, a certain period of interruption is allowed).

[0111] Optionally, the carrier signal may be an existing signal in the 3GPP standard, such as SRS, PUSCH, PRACH, PUCCH, PDCCH, PDSCH, PBCH, or a WIFI signal, a Bluetooth signal, a Zigbee signal, etc.

[0112] Optionally, the carrier signal may also be implemented by a newly defined signal, such as a newly defined carrier signal dedicated to generating a backscatter signal.

[0113] It should be noted that in the embodiment of the present application, the power supply signal, the scheduling signal and the carrier signal can be the same signal, or they can be different signals. For example, the power supply signal can be used as a carrier signal, and the scheduling signal can also be used as a carrier signal, etc.

[0114] In actual network deployment, a technical bottleneck faced by passive zero-power communication technology is the limited coverage distance of the forward link. The main reason is that the communication distance of the forward link is limited by the signal strength of the wireless signal reaching the zero-power terminal. Based on the existing implementation process, a general zero-power terminal needs to consume 10uW (microwatts) of power to drive the low-power circuit. This means that the signal power reaching the zero-power terminal needs to be at least -20dBm. Due to radio regulatory requirements, the transmission power of network equipment is generally not too large. For example, in the ISM frequency band where RFID operates, the maximum transmission power is 30dBm. Therefore, considering the radio propagation loss in space, the transmission distance of passive zero-power terminals is generally in the range of 10m to tens of meters.

[0115] Semi-passive zero-power terminals, on the other hand, have the potential to significantly extend communication range. This is because they can use energy harvesting modules to collect radio waves, continuously capturing radio energy and storing it in an energy storage unit. Once the energy storage unit has sufficient energy, it can drive low-power circuits for operations such as forward link signal demodulation and reverse link signal modulation. Therefore, a semi-passive zero-power terminal is equivalent to an active terminal, and its downlink coverage depends on the receiver sensitivity of the downlink signal (typically well below the RF energy harvesting threshold). Based on current technology, the energy harvesting module can harvest energy and input it into the energy storage unit when the received radio signal strength is at least -30dBm. Therefore, the forward link coverage of a semi-passive zero-power terminal depends on the energy harvesting threshold (e.g., -30dBm). Compared to a passive zero-power terminal, the received radio signal strength is relaxed from -20dBm to -30dBm, resulting in a 10dB link budget gain, thereby improving downlink coverage by more than three times.

[0116] However, while improving forward link coverage, semi-passive zero-power terminals also face the problem of reduced charging efficiency. As the received signal strength decreases, the energy that the energy harvesting module can collect and store decreases significantly. For example, when the received signal strength is -30dBm, or 1 microwatt, the energy that can be collected and stored is far less than 1 microwatt (energy harvesting efficiency is significantly reduced). On the other hand, as mentioned earlier, the low-power circuits of the zero-power terminal may require an average power consumption of 10uW.

[0117] For the reverse link, network equipment has high receiver sensitivity, reaching -95dBm, resulting in a much larger coverage range than the forward link. For passive and semi-passive zero-power terminals, if their operational energy comes from harvesting radio signal energy, their forward link coverage will be limited by the power level of the radio signal reaching the zero-power terminal, rather than the receiver sensitivity of the zero-power terminal. This results in relatively low effective forward link coverage and an imbalance between forward and reverse link coverage.

[0118] In some scenarios, for zero-power terminals that rely on wireless signals for power, one approach to improving forward link coverage is to deploy dedicated power supply nodes, freeing the forward link from the limited range of wireless signal power supply. As shown in Figure 6, multiple power supply nodes are deployed within the coverage area of ​​the network equipment. Zero-power terminals can be powered by wireless signals sent by nearby power supply nodes, thereby receiving information carried on the forward link, improving forward link coverage.

[0119] However, the deployment cost of energy supply nodes is relatively high, requiring wiring, power supply, installation, and ongoing maintenance. Furthermore, this energy supply method is energy-inefficient and inefficient. Therefore, finding a way to power zero-power terminals and reduce energy costs is a pressing issue.

[0120] To facilitate understanding of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the technical solutions of the present application are described in detail below through specific embodiments. The above related technologies can be combined arbitrarily with the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application as optional solutions, and all of them fall within the scope of protection of the embodiments of the present application. The embodiments of the present application include at least part of the following contents.

[0121] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of a wireless communication method 200 according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG7 , the method 200 includes at least part of the following:

[0122] S201: A first terminal receives a first signal sent by a network device or a third terminal.

[0123] S210: The first terminal sends a second signal to the second terminal based on the first signal, where the second signal is used to power the second terminal.

[0124] In some embodiments, the first terminal and the third terminal are also called power supply terminals, that is, terminals that send power supply signals.

[0125] In some embodiments, the second terminal, or energy collection terminal, is a terminal that receives an energy supply signal.

[0126] In some embodiments, the first terminal may have a signal amplifier for amplifying the transmitted signal to achieve a greater transmission distance of the signal.

[0127] In some embodiments, the first terminal may include an energy storage unit that can utilize ambient energy or radio signals for energy storage. Therefore, the first terminal can use the stored energy to drive a low-power computing circuit and a signal amplifier for signal transmission. Optionally, the signal amplifier may be a PA, LNA, transistor, tunnel diode, or the like. LNAs have a very low noise figure and are suitable for amplifying weak signals.

[0128] In some embodiments, the first terminal may have a backscatter communication module for sending signals by backscattering.

[0129] Optionally, the first terminal further includes an active transmission communication module for performing data transmission in an active transmission manner.

[0130] In some embodiments, the second terminal may harvest energy via wireless signals, for example, the second terminal may be a passive zero-power terminal or a semi-passive zero-power terminal. Optionally, the second terminal may have a backscatter communication module for transmitting signals via backscatter.

[0131] In some embodiments, the first terminal, the second terminal, and the third terminal are zero-power consumption terminals.

[0132] In some embodiments, the first terminal may be an ambient energy-based device, such as an ambient power enabled IoT (AMP IoT) device, or a communication device in a cellular network, or a communication device in a non-cellular network, where the non-cellular network may include but is not limited to a WIFI system, a Bluetooth system, a Zigbee system, a Lora system, etc.

[0133] In some embodiments, the second terminal can be an environmental energy-based device, such as an AMP IoT device, or a communication device in a cellular network (such as a device with energy supply requirements in a cellular network), or a communication device in a non-cellular network (such as a device with energy supply requirements in a non-cellular network). The non-cellular network may include but is not limited to a WIFI system, a Bluetooth system, a Zigbee system, a Lora system, etc.

[0134] In some embodiments, the third terminal can be an environmental energy-based device, such as an AMP IoT device, or a communication device in a cellular network, or a communication device in a non-cellular network, which non-cellular network can include but is not limited to a WIFI system, a Bluetooth system, a Zigbee system, a Lora system, etc.

[0135] In some embodiments, the first terminal and the third terminal may be terminals of one type, denoted as first type terminals, and the second terminal may be terminals of another type, denoted as second type terminals.

[0136] In some embodiments, the first type of terminal has higher capabilities than the second type of terminal. For example, the first type of terminal is an active zero-power terminal or a semi-passive zero-power terminal. The second type of terminal is a semi-passive zero-power terminal or a passive zero-power terminal.

[0137] For example, the first type of terminal has more energy sources than the second type of terminal, or the first type of terminal can collect more energy than the second type of terminal. As an example, the first type of terminal can collect energy based on ambient energy and radio signals, while the second type of terminal can collect energy based on radio signals.

[0138] For another example, the first type of terminal has a signal amplifier, and the second type of terminal does not have a signal amplifier.

[0139] For another example, the first type of terminal has a backscatter communication module and an active transmission communication module, and the second type of terminal has a backscatter communication module, wherein the backscatter communication module is used to send signals by backscattering, and the active transmission communication module is used to transmit data by active transmission.

[0140] In some embodiments, the first terminal and the second terminal may be independent devices, or they may be different functional modules of a third-type terminal. For example, the first terminal includes an amplifier module of a third-type terminal, and the second terminal includes a communication module of a third-type terminal, such as a backscatter communication module. Optionally, the first terminal also includes an energy storage module of a third-type terminal.

[0141] In some embodiments, the first terminal, the second terminal, and the third terminal may be independent devices, or they may be different functional modules of a fourth-type terminal. For example, the first terminal and the third terminal may include an amplifier module of a fourth-type terminal, and the second terminal may include a communication module of a fourth-type terminal, such as a backscatter communication module. Optionally, the first terminal and the third terminal may also include an energy storage module of a fourth-type terminal.

[0142] In some embodiments, the first terminal is used to expand the coverage of the power supply signal, for example, to expand the coverage of the first signal to the coverage of the first signal and the second signal. For example, the first terminal can have a stronger energy collection capability, and the size requirements can be relaxed. For example, the first terminal can have a large-area light energy collection module, a dual-band antenna, an antenna array with more antenna units, etc. Among them, for example, the dual-band antenna can collect energy in two frequency bands, and can collect energy in frequency bands with rich wireless signals, such as GSM, 3G bands, WiFi and Bluetooth bands, digital TV broadcast bands, etc. The antenna array can generate higher antenna gain and increase the power of the received wireless signal. Solar energy-based energy collection can have a higher power conversion efficiency. Optionally, the first terminal can also be a battery-powered or power-powered device.

[0143] In some embodiments, the network device may send information to the second terminal via the forward link during a period in which the first terminal sends the second signal.

[0144] It should be understood that the embodiment of the present application does not limit the energy collection method of the first terminal. For example, energy collection can be based on the first signal, or it can be independent of wireless signals, for example, energy collection can be performed through ambient energy such as light energy, heat energy, etc.

[0145] In some embodiments, the second signal is an amplified signal. The first terminal transmits the amplified signal to the second terminal to provide energy, thereby increasing the transmission distance of the transmitted second signal and the power level of the second signal reaching the second terminal, thereby improving forward link coverage.

[0146] In some embodiments, the second signal is sent after amplifying the first signal.

[0147] For example, the first terminal may amplify the received first signal through the LNA, and use the amplified first signal to send the second signal.

[0148] Optionally, the amplification factor of the LNA of the first terminal may be fixed, or may be flexibly adjusted to meet coverage requirements of different types.

[0149] In some embodiments, the second signal is sent via backscatter.

[0150] For example, the second signal is sent by the first terminal after amplifying and backscattering the first signal.

[0151] That is, the second signal is a backscattered signal obtained by amplifying the first signal as the incident signal.

[0152] In a specific embodiment, the second signal is sent by the first terminal after amplifying the first signal through an LNA in a backscattering manner.

[0153] In some embodiments, the second signal is sent by active transmission.

[0154] In this case, the first signal can be an energy supply signal for the second signal and / or a control signal (or scheduling signal) for the second signal. That is, the first signal can be used to supply energy for the transmission of the second signal, or it can also be used to control (or schedule) the transmission of the second signal. Optionally, the first terminal can also harvest energy from the control signal of the second signal to store energy for the transmission of the second signal.

[0155] In some embodiments, S210 may include:

[0156] The first terminal collects energy based on the first signal, and actively sends a second signal based on the collected energy.

[0157] For example, the first terminal may collect energy based on the first signal, and actively send the second signal after storing enough energy.

[0158] In some embodiments, S210 may include:

[0159] The first terminal actively sends the second signal based on the control of the first signal.

[0160] For example, the first terminal may actively send the second signal after receiving the first signal. In this case, the energy source of the first terminal may be the first signal, or it may be environmental energy, such as solar energy, thermal energy, mechanical energy, etc.

[0161] In some embodiments of the present application, the first signal is sent by a network device. When the network device directly supplies energy to the second terminal through the first signal, the coverage distance of the energy supply signal is limited by the strength of the first signal. In an embodiment of the present application, by deploying first-class terminals, the network device can send a second signal based on the first signal through the first-class terminals, and supply energy to the second-class terminals through the second signal, thereby expanding the coverage range of the energy supply signal. In this way, the network device can supply energy to a second-class terminal at a longer distance through one or more first-class terminals, so that the power level of the energy supply signal reaching the second-class terminal meets the working requirements of the second-class terminal.

[0162] In some embodiments, the first type of terminal can be deployed based on factors such as the strength of the power supply signal, the attenuation of the power supply signal, and the minimum power required for the second terminal to operate (for example, the power required to drive a low-power circuit).

[0163] For example, if the low-power circuit driving the second-type terminal consumes 10 milliwatts, this means that the signal power reaching the second-type terminal needs to be at least -20dBm. The first-type terminal can be deployed on the path before the received power of the first signal attenuates to -20dB, so that the first-type terminal can send an amplified second signal based on the first signal, thereby further extending the coverage distance of the power supply signal.

[0164] As an example, consider Figure 8. In the example shown in Figure 8, a first-class terminal transmits a second signal using backscatter. Assuming the low-power circuit driving the second-class terminal consumes 10 milliwatts, and the network device has a maximum transmit power of 27 dBm, the first signal it transmits attenuates as the transmission distance increases. When the power level attenuates to -20 dBm, it is amplified and backscattered by the first-class terminal. The LNA of the first-class terminal has an amplification capability of 30 dB, and the backscattered signal suffers a 5 dB loss compared to the incident signal. Therefore, the second signal transmitted by the first-class terminal using backscattering can achieve a 25 dB gain compared to the first signal's power. That is, when the first signal reaches -20 dBm, it is backscattered by the first-class terminal, resulting in a second signal with a power of 5 dBm. This second signal can extend its coverage to the distance at which it attenuates to -20 dBm, at which point the first signal will have attenuated to -45 dBm. Assuming that -45dBm is the receiver sensitivity of the second type of terminal, the communication coverage of the forward link can be met, and the second type of terminal can demodulate the forward link signal sent by the network device through the power supply of the second signal. Optionally, as shown in Figure 8, the first type of terminal can be deployed in a place where the received power of the first signal is greater than -20dBm, and the second type of terminal (such as terminal 1, terminal 2, terminal 3) that is closer to the network device can be directly powered by the first signal sent by the network device. If the first signal is used to power the second type of terminal (such as terminal 4) that is farther away, the power of the first signal reaching terminal 4 is -45dBm and cannot drive the terminal 4 to work, while the power supply signal amplified by the first type of terminal is used to power terminal 4, and the power of the power supply signal reaching terminal 4 is -20dBm, which can drive terminal 4 to work.

[0165] In some embodiments of the present application, the coverage of the power supply signal can be expanded through a multi-stage amplification method (or a relay method). In other words, the network device can supply power to the second type terminal through a first type terminal, or multiple first type terminals.

[0166] For example, the network device is a first-level power supply device, and the first terminal can be the next-level power supply device of the network device, that is, the second-level power supply device. The first terminal can amplify the power supply signal sent by the network device and send the next-level power supply signal. The power supply signal sent by the first terminal can directly supply power to the second terminal. Alternatively, more levels of power supply equipment can be deployed to supply power to a second terminal that is farther away.

[0167] In some embodiments of the present application, the first signal may be sent by a third terminal.

[0168] For example, the third terminal is one of the multi-level power supply devices, and the first terminal is the next-level power supply device of the third terminal. The first terminal can amplify the power supply signal sent by the third terminal and send the next-level power supply signal.

[0169] In some embodiments, multiple levels of first-class terminals may be deployed within the coverage of the forward link of the network device to expand the coverage of the power supply signal, thereby ensuring that the coverage of the power supply signal matches the coverage of the forward link.

[0170] Taking the example of a Class-I terminal at the first level generating 25dB of gain, ideally, two Class-I terminals working in relay mode can generate a 50dB gain. As shown in Figure 9, the incident first power signal from the Class-I terminal at the first level has a power of -20dBm. After amplification by the Class-I terminal at the first level, a second power signal with a power of 5dBm is generated. The incident second power signal from the Class-I terminal at the second level has a power of -20dBm. After amplification by the Class-I terminal at the second level, a third power signal with a power of 5dBm is generated. The third power signal can reach as far as the point where the third power signal attenuates to -20dBm, where the first power signal attenuates to -70dBm. Therefore, through amplification by two Class-I terminals, the forward link coverage can be further expanded to meet the coverage range of a receiver sensitivity of -70dBm.

[0171] In some embodiments, the frequency of the second signal is the same as the frequency of the first signal.

[0172] In some other embodiments, the frequency of the second signal and the frequency of the first signal have a first frequency offset.

[0173] For example, in addition to amplifying the incident first signal, the first terminal may also perform a certain frequency shift on the incident first signal, thereby generating power supply signals of different frequencies according to demand.

[0174] In some embodiments, the transmission of the second signal has certain spatial characteristics or spatial relationships. For example, the second signal is sent based on the first spatial information. Optionally, the first spatial information may include but is not limited to direction information, beam information, and a spatial domain transmission filter. Optionally, the first terminal sends the second signal based on certain spatial characteristics, which can concentrate the power of the second signal in a certain spatial direction and enhance the coverage of the second signal in that spatial direction. As shown in Figure 10, the power supply signal sent by the first terminal can be concentrated in a certain spatial direction to cover the second terminal in a specific spatial direction.

[0175] In some embodiments, the transmitting antenna of the first terminal may be designed to have a strong gain in a certain spatial direction, so that the transmit power of the second signal sent by the first terminal can be concentrated in the certain spatial direction. Optionally, the transmitting antenna of the first terminal may be implemented by an antenna array.

[0176] In some embodiments, the spatial attributes of the second signal can be set according to needs. For example, when it is necessary to power the second terminal within the first spatial range, the second signal is sent based on the first spatial information; when it is necessary to power the second terminal within the second spatial range, the second signal is sent based on the second spatial information.

[0177] In some embodiments, the first signal is sent periodically.

[0178] In some embodiments, the second signal is sent periodically.

[0179] Optionally, the sending period of the second signal may be configured by the network device or predefined.

[0180] Optionally, the second signal may be sent according to a certain pattern. Optionally, the pattern may be configured by the network device or predefined.

[0181] In some embodiments, the second signal may be a basic energy supply signal, or an actively sent energy supply signal, which is used to ensure the basic energy supply requirement of the second terminal.

[0182] In some embodiments, the second signal is sent based on triggering (or control, scheduling).

[0183] In some embodiments of the present application, the method 200 further includes:

[0184] The first terminal receives first information sent by a network device, where the first information is used to control the first terminal to send a second signal.

[0185] Optionally, when the first signal is used to control the first terminal to send the second signal, the first information may be carried in the first signal.

[0186] Optionally, the first information is control information of the second signal, used to indicate transmission parameters of the power supply signal, or transmission parameters of the power supply signal expected by the network device. For example, the first signal includes but is not limited to at least one of the following: spatial information of the power supply signal, transmission duration information of the power supply signal, and transmission power information of the power supply signal.

[0187] That is, the network device can control the sending parameters of the power supply signal sent by the first terminal, such as the spatial information used to send the power supply signal, the sending duration information, the sending power and other information.

[0188] Optionally, when the network device needs to communicate with the second terminal, the network device may control the first terminal to send the second signal.

[0189] For example, when the network device needs to communicate with the second terminal, the network device may send first information to the first terminal.

[0190] In some embodiments, because the first terminal needs to collect energy to send the power supply signal, for example, the first terminal can send the power supply signal for a certain period of time based on the energy collected over a period of time. Therefore, the power supply duration of the first terminal is limited by the energy collection efficiency and energy storage status of the first terminal.

[0191] In some embodiments of the present application, the method 200 further includes:

[0192] The first terminal sends second information to the network device, where the second information is used to indicate capability information of the first terminal for sending the second signal, or sending parameters of the second signal supported by the first terminal.

[0193] As an example, the second information includes but is not limited to at least one of the following:

[0194] spatial information of a power supply signal supported by the first terminal;

[0195] Information about the duration of sending the energy supply signal supported by the first terminal, that is, how long the first terminal supports sending the energy supply signal;

[0196] The transmission power information of the power supply signal supported by the first terminal, that is, the power at which the first terminal supports sending the power supply signal.

[0197] Optionally, the second information may be determined based on information such as the current energy storage state, energy collection efficiency, and power consumption of sending the energy supply signal of the first terminal.

[0198] Optionally, the second information may be sent after the first information.

[0199] For example, after receiving the first information sent by the network device, the first terminal determines that the energy collection capability or energy storage status of the first terminal can meet the transmission parameters of the power supply signal required by the first information, and then it can send second information to the network device to indicate the transmission parameters of the power supply signal supported by the second terminal.

[0200] Optionally, the first information may be sent after the second information.

[0201] For example, after receiving the second information, the network device may determine the first information according to the second information to control the first terminal to send the power supply signal using appropriate sending parameters.

[0202] In some embodiments of the present application, the method 200 further includes:

[0203] The second terminal sends a first request message to the first terminal or the network device, where the first request message is used to request the first terminal or the network device to send a power supply signal.

[0204] In some embodiments, the second terminal may collect energy from the second signal to send the first request information.

[0205] That is, the second signal can be used to ensure that the second terminal sends the first request information.

[0206] Optionally, after receiving the first request information, the network device or the first terminal may provide an additional power supply signal to the second terminal according to the first request information, thereby ensuring subsequent data transmission of the second terminal.

[0207] In some embodiments, the first request information is sent by the second terminal under specific conditions (e.g., when there is an instantaneous power supply demand). For example, when there is data to be transmitted and the second signal is insufficient to meet the power supply demand of the second terminal, the second terminal may request an additional power supply signal through the first request information.

[0208] In some embodiments, the first request information includes at least one of the following:

[0209] The time length of the power supply signal requested to be sent, the sending period of the power supply signal requested to be sent, the strength of the power supply signal requested to be sent, the spatial information of the power supply signal requested to be sent, the energy collection capability of the second terminal, the type of service to be transmitted by the second terminal, the duration of the service to be transmitted by the second terminal, the data volume of the service to be transmitted by the second terminal, and the first indication information, wherein the first indication information is used to indicate that the second terminal requests the first terminal to send a power supply signal or is used to indicate that the second terminal has data to be transmitted.

[0210] Optionally, the first indication information may be 1 bit.

[0211] Optionally, the first request information may be sent in a backscattering manner.

[0212] Optionally, the second terminal may use the power supply signal as a carrier signal for backscattering, or may use a dedicated carrier signal for backscattering to send the first request information.

[0213] In some embodiments of the present application, the method 200 further includes:

[0214] The first terminal sends a fourth signal based on the third signal, where the fourth signal is used to power the second terminal and is sent based on the first request information. The third signal may be sent by a network device or a third terminal.

[0215] For example, upon receiving the first request information, the network device may control the first terminal to supply power to the second terminal. For example, the network device sends a third signal to the first terminal, and further, the first terminal sends a fourth signal based on the third signal.

[0216] For another example, upon receiving the first request information, the first terminal may send a fourth signal based on the third signal of the network device or the third device.

[0217] In some embodiments, the fourth signal can be considered an additional power supply signal, or a passively sent power supply signal (e.g., a request-based power supply signal), or an on-demand power supply signal. The fourth signal can be used to ensure the instantaneous power supply demand of the second terminal, or an urgent power supply demand, etc.

[0218] In some embodiments, the fourth signal may be sent based on certain spatial information.

[0219] In some embodiments, the second signal is sent more frequently than the fourth signal, that is, the additional energy signal is sent more frequently than the basic energy signal, which helps ensure that the second terminal obtains sufficient energy for data transmission.

[0220] In some embodiments, the duration of the second signal is shorter than the duration of the fourth signal. That is, the additional energy supply signal is sent for a longer time than the basic energy supply signal, which helps ensure that the second terminal obtains sufficient energy for data transmission.

[0221] In some embodiments, the transmission power of the fourth signal is greater than the transmission power of the second signal. In other words, the strength of the additional energy supply signal is greater than the strength of the basic energy supply signal, which is beneficial to improving the energy collection efficiency of the second terminal and ensuring that the second terminal obtains sufficient energy for data transmission.

[0222] In some embodiments, the third signal is sent periodically.

[0223] In some embodiments, the fourth signal is sent periodically.

[0224] In summary, in an embodiment of the present application, the first terminal can send a second signal based on the first signal sent by the network device or the third terminal to power the second terminal. In this way, the network device and one or more terminals (for example, the first terminal, or the first terminal and the third terminal) power the second terminal in a relay manner, thereby expanding the coverage range of the power supply signal and improving the power level of the power supply signal reaching the second terminal, so that the coverage range of the power supply signal matches the coverage range of the forward link.

[0225] Furthermore, the first terminal may provide an additional energy supply signal to the second terminal based on the request of the second terminal, which is helpful in meeting the instantaneous energy demand of the second terminal.

[0226] The above text, in combination with Figures 7 to 10, describes in detail the method embodiment of the present application. The following text, in combination with Figures 11 to 16, describes in detail the device embodiment of the present application. It should be understood that the device embodiment and the method embodiment correspond to each other, and similar descriptions can refer to the method embodiment.

[0227] FIG11 shows a schematic block diagram of a terminal device 400 according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG11 , the terminal device 400 includes:

[0228] The communication unit 410 is configured to send a second signal to the second terminal based on the first signal, where the second signal is used to power the second terminal, and the first signal is sent by a network device or a third terminal.

[0229] In some embodiments, the second signal is an amplified signal.

[0230] In some embodiments, the second signal is sent by the terminal device after amplifying and backscattering the first signal.

[0231] In some embodiments, the second signal is sent by the terminal device through active transmission.

[0232] In some embodiments, the second signal is sent by the terminal device based on energy obtained by energy harvesting from the first signal.

[0233] In some embodiments, the first signal is used to control the terminal device to send the second signal.

[0234] In some embodiments, the frequency of the second signal is the same as the frequency of the first signal.

[0235] In some embodiments, the frequency of the second signal and the frequency of the first signal have a first frequency offset.

[0236] In some embodiments, the second signal is sent based on the first spatial information.

[0237] In some embodiments, the communication unit 410 is further configured to:

[0238] Receive first information sent by a network device, where the first information is used to control the terminal device to send the second signal.

[0239] In some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0240] Spatial information of the energy supply signal, transmission duration information of the energy supply signal, and transmission power information of the energy supply signal.

[0241] In some embodiments, the communication unit 410 is further configured to: the terminal device sends second information to the network device, where the second information is used to indicate capability information of the terminal device to send the second signal.

[0242] In some embodiments, the second information includes at least one of the following:

[0243] The terminal device supports spatial information of the energy supply signal to be sent;

[0244] Information about the duration of energy supply signal transmission supported by the terminal device;

[0245] The transmission power information of the power supply signal supported by the terminal device.

[0246] In some embodiments, the first signal is sent periodically.

[0247] In some embodiments, the second signal is sent periodically.

[0248] In some embodiments, the communication unit 410 is further configured to:

[0249] Receive first request information from the second terminal, where the first request information is used to request the terminal device to send a power supply signal.

[0250] In some embodiments, the first request information includes at least one of the following:

[0251] The time length of the power supply signal requested to be sent, the sending period of the power supply signal requested to be sent, the strength of the power supply signal requested to be sent, the spatial information of the power supply signal requested to be sent, the energy collection capability of the second terminal, the type of service to be transmitted by the second terminal, the duration of the service to be transmitted by the second terminal, the amount of data of the service to be transmitted by the second terminal, and the first indication information, wherein the first indication information is used to indicate that the second terminal requests the terminal device to send a power supply signal or is used to indicate that the second terminal has data to be transmitted.

[0252] In some embodiments, the communication unit 410 is further configured to: send a fourth signal based on the third signal, the fourth signal being used to power the second terminal, and the fourth signal being sent based on the first request information.

[0253] In some embodiments, the sending period of the second signal is greater than the sending period of the fourth signal; and / or

[0254] The duration of the second signal is shorter than the duration of the fourth signal.

[0255] Optionally, in some embodiments, the communication unit may be a communication interface or a transceiver, or an input / output interface of a communication chip or a system on chip.

[0256] It should be understood that the terminal device 500 according to the embodiment of the present application may correspond to the first terminal in the embodiment of the method of the present application, and the above-mentioned and other operations and / or functions of each unit in the terminal device 500 are respectively for realizing the corresponding processes of the first terminal in the method shown in Figures 7 to 10. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0257] FIG12 shows a schematic block diagram of a network device 500 according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG12 , the network device 500 includes:

[0258] The communication unit 510 is configured to send a first signal to a first terminal, where the first signal is used for the first terminal to send a second signal, and the second signal is used to power a second terminal.

[0259] In some embodiments, the first signal is sent periodically.

[0260] In some embodiments, the communication unit 510 is further configured to:

[0261] First information is sent to the first terminal, where the first information is used to control the first terminal to send the second signal.

[0262] In some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0263] Spatial information of the energy supply signal, transmission duration information of the energy supply signal, and transmission power information of the energy supply signal.

[0264] In some embodiments, the communication unit 510 is further configured to:

[0265] Second information sent by the first terminal is received, where the second information is used to indicate capability information of the first terminal to send the second signal.

[0266] In some embodiments, the second information includes at least one of the following:

[0267] spatial information of a power supply signal supported by the first terminal;

[0268] Information about the transmission duration of the energy supply signal supported by the first terminal;

[0269] The transmission power information of the power supply signal supported by the first terminal.

[0270] In some embodiments, the communication unit 510 is further configured to:

[0271] Receive first request information sent by the second terminal, where the first request information is used to request the network device to send a power supply signal.

[0272] In some embodiments, the communication unit 510 is further configured to:

[0273] A third signal is sent to the first terminal, where the third signal is used for the first terminal to send a fourth signal, where the fourth signal is used to power the second terminal.

[0274] In some embodiments, the third signal is sent based on the first request information.

[0275] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the communication unit may be a communication interface or a transceiver, or an input / output interface of a communication chip or a system on chip. The processing unit may be one or more processors.

[0276] It should be understood that the network device 500 according to the embodiment of the present application may correspond to the network device in the embodiment of the method of the present application, and the above-mentioned and other operations and / or functions of each unit in the network device 500 are respectively for implementing the corresponding processes of the network device in the method shown in Figures 7 to 10. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0277] FIG13 shows a schematic block diagram of a terminal device 600 according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG13 , the terminal device 600 includes:

[0278] The communication unit 610 is configured to send a first request message to a first terminal, where the first request message is used to request the first terminal to send a power supply signal.

[0279] In some embodiments, the first request information includes at least one of the following:

[0280] The time length of the power supply signal requested to be sent, the sending period of the power supply signal requested to be sent, the strength of the power supply signal requested to be sent, the spatial information of the power supply signal requested to be sent, the energy collection capability of the terminal device, the type of service to be transmitted by the terminal device, the duration of the service to be transmitted by the terminal device, the amount of data of the service to be transmitted by the terminal device, and the first indication information, wherein the first indication information is used to indicate that the terminal device requests the first terminal to send a power supply signal or is used to indicate that the terminal device has data to be transmitted.

[0281] In some embodiments, the communication unit 610 is further configured to:

[0282] A fourth signal sent by the first terminal is received, where the fourth signal is used by the terminal device to collect energy.

[0283] In some embodiments, the fourth signal is sent based on the first request information.

[0284] In some embodiments, the communication unit 610 is further configured to:

[0285] A second signal sent by the first terminal is received, where the second signal is used by the terminal device to collect energy.

[0286] In some embodiments, the first request information is sent based on energy obtained by energy harvesting from the second signal.

[0287] Optionally, in some embodiments, the communication unit may be a communication interface or a transceiver, or an input / output interface of a communication chip or a system on chip.

[0288] It should be understood that the terminal device 600 according to the embodiment of the present application may correspond to the second terminal in the embodiment of the method of the present application, and the above-mentioned and other operations and / or functions of each unit in the terminal device 600 are respectively for realizing the corresponding processes of the second terminal in the method shown in Figures 7 to 10. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0289] Figure 14 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device 700 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 700 shown in Figure 14 includes a processor 710, which can call and run a computer program from a memory to implement the method in the embodiment of the present application.

[0290] Optionally, as shown in FIG14 , the communication device 700 may further include a memory 720. The processor 710 may call and execute a computer program from the memory 720 to implement the method in the embodiment of the present application.

[0291] The memory 720 may be a separate device independent of the processor 710 , or may be integrated into the processor 710 .

[0292] Optionally, as shown in FIG14 , the communication device 700 may further include a transceiver 730 , and the processor 710 may control the transceiver 730 to communicate with other devices, specifically, to send information or data to other devices, or to receive information or data sent by other devices.

[0293] The transceiver 730 may include a transmitter and a receiver. The transceiver 730 may further include an antenna, and the number of antennas may be one or more.

[0294] Optionally, the communication device 700 may specifically be a network device in an embodiment of the present application, and the communication device 700 may implement the corresponding processes implemented by the network device in each method in the embodiment of the present application. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0295] Optionally, the communication device 700 may specifically be a mobile terminal / terminal device in an embodiment of the present application, and the communication device 700 may implement the corresponding processes implemented by the mobile terminal / terminal device in each method in the embodiment of the present application. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0296] Figure 15 is a schematic structural diagram of a chip according to an embodiment of the present application. The chip 800 shown in Figure 15 includes a processor 810, which can call and run a computer program from a memory to implement the method according to the embodiment of the present application.

[0297] Optionally, as shown in FIG41 , the chip 800 may further include a memory 820. The processor 810 may call and execute a computer program from the memory 820 to implement the method in the embodiment of the present application.

[0298] The memory 820 may be a separate device independent of the processor 810 , or may be integrated into the processor 810 .

[0299] Optionally, the chip 800 may further include an input interface 830. The processor 810 may control the input interface 830 to communicate with other devices or chips, and specifically, may obtain information or data sent by other devices or chips.

[0300] Optionally, the chip 800 may further include an output interface 840. The processor 810 may control the output interface 840 to communicate with other devices or chips, and specifically, may output information or data to other devices or chips.

[0301] Optionally, the chip can be applied to the network device in the embodiments of the present application, and the chip can implement the corresponding processes implemented by the network device in each method of the embodiments of the present application. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0302] Optionally, the chip can be applied to the mobile terminal / terminal device in the embodiments of the present application, and the chip can implement the corresponding processes implemented by the mobile terminal / terminal device in the various methods of the embodiments of the present application. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0303] It should be understood that the chip mentioned in the embodiments of the present application can also be called a system-level chip, a system chip, a chip system or a system-on-chip chip, etc.

[0304] FIG16 is a schematic block diagram of a communication system 900 provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG16 , the communication system 900 includes a network device 910 , a first terminal 920 , and a second terminal 930 .

[0305] Among them, the network device 910 can be used to implement the corresponding functions implemented by the network device in the above method, the first terminal 920 can be used to implement the corresponding functions implemented by the first terminal in the above method, and the second terminal 930 can be used to implement the corresponding functions implemented by the second terminal in the above method. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0306] It should be understood that the processor of the embodiments of the present application may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. During implementation, each step of the above method embodiment can be completed by hardware integrated logic circuits in the processor or software instructions. The above processor can be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. The various methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented or executed. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of the present application can be directly embodied as being executed by a hardware decoding processor, or can be executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software module can be located in a storage medium mature in the art, such as random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, etc. The storage medium is located in the memory, and the processor reads the information in the memory and completes the steps of the above method in combination with its hardware.

[0307] It is understood that the memory in the embodiments of the present application may be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memories. Among them, the non-volatile memory may be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or a flash memory. The volatile memory may be a random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous link dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct RAM bus random access memory (DR RAM). It should be noted that the memory of the systems and methods described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0308] It should be understood that the above-mentioned memories are exemplary but not restrictive. For example, the memories in the embodiments of the present application may also be static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous link dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct RAM RAM (DR RAM), etc. In other words, the memories in the embodiments of the present application are intended to include, but are not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memories.

[0309] An embodiment of the present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing a computer program.

[0310] Optionally, the computer-readable storage medium can be applied to the network device in the embodiments of the present application, and the computer program enables the computer to execute the corresponding processes implemented by the network device in the various methods of the embodiments of the present application. For the sake of brevity, they are not repeated here.

[0311] Optionally, the computer-readable storage medium can be applied to the first terminal in the embodiment of the present application, and the computer program enables the computer to execute the corresponding processes implemented by the first terminal in the various methods of the embodiment of the present application. For the sake of brevity, they are not repeated here.

[0312] Optionally, the computer-readable storage medium can be applied to the second terminal in the embodiment of the present application, and the computer program enables the computer to execute the corresponding processes implemented by the second terminal in the various methods of the embodiment of the present application. For the sake of brevity, they are not repeated here.

[0313] An embodiment of the present application also provides a computer program product, including computer program instructions.

[0314] Optionally, the computer program product can be applied to the network device in the embodiments of the present application, and the computer program instructions enable the computer to execute the corresponding processes implemented by the network device in the various methods of the embodiments of the present application. For the sake of brevity, they are not repeated here.

[0315] Optionally, the computer program product can be applied to the first terminal in the embodiment of the present application, and the computer program instructions enable the computer to execute the corresponding processes implemented by the first terminal in the various methods of the embodiment of the present application. For the sake of brevity, they are not repeated here.

[0316] Optionally, the computer program product can be applied to the second terminal in the embodiment of the present application, and the computer program instructions enable the computer to execute the corresponding processes implemented by the second terminal in the various methods of the embodiment of the present application. For the sake of brevity, they are not repeated here.

[0317] The embodiment of the present application also provides a computer program.

[0318] Optionally, the computer program can be applied to the network device in the embodiments of the present application. When the computer program runs on a computer, the computer executes the corresponding processes implemented by the network device in the various methods of the embodiments of the present application. For the sake of brevity, they are not described here.

[0319] Optionally, the computer program can be applied to the first terminal in the embodiment of the present application. When the computer program runs on the computer, the computer executes the corresponding processes implemented by the first terminal in the various methods of the embodiment of the present application. For the sake of brevity, they are not repeated here.

[0320] Optionally, the computer program can be applied to the second terminal in the embodiment of the present application. When the computer program runs on the computer, the computer executes the corresponding processes implemented by the second terminal in the various methods of the embodiment of the present application. For the sake of brevity, they are not repeated here.

[0321] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0322] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices and units described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0323] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely schematic. For example, the division of the units is merely a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0324] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of these units may be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0325] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0326] If the functions are implemented in the form of software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or the part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media that can store program codes, such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0327] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present application should be included in the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A wireless communication method, characterized in that: include: The first terminal sends a second signal to the second terminal based on the first signal, where the second signal is used to power the second terminal, and the first signal is sent by a network device or a third terminal.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The second signal is an amplified signal.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The second signal is sent by the first terminal after amplifying and backscattering the first signal.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The second signal is sent by the first terminal in an active transmission manner.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The second signal is sent by the first terminal using energy obtained by energy collection based on the first signal.

6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that The first signal is used to control the first terminal to send the second signal.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The frequency of the second signal is the same as the frequency of the first signal.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The frequency of the second signal and the frequency of the first signal have a first frequency offset.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that The second signal is sent based on the first spatial information.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that The method further comprises: The first terminal receives first information sent by a network device, where the first information is used to control the first terminal to send the second signal.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that The first information includes at least one of the following: Spatial information of the energy supply signal, transmission duration information of the energy supply signal, and transmission power information of the energy supply signal.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that The method further comprises: The first terminal sends second information to the network device, where the second information is used to indicate capability information of the first terminal in sending the second signal.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The second information includes at least one of the following: spatial information of a power supply signal supported by the first terminal; Information about the transmission duration of the energy supply signal supported by the first terminal; The transmission power information of the power supply signal supported by the first terminal.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that The first signal is sent periodically.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that The second signal is sent periodically.

16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that The method further comprises: The first terminal receives first request information from the second terminal, where the first request information is used to request the first terminal to send a power supply signal.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that The first request information includes at least one of the following: The time length of the power supply signal requested to be sent, the sending period of the power supply signal requested to be sent, the strength of the power supply signal requested to be sent, the spatial information of the power supply signal requested to be sent, the energy collection capability of the second terminal, the type of service to be transmitted by the second terminal, the duration of the service to be transmitted by the second terminal, the data volume of the service to be transmitted by the second terminal, and the first indication information, wherein the first indication information is used to indicate that the second terminal requests the first terminal to send a power supply signal or is used to indicate that the second terminal has data to be transmitted.

18. The method according to any one of claims 16 or 17, characterized in that The method further comprises: The first terminal sends a fourth signal based on the third signal, where the fourth signal is used to power the second terminal, and the fourth signal is sent based on the first request information.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that The sending period of the second signal is greater than the sending period of the fourth signal; and / or The duration of the second signal is shorter than the duration of the fourth signal.

20. A wireless communication method, characterized in that: include: The network device sends a first signal to a first terminal, where the first signal is used for the first terminal to send a second signal, and the second signal is used to power a second terminal.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that The first signal is sent periodically.

22. The method according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that The method further comprises: The network device sends first information to the first terminal, where the first information is used to control the first terminal to send the second signal.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that The first information includes at least one of the following: Spatial information of the energy supply signal, transmission duration information of the energy supply signal, and transmission power information of the energy supply signal.

24. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 23, characterized in that The method further comprises: The network device receives second information sent by the first terminal, where the second information is used to indicate capability information of the first terminal in sending the second signal.

25. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that The second information includes at least one of the following: spatial information of a power supply signal supported by the first terminal; Information about the transmission duration of the energy supply signal supported by the first terminal; The transmission power information of the power supply signal supported by the first terminal.

26. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 25, characterized in that The method further comprises: The network device receives first request information sent by the second terminal, where the first request information is used to request the network device to send a power supply signal.

27. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that The method further comprises: The network device sends a third signal to the first terminal, the third signal is used by the first terminal to send a fourth signal, and the fourth signal is used to power the second terminal.

28. The method according to claim 27, characterized in that The third signal is sent based on the first request information.

29. A wireless communication method, characterized in that: include: The second terminal sends first request information to the first terminal, where the first request information is used to request the first terminal to send a power supply signal.

30. The method according to claim 29, wherein The first request information includes at least one of the following: The time length of the power supply signal requested to be sent, the sending period of the power supply signal requested to be sent, the strength of the power supply signal requested to be sent, the spatial information of the power supply signal requested to be sent, the energy collection capability of the second terminal, the type of service to be transmitted by the second terminal, the duration of the service to be transmitted by the second terminal, the data volume of the service to be transmitted by the second terminal, and the first indication information, wherein the first indication information is used to indicate that the second terminal requests the first terminal to send a power supply signal or is used to indicate that the second terminal has data to be transmitted.

31. The method according to claim 29 or 30, characterized in that The method further comprises: The second terminal receives a fourth signal sent by the first terminal, where the fourth signal is used by the second terminal for energy collection.

32. The method according to claim 31, characterized in that The fourth signal is sent based on the first request information.

33. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 32, characterized in that The method further comprises: The second terminal receives a second signal sent by the first terminal, where the second signal is used by the second terminal to collect energy.

34. The method according to claim 33, wherein The first request information is sent based on energy obtained by harvesting energy from the second signal.

35. A terminal device, characterized in that: include: A communication unit is configured to send a second signal to a second terminal based on the first signal, wherein the second signal is used to power the second terminal, and the first signal is sent by a network device or a third terminal.

36. A network device, characterized in that: include: A communication unit is configured to send a first signal to a first terminal, wherein the first signal is used by the first terminal to send a second signal, and the second signal is used to power a second terminal.

37. A terminal device, characterized in that: include: The communication unit is configured to send a first request message to a first terminal, wherein the first request message is configured to request the first terminal to send a power supply signal.

38. A terminal device, characterized in that: include: A processor and a memory, the memory being used to store a computer program, the processor being used to call and run the computer program stored in the memory to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 19.

39. A network device, characterized in that: include: A processor and a memory, the memory being used to store a computer program, the processor being used to call and run the computer program stored in the memory to execute the method according to any one of claims 20 to 28.

40. A terminal device, characterized in that: include: A processor and a memory, the memory being used to store a computer program, the processor being used to call and run the computer program stored in the memory to execute the method according to any one of claims 29 to 34.

41. A chip, characterized in that: include: A processor, configured to call and run a computer program from a memory so that a device equipped with the chip performs the method according to any one of claims 1 to 19, or the method according to any one of claims 20 to 28, or the method according to any one of claims 29 to 34.

42. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that Used to store a computer program, the computer program causing a computer to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 19, or the method according to any one of claims 20 to 28, or the method according to any one of claims 29 to 34.

43. A computer program product, characterized in that Comprising computer program instructions which cause a computer to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 19, or the method of any one of claims 20 to 28, or the method of any one of claims 29 to 34.

44. A computer program, characterized in that The computer program causes a computer to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 19, or the method of any one of claims 20 to 28, or the method of any one of claims 29 to 34.

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