Communication method and device

Abstract

A communication method and device are applied to the AMP field, for example, can support wireless energy transmission (WPT), wireless local area network (WLAN), or IEEE series protocols. The AMP STA receives a WPT signal from an excitation device (or a first communication device), and receives communication instruction information from a relay device (or the first communication device) or an AP. And receiving an excitation signal from the excitation device (or the first communication device), and transmitting a reflected signal of the excitation signal. Through the method, the interaction process between the AMP STA and other communication devices can be perfected. When the communication link between the AMP STA and the excitation device (or the first communication device) is a one-way communication link, the problem of back reflection self-interference can be solved. For example, when a communication link between an AMP STA and an AP is a one-way communication link or the AMP STA communicates through a relay device, the problem of imbalance between an uplink and a downlink can be solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technologies, and in particular, to a communication method and apparatus. Background Art

[0002] Traditional Internet of Things (IoT) devices are usually equipped with batteries with limited lifetimes, and the need to replace batteries affects the user experience. With the significant growth of IoT networks and IoT devices, maintenance expenditures (including labor and battery costs) will also increase greatly. First, billions of batteries are discarded every year, and only a small fraction of them can be effectively recycled, which has a harmful impact on the Earth's ecosystem. Second, in extreme environmental conditions, it may be very difficult to maintain the operation of IoT networks and replace batteries. In view of the above problems, battery-free IoT communication has been proposed, which can effectively improve network performance and sustainability and expand application scenarios. In addition, by removing the battery, the device size and cost can be significantly reduced, thus supporting various new applications.

[0003] The IoT based on ambient power (AMP) can achieve battery-free communication and meet the requirements of various vertical applications. Such devices can collect energy from different sources, including radio waves, light (sunlight), motion, heat, etc., and thus can eliminate the need for traditional batteries. The IoT supported by ambient power is different from traditional Wi-Fi for the following reasons: 1) Wi-Fi devices are usually powered by traditional power supplies; 2) The typical peak power of AMP devices is less than 1 milliwatt (considering device size limitations), far lower than the power consumption of dozens to hundreds of milliwatts of traditional Wi-Fi devices; 3) Simple waveforms other than orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) can be used to reduce complexity and power consumption. Combining the AMP-supported IoT with Wi-Fi will enable new IoT services, and the Wi-Fi communication system will also benefit therefrom.

[0004] Therefore, how to deploy AMP devices urgently needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Embodiments of this application provide a communication method and apparatus, which can improve the interaction process of AMP devices, thereby solving the problem of uplink-downlink imbalance and / or the self-interference problem of full-duplex back reflection.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, which is applied to an ambient power AMP station STA. The AMP STA may include an AMP device, or a chip or functional module that can be disposed in the AMP device, etc. The method includes:

[0007] Receive a wireless power transfer (WPT) signal and receive communication indication information for indicating information for the AMP STA to communicate; receive an excitation signal and send a reflection signal of the excitation signal.

[0008] In an embodiment of the present application, the WPT signal (or excitation signal) received by the AMP STA and the communication indication information may come from different communication devices, and the AMP STA may send a reflection signal to other communication devices. Thus, this method improves the process of interaction between the AMP STA and other communication devices.

[0009] In an embodiment of the present application, when the communication link between the AMP STA and the excitation device (or the first communication device) is a one-way communication link from the excitation device to the AMP STA, after the excitation device (or the first communication device) sends an excitation signal, the AMP STA receives the excitation signal, and the receiving end of the reflection signal of the excitation signal is not the excitation device (or the first communication device). Thus, the self-interference problem of full-duplex back reflection can be effectively solved.

[0010] In an embodiment of the present application, when the communication link between the AMP STA and the AP is a one-way communication link from the AMP STA to the AP, or when the AMP STA communicates through a relay device, the problem of uplink and downlink imbalance can be effectively solved.

[0011] As a possible implementation manner 1, the receiving the WPT signal includes: receiving the WPT signal from a first communication device; the receiving the communication indication information includes: receiving the communication indication information from the first communication device; the receiving the excitation signal includes: receiving the excitation signal from the first communication device.

[0012] In an embodiment of the present application, the first communication device can both provide radio frequency (RF) energy for the AMP STA (such as sending a WPT signal) and support long-distance communication. That is, the first communication device can be used to implement the function of the excitation device and the function of the relay device.

[0013] Exemplarily, the receiving the WPT signal includes: receiving the WPT signal from the first communication device through link 4; the receiving the communication indication information includes: receiving the WPT signal from the first communication device through link 2. Exemplarily, the link for transmitting the excitation signal is link 4 or link 2. Exemplarily, link 2 is a one-way communication link.

[0014] In the embodiment of the present application, link 2 may be a unidirectional communication link from the first communication device to the AMP STA. When the first communication device sends an excitation signal, the receiving end of the transmitted signal after the excitation signal is reflected by the AMP STA is not the first communication device (such as an AP), that is, the transmitting end and the receiving end of the backscatter communication are not the same device. Thus, the backscatter self-interference problem can be effectively solved, and the difficulty of the AP processing the signal can be reduced, such as reducing the difficulty of the AP processing the reflected signal.

[0015] As a possible implementation manner 1, the reflected signal of the transmitted excitation signal includes: the reflected signal of the transmitted excitation signal to an access point (AP).

[0016] Exemplarily, the reflected signal of the transmitted excitation signal includes: the reflected signal of the transmitted excitation signal to the AP through link 3. Exemplarily, link 3 may be a unidirectional communication link.

[0017] In the embodiment of the present application, link 3 may be a unidirectional communication link from the AMP STA to the AP. Since the receiving sensitivity of the AP is better than that of the AMP STA, the information sent by the AMP STA can be received by the AP. Thus, the problem of uplink and downlink imbalance (or effectively solving the problem of coverage imbalance between the uplink and downlink) can be effectively solved.

[0018] Exemplarily, link 2 is a bidirectional communication link. Exemplarily, link 3 is a bidirectional communication link.

[0019] Exemplarily, both link 2 and link 4 may support the sub-1GHz band. Exemplarily, link 2 may support the 2.4GHz band, and link 4 may support the sub-1GHz band. Exemplarily, both link 2 and link 4 may support the 2.4GHz band. Exemplarily, link 2 may support the sub-1GHz band, and link 4 may support the 2.4GHz band.

[0020] As a possible implementation manner 2, the receiving of the WPT signal includes: receiving the WPT signal from the excitation device; the receiving of the communication indication information includes: receiving the communication indication information from the relay device through link 4; the receiving of the excitation signal includes: receiving the excitation signal from the excitation device.

[0021] Exemplarily, the receiving of the WPT signal includes: receiving the WPT signal from the excitation device through link 6.

[0022] Exemplarily, the link for transmitting the excitation signal may be Link 2 (or Link 6). For example, Link 2 may be a one-way communication link from the excitation device to the AMP STA. Thus, for the received signal of the transmitted signal after being reflected by the AMP STA, the receiving end and the transmitting end are not the same device, which can effectively solve the back-reflection self-interference problem and reduce the difficulty of the AP in processing signals.

[0023] Exemplarily, Link 4 is a one-way communication link. Link 4 is a one-way communication link from the relay device to the AMP STA. Due to the function of the relay device supporting long-distance communication, the AMP STA can receive information from the AP. Thus, the problem of uplink-downlink imbalance can be effectively solved.

[0024] Exemplarily, Link 2 may also be a two-way communication link. Exemplarily, Link 4 may also be a two-way communication link.

[0025] As a possible implementation 2, when Link 4 is a two-way link, the reflected signal for transmitting the excitation signal includes: transmitting the reflected signal of the excitation signal to the relay device through Link 4; or, when Link 4 is a one-way communication link, the reflected signal for transmitting the excitation signal includes: transmitting the reflected signal of the excitation signal to the AP through Link 5.

[0026] As a possible implementation 3, receiving the WPT signal includes: receiving the WPT signal from the excitation device; receiving the communication indication information includes: receiving the communication indication information from the relay device through Link 3; receiving the excitation signal includes: receiving the excitation signal from the excitation device.

[0027] Exemplarily, the link for transmitting the WPT signal is Link 5. As an example, the link for transmitting the excitation signal is Link 5. As another example, the link for transmitting the excitation signal is Link 4. Exemplarily, Link 4 is a one-way communication link from the excitation device to the AMP STA.

[0028] As a possible implementation 3, the reflected signal for transmitting the excitation signal includes: transmitting the reflected signal of the excitation signal to the relay device through Link 3.

[0029] As a possible implementation 4, receiving the WPT signal includes: receiving the WPT signal from the excitation device; receiving the communication indication information includes: receiving the communication indication information from the AP through Link 2; receiving the excitation signal includes: receiving the excitation signal from the excitation device.

[0030] Exemplarily, the link for transmitting the WPT signal is Link 3. As an example, the link for transmitting the excitation signal is Link 3. As another example, the link for transmitting the excitation signal is Link 4. Exemplarily, Link 4 is a one-way communication link from the excitation device to the AMP STA.

[0031] As a possible implementation 4, the reflected signal of the transmitted excitation signal includes: the reflected signal of transmitting the excitation signal to the AP through Link 2.

[0032] In a possible implementation, the frequency band supported by the communication link is different from the frequency band supported by the WPT link.

[0033] In a possible implementation, the frequency band supported by the communication link is the same as the frequency band supported by the WPT link, and the communication link is a one-way communication link.

[0034] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, which is applied to an excitation device, and the method includes:

[0035] Receiving energy transfer indication information from an access point AP, where the energy transfer indication information is used to indicate information for the ambient energy AMP site STA to receive a wireless energy transfer WPT signal; and sending a WPT signal to the AMP STA based on the energy transfer indication information.

[0036] In a possible implementation, the energy transfer indication information includes at least one of: the identifier of the AMP STA or the wake-up information of the AMP STA.

[0037] In a possible implementation, the energy transfer indication information further includes at least one of the following: the transmission time of the WPT signal, the waveform information of the WPT signal, and the wake-up information of the excitation device.

[0038] In a possible implementation, the communication indication information includes at least one of the following: control information to be reported by the AMP STA, scheduling information, and data type.

[0039] In a possible implementation, sending a WPT signal to the AMP STA based on the energy transfer indication information includes: sending the WPT signal to the AMP STA on the WPT link based on the energy transfer indication information.

[0040] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: sending an excitation signal to the AMP STA on the communication link.

[0041] In a possible implementation, the frequency band supported by the communication link is different from the frequency band supported by the WPT link.

[0042] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: sending occupancy indication information on the communication link, where the occupancy indication information is used to indicate that the communication link is occupied.

[0043] In a possible implementation, the frequency band supported by the communication link is the same as the frequency band supported by the WPT link, and the communication link is a unidirectional communication link.

[0044] In a possible implementation, the frequency band supported by the WPT link includes 2.4 GHz or below 1 GHz.

[0045] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, which is applied to a relay device, and the method includes:

[0046] Receiving communication indication information from an AP, and sending the communication indication information to an AMP STA, where the communication indication information is used to indicate information for the AMP STA to perform communication.

[0047] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving ACK information from the AMP STA for the communication indication information.

[0048] Exemplarily, the ACK information is carried in a reflected signal.

[0049] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, which is applied to a first communication device, and the method includes:

[0050] Receiving indication information from an access point AP, where the indication information includes energy transfer indication information; based on the energy transfer indication information, sending a wireless power transfer (WPT) signal to an AMP STA, where the energy transfer indication information is used to indicate information for the AMP STA to receive the WPT signal.

[0051] In a possible implementation, the indication information further includes communication indication information, where the communication indication information is used to indicate information for the AMP STA to perform communication.

[0052] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: sending ACK information for the indication information to the AP.

[0053] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, which is applied to an AP. The AP may include a Wi-Fi device, or a chip or functional module that can be set in a Wi-Fi device, etc., and the method includes:

[0054] Send energy transfer indication information, where the energy transfer indication information is used to indicate information for an ambient energy AMP station STA to receive a wireless power transfer WPT signal; send communication indication information, where the communication indication information is used to indicate information for the AMP STA to perform communication.

[0055] For the detailed descriptions of the second aspect to the fifth aspect, reference may be made to the first aspect, and repeated parts will not be elaborated again.

[0056] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an AMP STA for executing the method in the first aspect or any possible implementation manner. The AMP STA includes a module having the method for executing the first aspect or any possible implementation manner.

[0057] In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an excitation device for executing the method in the second aspect or any possible implementation manner. The excitation device includes a module having the method for executing the second aspect or any possible implementation manner.

[0058] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a relay device for executing the method in the third aspect or any possible implementation manner. The relay device includes a module having the method for executing the third aspect or any possible implementation manner.

[0059] In a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a first communication device for executing the method in the fourth aspect or any possible implementation manner. The first communication device includes a module having the method for executing the fourth aspect or any possible implementation manner.

[0060] In a tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an AP for executing the method in the fifth aspect or any possible implementation manner. The AP includes a module having the method for executing the fifth aspect or any possible implementation manner.

[0061] In an eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, which includes a processor for executing the method shown in one of the first aspect to the fifth aspect or any possible implementation manner above. The processor is used to execute a program stored in a memory, and when the program is executed, the above method is executed.

[0062] In a possible implementation manner, the memory is located outside the above communication device.

[0063] In a possible implementation manner, the memory is located inside the above communication device.

[0064] In the embodiment of the present application, the processor and the memory may also be integrated into one device, that is, the processor and the memory may also be integrated together. Exemplarily, the communication device may be a chip.

[0065] In a possible implementation, the communication device further includes a transceiver, which is used to receive information or send information.

[0066] Exemplarily, the above communication device can be any one of the following: AMP STA, excitation device, relay device, first communication device, AP. When the communication device is one of the above, the communication device can be used to execute the method implemented by the corresponding device.

[0067] In a twelfth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, which includes a logic circuit and an interface, and the logic circuit and the interface are coupled; the interface is used to input and / or output information, and the logic circuit is used to execute the method described in any one of the first aspect to the fifth aspect or any possible implementation manner.

[0068] Exemplarily, the above communication device can be any one of the following: AMP STA, excitation device, relay device, first communication device, AP. When the communication device is one of the above, the communication device can be used to execute the method implemented by the corresponding device.

[0069] In a thirteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, which is used to store a computer program. When it runs on a computer, the method described in any one of the first aspect to the fifth aspect or any possible implementation manner is executed.

[0070] In a fourteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer program product. When it runs on a computer, the method described in any one of the first aspect to the fifth aspect or any possible implementation manner is executed.

[0071] In a fifteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer program. When the computer program runs on a computer, the method described in any one of the first aspect to the fifth aspect or any possible implementation manner is executed.

[0072] In a sixteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication system, which includes an AMP STA and an excitation device. The AMP STA is used to execute the method described in the first aspect or any possible implementation manner of the first aspect, and the excitation device is used to execute the method described in the second aspect or any possible implementation manner of the second aspect.

[0073] In a possible implementation, the communication system further includes a relay device, and the relay device is used to execute the method described in the third aspect or any possible implementation manner of the third aspect.

[0074] In a possible implementation, the communication system further includes an AP, and the AP is configured to execute the method described in the fifth aspect or any possible implementation of the fifth aspect.

[0075] In a seventeenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication system, which includes an AMP STA and a first communication device. The AMP STA is configured to execute the method described in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect, and the first communication device is configured to execute the method described in the fourth aspect or any possible implementation of the fourth aspect.

[0076] In a possible implementation, the communication system further includes an AP, and the AP is configured to execute the method described in the fifth aspect or any possible implementation of the fifth aspect. Description of the Drawings

[0077] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0078] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a backscatter communication provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0079] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of another backscatter communication provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0080] Figure 4a is a schematic diagram of the topological structure of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0081] Figure 4b is a schematic diagram of the process flow of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0082] Figure 5a is a schematic diagram of the topological structure of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0083] Figure 5b is a schematic diagram of the process flow of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0084] Figure 6a is a schematic diagram of the topological structure of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0085] Figure 6b is a schematic diagram of the process flow of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0086] Figure 7a is a schematic diagram of the topological structure of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0087] Figure 7b is a schematic diagram of the process flow of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0088] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram of the topological structure of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0089] Figure 9a It is a schematic diagram of the topological structure of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0090] Figure 9b It is a schematic diagram of the process flow of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0091] Figure 10 It is a schematic diagram of the topological structure of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0092] Figure 11a It is a schematic diagram of the topological structure of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0093] Figure 11b It is a schematic diagram of the process flow of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0094] Figure 12 It is a schematic diagram of the topological structure of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0095] Figure 13 It is a schematic diagram of the topological structure of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0096] Figure 14 It is a schematic diagram of the topological structure of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0097] Figure 15 It is a schematic diagram of the topological structure of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0098] Figure 16 It is a schematic diagram of the topological structure of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0099] Figure 17a It is a schematic diagram of the topological structure of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0100] Figure 17b It is a schematic diagram of the topological structure of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0101] Figure 17c It is a schematic diagram of the process flow of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0102] Figure 18 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0103] Figure 19It is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0104] Figure 20 It is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application. Detailed implementation manners

[0105] To facilitate the understanding of the technical solutions of the present application, the present application will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0106] Terms such as "first" and "second" in the specification, claims and drawings of the present application are only used to distinguish different objects, rather than to describe a specific order. In addition, the terms "include" and "have" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product or device, etc. that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but optionally further includes steps or units not listed, or optionally further includes other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices, etc.

[0107] The "embodiment" mentioned herein means that the specific features, structures or characteristics described in combination with the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the present application. The phrase appears in various positions in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it an independent or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. Those skilled in the art can explicitly and implicitly understand that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0108] In the present application, "at least one (item)" means one or more, "a plurality" means two or more, "at least two (items)" means two or three and three or more, and "and / or" is used to describe the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, "A and / or B" can mean: only A exists, only B exists, and both A and B exist at the same time. Among them, A and B can be singular or plural. "Or" means that there can be two relationships, such as only A exists, only B exists; when A and B are not mutually exclusive, it can also mean that there are three relationships, such as only A exists, only B exists, and both A and B exist at the same time. The character " / " generally means that the associated objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. "At least one (one) of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items. For example, at least one (one) of a, b or c can mean: a, b, c, "a and b", "a and c", "b and c", or "a and b and c".

[0109] In the present application, "indicate" may include direct indication, indirect indication, display indication, implicit indication. When it is described that a certain indication information is used to indicate A, it can be understood that the indication information carries A, directly indicates A, or indirectly indicates A.

[0110] In this application, the information indicated by the indication information is referred to as the information to be indicated. In the specific implementation process, there are many ways to indicate the information to be indicated. For example, but not limited to, the information to be indicated can be directly indicated, such as the information to be indicated itself or the index of the information to be indicated. It is also possible to indirectly indicate the information to be indicated by indicating other information, where there is an association relationship between the other information and the information to be indicated. It is also possible to only indicate a part of the information to be indicated, while the other parts of the information to be indicated are known or pre-agreed. For example, it is also possible to use the arrangement order of each piece of information pre-agreed (such as protocol regulations) to implement the indication of specific information, thereby reducing the indication overhead to a certain extent. In addition, the information to be indicated can be sent as a whole, or can be divided into multiple sub-information and sent separately, and the sending periods and / or sending times of these sub-information can be the same or different.

[0111] In this application, "sending" and "receiving" represent the direction of signal transmission. For example, "sending information to XX" can be understood as the destination of the information is XX, which can include directly sending through the air interface, and also includes indirectly sending through other units or modules through the air interface. "Receiving information from YY" can be understood as the source of the information is YY, which can include directly receiving from YY through the air interface, and can also include indirectly receiving from YY through other units or modules through the air interface. "Sending" can also be understood as the "output" of the chip interface, and "receiving" can also be understood as the "input" of the chip interface. In other words, sending and receiving can be carried out between devices. For example, between a network device and a terminal device, or can also be carried out within a device. For example, sending or receiving between components within a device, between modules, between chips, between software modules or hardware modules through a bus, trace or interface.

[0112] The following introduces the communication system involved in the embodiments of this application.

[0113] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this application can be applied to the AMP field. For example, it can support wireless power transfer (WPT), wireless local area network (WLAN), or a series of Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) protocols. Exemplarily, the AMP devices involved in the AMP field can meet at least one of the following characteristics: (1) There is at least one data communication mode in the sub-1GHz frequency band; (2) There is at least one data communication mode in the 2.4GHz frequency band, and the access category (AC) is set to background (AC_BK); (3) There is at least one wireless power transfer (WPT) mode in the sub-1GHz frequency band for indicating radio frequency (RF) energy harvesting. Exemplarily, the application scenarios of AMP include but are not limited to smart homes, smart farms, smart factories, logistics / warehousing, supermarket distribution, indoor positioning, data centers, etc. The WPT shown in the embodiments of this application can also be referred to as wireless energy transfer or energy transfer.

[0114] The method provided in the embodiments of the present application can be applicable to the IEEE 802.11 series of protocols, such as 802.11a / b / g protocols, 802.11n protocol, 802.11ac protocol, 802.11ax protocol, 802.11be protocol, 802.11bn protocol, or the next-generation protocol, etc., which will not be enumerated one by one here. The technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application can also be applied to wireless personal area networks (WPANs) based on millimeter wave (MMW) and ultra-wideband (UWB) technologies. The method provided in the embodiments of the present application can be applicable to the IEEE 802.15 series of protocols, such as 802.15.4a protocol, 802.15.4z protocol, or 802.15.4ab protocol, or a future generation of UWB WPAN protocol, etc., which will not be enumerated one by one. The technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application can also be applied to the following communication systems. For example, it can be an Internet of Things (IoT) system, vehicle-to-everything (V2X, where X can represent anything), device-to-device (D2D), narrow-band Internet of Things (NB-IoT) system, Long-Term Evolution (LTE) system, 5th-generation (5G) communication system, and new communication systems emerging in future communication development. For example, the V2X can include vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I), vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P), or vehicle-to-network (V2N) communication, etc.

[0115] With the continuous popularization of the application scenarios of AMP, the AMP system will be applied to more scenarios or industries. For example, it can be applied to the Internet of Things industry, the vehicle-to-everything (V2X) industry, the banking industry, enterprise offices, stadiums, exhibition halls, concert halls, hotel rooms, dormitories, wards, classrooms, shopping malls, squares, streets, production workshops, and warehouses. Of course, the devices supporting AMP can be sensor nodes in a smart city (such as smart water meters, smart electricity meters, and smart air detection nodes), smart devices in a smart home (such as smart cameras, projectors, displays, televisions, speakers, refrigerators, washing machines, etc.), nodes in the Internet of Things, entertainment terminals (such as wearable devices like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR)), smart devices in smart offices (such as printers, projectors, loudspeakers, speakers, etc.), V2X devices in the vehicle-to-everything network, infrastructure in daily life scenarios (such as vending machines, self-guided navigation desks in shopping malls, self-checkout devices, self-ordering machines, etc.), and devices in large sports and music stadiums.

[0116] Although the embodiments of this application mainly take the network of the IEEE 802.11 series of standards as an example, the various aspects involved in the embodiments of this application can also be extended to other networks that adopt various standards or protocols. For example, Bluetooth, high performance radio LAN (HIPERLAN) (a wireless standard similar to the IEEE 802.11 standard), and wide area network (WAN) or other networks that are currently known or will be developed in the future.

[0117] In a possible implementation manner, the method provided by the embodiments of this application can be implemented by a communication device in a communication system. For example, the communication device can be an access point (AP) or a station (STA).

[0118] An AP is a device with wireless communication capabilities, supporting communication, sensing, or energy transfer using the WLAN protocol or the AMP protocol, and having the function of energy transfer, communication, or sensing with other devices (such as non-access point stations (non-AP STAs), AMP STAs, or other access points) in a WLAN network or an AMP network. The access point is equivalent to a bridge connecting a wired network and a wireless network. Its main function is to connect various wireless network clients together and then connect the wireless network to the Ethernet. The device with wireless communication capabilities can be a complete device, or it can be a chip, a processing system, or a functional module installed in the complete device. The device installing these chips, processing systems, or functional modules can, under the control of the chip, processing system, or functional module, implement the methods and functions of the embodiments of the present application. The AP in the embodiments of the present application is a device that provides services for non-AP STAs or AMP STAs and can support 802.11 series protocols or subsequent protocols, etc. For example, the access point can be an access point for a terminal (such as a mobile phone) to enter a wired (or wireless) network, mainly deployed in homes, inside buildings, and inside campuses, with a typical coverage radius of dozens of meters to hundreds of meters. Of course, it can also be deployed outdoors. For another example, the AP can be a communication entity such as a communication server, a router, a switch, or a bridge; the AP can include various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations, relay stations, etc. For another example, the AP can be used to transfer energy to an AMP STA. Of course, the AP can also be a chip, a processing system, or a module in the above various forms of devices, thereby implementing the methods and functions of the embodiments of the present application.

[0119] STA is a device with wireless communication capabilities, supporting communication or sensing using the WLAN protocol, and having the ability to communicate or sense with other non-AP STAs or access points in the WLAN network; or supporting RF energy collection using the AMP protocol and having the ability to communicate or sense with other AMP STAs or APs in the AMP network. For example, STA is any user communication device that allows a user to communicate or sense or transfer energy with an AP and then communicate with the WLAN or AMP. Another example, STA is a device capable of RF radio frequency collection through an excitation device. This device with wireless communication capabilities can be a complete device, or it can also be a chip, processing system, or functional module installed in a complete device. The device installed with these chips, processing systems, or functional modules can, under the control of the chip, processing system, or functional module, implement the methods and functions of the embodiments of this application. For example, STA can be a wireless communication chip, wireless sensor, or wireless communication terminal, etc., and can also be referred to as a user. Another example, STA can be a mobile phone supporting Wi-Fi communication function, a tablet computer supporting Wi-Fi communication function, a set-top box supporting Wi-Fi communication function, a smart TV supporting Wi-Fi communication function, a smart wearable device supporting Wi-Fi communication function, a vehicle-mounted communication device supporting Wi-Fi communication function, and a computer supporting Wi-Fi communication function, etc. Of course, STA can also be a chip, processing system, or module in the above various forms of devices to implement the methods and functions of the embodiments of this application. The description of STA here also applies to the AMP STA shown in the embodiments of this application.

[0120] Exemplarily, the communication system to which the method provided by the embodiments of this application can be applied can include an access point and a station. For example, the embodiments of this application can be applicable to scenarios of communication or sensing between an AP and an STA, between an AP and an AP, or between an STA and an STA in the WLAN. The embodiments of this application do not limit this. Optionally, an AP can communicate or sense with a single STA, or an AP can communicate or sense with multiple STAs simultaneously. Specifically, the communication or sensing between an AP and multiple STAs can be further divided into a downlink transmission where the AP simultaneously sends signals to multiple STAs and an uplink transmission where multiple STAs send signals to the AP. Among them, between an AP and an STA, between an AP and an AP, and between an STA and an STA, the WLAN communication protocol can be supported, and this communication protocol can include protocols in the IEEE802.11 series, such as being applicable to the 802.11bn protocol, and of course, it is also equally applicable to protocols after 802.11bn.

[0121] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided by the embodiments of this application. This communication system can include one or more APs and one or more STAs. Figure 1Two access points such as AP1 and AP2, and three stations such as STA1, STA2, and STA3 are shown.

[0122] As an example, the method provided by the embodiments of the present application can be applicable to data communication, sensing, or wireless power transfer, etc. between one AP and one or more STAs, such as Figure 1 the communication, sensing, or wireless power transfer between AP1 and STA1 as shown, and again such as Figure 1 the communication, sensing, or wireless power transfer between the AP and the STA as shown, and again such as Figure 1 the communication, sensing, or wireless power transfer between AP1 and STA1, STA2 as shown. As another example, the method provided by the embodiments of the present application can be applicable to the communication between APs, such as Figure 1 the communication between AP1 and AP2 as shown. As yet another example, the method provided by the embodiments of the present application can be applicable to the communication, sensing, or wireless power transfer between STAs, such as Figure 1 the communication, sensing, or wireless power transfer between STA2 and STA3 as shown.

[0123] Figure 1 Taking the STA as a mobile phone and the AP as a router as an example does not represent a limitation on the types of APs and STAs in the embodiments of the present application. At the same time, Figure 1 the number of APs and STAs shown is only an example, and in specific implementations, the number of such APs or STAs can be more or less, and the embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0124] The following introduces each term involved in the embodiments of the present application.

[0125] 1. AMP Station (STA)

[0126] In the embodiments of the present application, an AMP STA can be a low-power IoT device that supports RF energy harvesting. The essence of RF energy harvesting can be to convert RF energy such as an RF signal into electrical energy such as direct current (DC) (RF-DC). For example, an AMP STA can convert the RF it harvests (such as the WPT signal shown below) into DC. Exemplarily, an AMP STA can convert the RF energy it obtains into electrical energy and store it in an energy storage unit (such as a capacitor or a battery), or alternatively, it can directly use the electrical energy after harvesting to drive a logic circuit, a digital chip, or a sensor device, etc. to complete at least one of the following functions: modulating a reflected signal, sending a reflected signal, collecting and processing sensing information.

[0127] The name of the AMP STA shown in the embodiments of this application is only an example. For example, as the standard progresses, devices that can convert RF energy into DC electrical energy or devices that can achieve RF energy harvesting may have other names, and the embodiments of this application do not limit this. The conversion of the RF energy collected by the AMP STA shown here into electrical energy is only an example. For example, the AMP STA can also convert the RF energy into other forms of energy, and this other form of energy can be used to achieve functions similar to electrical energy.

[0128] Exemplarily, the classification of the AMP STA can include Type A, Type B, and Type C. Of course, the classification of the AMP STA here is only an example. For example, as the standard progresses, the AMP STA may be classified in other ways in the future, and the embodiments of this application do not limit this. The following examples illustrate the characteristics satisfied by Type A to Type C.

[0129] The AMP STA of Type A (or referred to as Class A) can satisfy at least one of the following: the ambient energy is part of the energy source of the AMP STA, it has strong communication capabilities, it has a large energy storage capacity, it supports existing Wi-Fi protocols (such as IEEE 802.11b / g / n / ac / ax / be / bn), and it supports a more complex PPDU structure. The Wi-Fi protocols shown here are only examples. For example, as the standard progresses, the AMP STA of Type A may also support the next-generation Wi-Fi protocol in the future, and the embodiments of this application do not limit this. The strong communication capabilities shown here are relative to the AMP STA of Type B and the AMP STA of Type C. For example, the AMP STA of Type A can process PPDUs with an OFDM modulation method, or the AMP STA of Type A can support a series of protocols such as IEEE 802.11b / g / n. The large energy storage capacity shown here is relative to the AMP STA of Type B and the AMP STA of Type C. For example, the AMP STA of this Type A can be provided with a power supply. Exemplarily, a more complex PPDU can be a PPDU modulated by OFDM, and a more complex PPDU is relative to a PPDU modulated by OOK.

[0130] An AMP STA of type B (or class B) can satisfy at least one of the following: support active signal transmission, and energy transfer and data transmission can be decoupled. Exemplarily, an AMP STA of type B may not support the existing Wi-Fi protocol but support active signal transmission. Energy transfer and data transmission are decoupled. For example, an AMP STA of type B can communicate using the energy stored in itself, or it can also receive a WPT signal and use the electrical energy converted from the WPT signal for communication. The electrical energy that an AMP STA of type B can store can be greater than or equal to a first threshold. The specific value of this first threshold is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0131] An AMP STA of type C (or class C) can satisfy at least one of the following: support backscatter communication, and energy transfer and data transmission can be coupled. Exemplarily, supporting backscatter communication can be understood as: such an AMP STA requires an excitation signal to achieve the purpose of transmitting a signal. In the following topologies involved, the AMP STA can send ACK information, etc. by receiving an excitation signal (such as Figure 5b the excitation signal represented by the dashed line, or Figure 7b the excitation signal represented by the dashed line, etc.). The energy transfer and data transmission shown here are coupled. For example: this type of AMP STA requires a WPT signal to provide energy before communication; or, this type of AMP STA needs to collect RF energy to achieve the purpose of communication; or, the energy storage capacity of this type of AMP STA is lower than that of the AMP STA of type B and the AMP STA of type A. The electrical energy that an AMP STA of type C can store can be less than or equal to a second threshold. The specific value of this second threshold is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. For example, this second threshold can be equal to 0.

[0132] The above three types of AMP STAs all have the ability to collect RF energy. For the above three types of AMP STAs, in terms of energy storage capacity, type A > type B > type C. In terms of communication ability, type A > type B > type C. In terms of power consumption, type A > type B > type C, that is, the power consumption of type C is the lowest.

[0133] Generally speaking, during the capability interaction phase, an AMP STA can declare its device type. If it is a type-C AMP STA, it needs to further declare whether it supports a low noise amplifier (LNA) or has strong energy storage capabilities. Alternatively, a device that needs to interact with the AMP STA (such as an AP or a first communication device, etc.) can obtain the capabilities of the AMP STA, such as energy storage capabilities or whether the AMP STA supports an LNA, through a certain method. Different types will affect the transmission time of the WPT signal. For example, when the energy storage capability is strong, it means that the AMP STA requires a relatively short charging time. Another example is that when the energy storage capability is weak, it means that the AMP STA requires a relatively long charging time. Alternatively, a device that needs to interact with the AMP STA can obtain the energy state of the AMP STA (such as type A or type B) through a certain method. Different energy states can affect the transmission time of the WPT signal, etc.

[0134] 2. WPT Signal and WPT Link

[0135] As shown above, the AMP STA can convert the RF energy it collects into electrical energy. In the embodiments of the present application, the aforementioned RF may include a WPT signal. After the AMP STA receives the WPT signal, it can convert it into DC. Of course, the name of the WPT signal shown in the embodiments of the present application is only an example. For example, the above WPT signal can also be called an energy transfer signal or a signal for RF energy harvesting, etc. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific name of the WPT signal.

[0136] The link used to transmit the WPT signal can be called a WPT link. That is, the WPT link can be used to transmit the WPT signal. The WPT link can also be called an energy transfer link, etc. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific name of the WPT link.

[0137] 3. Communication Link

[0138] This communication link can be used to transmit uplink data or downlink data.

[0139] The WPT link and the communication link shown in the embodiments of the present application are distinguished from a functional perspective. In specific implementations, the frequency bands supported by these two links can be the same or different.

[0140] The link used to transmit the excitation signal shown below can be a WPT link, or it can also be a communication link. The embodiments of the present application do not limit this. Exemplarily, the link used to transmit the reflection signal shown below can be a communication link, or the link used to transmit the reflection signal can be other links, etc. The embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0141] The links for transmitting energy transfer indication information, excitation indication information, or communication indication information shown below can all be communication links.

[0142] 4. Backscatter Communication

[0143] Backscatter communication is based on the principle of radio reflection and achieves the purpose of communication by reflecting signals. The name of this backscatter communication can also be called reverse scattering communication or backscattering communication, etc.

[0144] The transmitting end of backscatter communication (which can also be called the excitation source of backscatter communication) can be used to transmit excitation signals. The reflecting end of backscatter communication can reflect the excitation signals. The reflecting end can transmit information through the reflected signals of the excitation signals. For example, since the reflected signal fluctuates with the excitation signal due to the reflection of the excitation signal by the reflecting end, this fluctuation can be used to transmit information. For example, the receiving end of backscatter communication can obtain the information that the reflecting end needs to transmit based on the above-mentioned fluctuation. Generally speaking, the transmission time of the excitation signal and the reflected signal can be simultaneous. The simultaneity shown here can be understood as that the excitation signal and the reflected signal are transmitted within the same time period, or there is a certain time difference between the start transmission time of the excitation signal and the start transmission time of the reflected signal, and this time difference is less than a certain value.

[0145] As an example, Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a backscatter communication provided by an embodiment of the present application. As Figure 2 shown, the transmitting end and the receiving end of backscatter communication may not be the same device.

[0146] As another example, Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of another backscatter communication provided by an embodiment of the present application. As Figure 3 shown, the transmitting end and the receiving end of backscatter communication are the same device.

[0147] In the embodiments of the present application, the excitation signal can also be called a carrier signal, etc., and the reflected signal can also be called a backscatter communication signal. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the names of each signal. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific format of the excitation signal. For example, the excitation signal can be a common communication signal, or a Wi-Fi signal, or a radar signal, etc., and the embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0148] In the embodiments of the present application, the frequency band (or called frequency band) supported by the link for transmitting the reflected signal and the frequency band supported by the link for transmitting the excitation signal can be the same.

[0149] 5. Excitation Device and Relay Device

[0150] The energizing device can be used to send WPT signals to the AMP STA. For example, the energizing device may include an energizer. The energizing device may also be referred to as an energizing node, etc. An AMP STA of type A can send WPT signals to an AMP STA of type B or type C. For another example, an AMP STA of type A with sufficient electrical energy can provide WPT signals to an AMP STA of type A with less electrical energy. With the progress of the standard, there may be other devices for providing RF energy to the AMP STA in the future. Therefore, the specific product form of the energizing device is not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0151] The relay device can be used to amplify signals, compensate for signal attenuation, and support long-distance communication. The relay device may include a repeater. The relay device may also be referred to as a relay node, etc. For the specific description of the relay device, reference can be made to standards or protocols, etc., which will not be elaborated here.

[0152] In the embodiments of this application, by deploying the relay device, the signal coverage range can be increased. Exemplarily, the relay device can support new PPDU formats, etc.

[0153] As an example, the energizing device and the relay device can be different physical entities (or referred to as physical nodes) respectively.

[0154] As another example, a certain communication device can be used to implement both the functions of the energizing device and the relay device. For example, the communication device has both the function of sending WPT signals to the AMP STA and the function of supporting communication. For example, the functions implemented by the above-mentioned energizing device and the functions implemented by the above-mentioned relay device can be realized by a certain communication device. For ease of description, the following will take the first communication device as an example to describe a certain communication device shown here.

[0155] 6. Energy transfer indication information, energizing indication information, and communication indication information

[0156] (1) The energy transfer indication information can be used to indicate information about the AMP STA receiving the WPT signal. For example, the energy transfer indication information can be information indicated by the AP to the energizing device (or the first communication device) about the AMP STA receiving the WPT signal. The energy transfer indication information may include at least one of: the identifier of the AMP STA, the wake-up information or trigger information of the AMP STA. The identifier of the AMP STA can be used to identify the AMP STA. The wake-up information of the AMP STA can be used to indicate waking up the AMP STA, such as it may include the wake-up time or wake-up period, etc. The trigger information can be used to activate the AMP STA.

[0157] Exemplarily, the energy transfer indication information may further include at least one of the following: wake-up information of the excitation device or indication information on whether to perform energy transfer. The wake-up information of the excitation device can be used to indicate waking up the excitation device. The description of the wake-up information of the excitation device can refer to the description of the wake-up information of the AMP STA, which will not be elaborated here. The indication information on whether to perform energy transfer can be used to indicate that the excitation device needs to transfer energy to the AMP STA.

[0158] Exemplarily, the energy transfer indication information may further include at least one of the following: transmission time of the WPT signal or waveform information of the WPT signal. The transmission time of the WPT signal can be used to indicate the time when the excitation device transmits the WPT signal. This time can be the start time of the transmission of the WPT signal, or the start time of the transmission of the WPT signal and the continuous transmission time, etc. The start time of the transmission can be an absolute time or a time relative to the wake-up time, etc. The specific form of the time is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. The waveform information of the WPT signal can be used to indicate the waveform of the WPT signal or the modulation mode of the WPT signal.

[0159] As an example, the excitation device (or the first communication device) can periodically send the WPT signal to the AMP STA. For example, the energy transfer indication information may include the identifier of the AMP STA, the wake-up information of the AMP STA, the transmission time of the WPT signal, or the waveform information of the WPT signal.

[0160] As another example, the excitation device (the first communication device) can send the WPT signal to the AMP STA on demand. For example, the energy transfer indication information may include the identifier of the AMP STA, trigger information, the transmission time of the WPT signal, or the waveform information of the WPT signal.

[0161] As yet another example, in combination with the energy state of the AMP STA, the energy transfer indication information may include the identifier of the AMP STA, the indication information on whether to perform energy transfer, the transmission time of the WPT signal, or the waveform information of the WPT signal. The specific content of the energy transfer indication information will not be listed one by one here.

[0162] (2) The excitation indication information can be used to indicate information on the AMP STA receiving the excitation signal. For example, the excitation indication information can be information indicated by the AP to the excitation device (or the first communication device) on the AMP STA receiving the excitation signal. The excitation indication information may include at least one of the following: the identifier of the AMP STA or the wake-up information of the AMP STA. Exemplarily, the excitation indication information may further include at least one of the following: the transmission time of the excitation signal, the waveform information of the excitation signal, the wake-up information of the excitation device. The description of the excitation indication information can refer to the description of the energy transfer indication information, which will not be elaborated here.

[0163] The energy transfer indication information, excitation indication information, and communication indication information shown in the embodiments of this application are distinguished by different functions. In specific implementations, these three pieces of information may be included in the same message, or in different messages, or at least two of these three pieces of information may be the same, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific implementation manners of these three pieces of information. Exemplarily, since the excitation device (or the first communication device) can not only send a WPT signal to the AMP STA, but also send an excitation signal to the AMP STA. Therefore, as an example, the energy transfer indication information can not only indicate the information for the AMP STA to receive the WPT signal, but also indicate the information for the AMP STA to receive the excitation signal. For example, the waveform information of the WPT signal may be the same as the waveform information of the excitation signal. Another example is that the transmission time of the WPT signal is the same as the transmission time of the excitation signal. Another example is that the transmission time of the WPT signal and the transmission time of the excitation signal may have a certain offset, such as the transmission time of the excitation signal is later than the WPT signal. In the following, when different topological structures are involved, it is exemplified that the energy transfer indication information can be used to indicate both the information of the WPT signal and the information of the excitation signal, but it should not be construed as a limitation to the embodiments of this application.

[0164] (3) The communication indication information is used to indicate the information for the AMP STA to perform communication. For example, the communication indication information may be sent by the AP to the relay device (or the first communication device), and the relay device (or the first communication device) indicates to the AMP STA the information about the AMP STA's communication. The communication indication information may include at least one of the following: control information to be reported by the AMP STA, scheduling information, and data type. The control information may include at least one of the PPDU format waveform, MCS information, or frequency hopping information reported by the AMP STA. The scheduling information may be used to indicate the reporting time or the channel information used by the AMP STA. The data type may be used to indicate the purpose or size of the data reported by the AMP STA. It can be understood that for type C AMP STAs, such AMP STAs need to receive an excitation signal if they want to send a signal. Therefore, the transmission time of this excitation signal may be related to the time of the uplink signal sent by the AMP STA. For example, the transmission time of this excitation signal may be related to the time of the above control information, or related to the time of the acknowledgement (ACK) information fed back by the AMP STA.

[0165] Due to the widespread deployment and use of unlicensed frequency bands, Wi-Fi IoT networks are highly competitive in terms of deployment costs. However, given the following circumstances, there are still many use cases that cannot be addressed using existing Wi-Fi IoT technologies. First, in extreme environmental conditions (such as high voltage, extremely high / low temperatures, and humid environments), traditional battery-powered devices may not function properly. Second, many use cases require maintenance-free devices, for example, devices that do not require / cannot have their traditional batteries replaced. Finally, some use cases require ultra-low complexity, very small device sizes (such as a thickness of a few millimeters), longer lifecycles, etc. However, IoT based on AMP enables battery-free communication and meets the requirements of various vertical applications. Due to limitations in device capabilities, the AMP field may face the following two problems:

[0166] Problem 1, the problem of uplink-downlink imbalance or the imbalance in the coverage ranges of the uplink and downlink. Generally speaking, the communication from the AP to the AMP STA is the downlink, and vice versa for the uplink. Due to the relatively poor receiver sensitivity (or received power sensitivity) of the AMP STA, the tolerable path loss for the downlink is relatively low. The sensitivity difference for the downlink (such as the difference between the transmission power of the AP and the received power of the AMP STA) is less than that of the uplink (the difference between the transmission power of the AMP STA and the received power of the AP), and the downlink coverage range is usually smaller than that of the uplink. This may result in the AMP STA being unable to receive the information (or energy) sent by the AP, leading to low communication efficiency and even the situation where the AMP STA and the AP cannot communicate. The relatively poor receiver sensitivity of the AMP STA shown here is relative to the AP, such as the threshold of the received power of the AMP STA being higher than that of the AP.

[0167] Problem 2, the self-interference problem of full-duplex backscatter. Backscatter communication, as a very low-power communication method, is one of the popular potential technologies in the AMP field. However, when the transmitter and receiver of backscatter communication are the same (as shown in Figure 3 ), and the frequency bands of the excitation signal and the reflected signal are the same, due to the very low energy of the reflected signal, it will be submerged in the excitation signal, adding additional difficulty to signal processing.

[0168] In view of this, the embodiments of the present application provide a communication method and device that can solve the above Problem 1 and / or Problem 2. The specific descriptions of the AP, AMP ST, first communication device, excitation device, or relay device involved below can refer to the above, and will not be repeated below. Different topological structures and method processes will be introduced in detail below.

[0169] Topological Structure 1

[0170] Figure 4aIt is a schematic diagram of the topological structure of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present application. As Figure 4a shown, Link 1 to Link 3 can all be communication links, and Link 4 can be a WPT link. Link 1 is a bidirectional link, Link 2 is a unidirectional communication link from the first communication device to the AMP STA, and Link 3 is a unidirectional communication link from the AMP STA to the AP. The bidirectional link shown in the embodiment of the present application means that this link can be used for communication from device A to device B (i.e., the direction from device A to device B), and can also be used for communication from device B to device A (i.e., the direction from device B to device A). The unidirectional link means that this link can only be applicable to communication from device A to device B. The "A" and "B" shown here are for distinguishing different devices.

[0171] As an example 1A, Link 1 to Link 4 can all support the sub-1GHz band.

[0172] As another example 1B, Link 1 to Link 3 can all support the 2.4GHz band, and Link 4 can support the sub-1GHz band.

[0173] As yet another example 1C, Link 1 to Link 4 can all support the 2.4GHz band.

[0174] As yet another example 1D, Link 1 to Link 3 can all support the sub-1GHz band, and Link 4 can support the 2.4GHz band.

[0175] Generally speaking, the bands of the link for transmitting the excitation signal and the link for transmitting the reflected signal are the same. For example, when the link for transmitting the excitation signal is Link 4, the band supported by this Link 4 can be the same as the band supported by Link 3. Another example is that when the link for transmitting the excitation signal is Link 2, the band supported by this Link 2 is the same as the band supported by Link 3. The various bands listed in the embodiment of the present application are only examples. For example, with the progress of the standard, the AMP field can also support more bands. At this time, the bands supported by the WPT link and the communication link can also be updated accordingly. Since Link 1 is the link between the AP and the first communication device, the band supported by this Link 1 can be even more, such as 5GHz or 6GHz, etc.

[0176] In the embodiments of the present application, the same PPDU format may be used on Link 1 to Link 3, or different PPDU formats may be used. For example, different PPDU formats may be adopted on Link 1 and Link 2, etc. The embodiments of the present application do not limit this. Exemplarily, when the frequency band supported by Link 1 is a 2.4 GHz frequency band or a 5 GHz frequency band or a 6 GHz frequency band, etc., the format of the PPDU transmitted on this Link 1 may be a traditional (legacy) PPDU format (such as a PPDU format that supports the Wi-Fi protocol), or a newly defined PPDU format, etc. The embodiments of the present application do not limit this. Exemplarily, when the types of AMP STAs are different, the PPDU formats used by these AMP STAs may be different (such as the format of the PPDU received by the AMP STA, or the format of the PPDU sent by the AMP STA). For example, when the type of the AMP STA is Type A AMP STA, this AMP STA may support the PPDU formats involved in existing Wi-Fi protocols or subsequent Wi-Fi protocols. Another example, when the type of the AMP STA is Type C AMP STA, this AMP STA may support a simple PPDU format, such as a PPDU modulated by OOK. Another example, when the type of the AMP STA is Type C AMP STA, this AMP STA may support a new PPDU format (such as the format of the AMP PPDU). The embodiments of the present application do not limit this new PPDU format. The relevant descriptions about the PPDU format here also apply to the following text, which will not be elaborated further below.

[0177] In a possible implementation, when the frequency band supported by a communication link such as Link 2 is different from the frequency band supported by a WPT link such as Link 4 (such as in the above Examples 1B and 1D), the first communication device may send occupancy indication information on Link 2, and this occupancy indication information may be used to indicate that Link 2 has been occupied. Exemplarily, when the first communication device sends a WPT signal on Link 4, this first communication device may send occupancy indication information on Link 2. This occupancy indication information may be any signal, such as a null data packet (NDP), etc. By sending the occupancy indication information, the first communication device can effectively prevent third-party devices from preempting this Link 2. The third-party devices shown here are relative to the first communication device and the AMP STA. The relevant descriptions about the occupancy indication information here also apply to the following text, which will not be elaborated further below.

[0178] For Topology 1, Link 2 is a unidirectional communication link from the first communication device to the AMP STA. When the first communication device sends an excitation signal, the receiving end of the reflected signal after the excitation signal is reflected by the AMP STA is the AP, that is, the transmitter and the receiver of the backscatter communication are not the same device. Through the above Topology 1, the backscatter self-interference problem can be effectively solved, and the difficulty of the AP processing signals can be reduced, such as reducing the difficulty of the AP processing the reflected signal.

[0179] For Topology 1, Link 3 is a unidirectional communication link from the AMP STA to the AP. Since the receiving sensitivity of the AP is better than that of the AMP STA, the information sent by the AMP STA can be received by the AP. In Topology 1, the AMP STA can receive the information sent by the AP through the first communication device, and the coverage range can be increased through the first communication device. Therefore, through the above Topology 1, the problem of uplink and downlink imbalance (or effectively solve the problem of coverage imbalance between the uplink and downlink) can be effectively solved.

[0180] Figure 4b It is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. This communication method can be applied to a topology as Figure 4a shown. As Figure 4b shown, the method includes:

[0181] 401. The AP sends indication information to the first communication device, and correspondingly, the first communication device receives the indication information.

[0182] Exemplarily, the AP can send the indication information in combination with information such as the device type of the AMP STA, the energy state of the AMP STA, and the occupancy of the channel. The descriptions of the device type and energy state can refer to the description of Term 1 above and will not be elaborated here. For example, the AP can send the indication information through Link 1.

[0183] Since the first communication device can both implement the functions of the excitation device and the relay device. Therefore, the AP can indicate the energy transfer indication information about the AMP STA to the first communication device, and can also indicate the communication indication information about the AMP STA to the first communication device. For example, the indication information can include the energy transfer indication information and the communication indication information. The relevant descriptions of these two pieces of information can refer to the above terms and will not be elaborated here.

[0184] The PPDU format used for communication between the AP and the first communication device can be the PPDU format involved in the Wi-Fi protocol or a newly defined PPDU format, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit this. As an example, the indication information can be included in a control frame or a management frame. For example, the indication information can be included in the control frame or management frame in the current Wi-Fi protocol, such as a beacon frame. Of course, the indication information can also be included in a new control frame or management frame applicable to the AMP field, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit this. As another example, the indication information can be included in a data frame.

[0185] Exemplarily, the first communication device can also send ACK information for the indication information to the AP. For the description of the ACK information, reference can be made to the following text, and it will not be elaborated here for now.

[0186] 402. The first communication device sends a WPT signal to the AMP STA. Correspondingly, the AMP STA can receive the WPT signal.

[0187] Exemplarily, the first communication device can send a WPT signal to the AMP STA through link 4 based on the indication information. For example, the receiving end can be identified by combining the identifier of the AMP STA. For another example, the wake-up information of the AMP STA can be combined to determine when to wake up the AMP STA. For another example, the transmission time of the WPT signal can be combined to determine when to transmit the WPT signal (or excitation signal). For another example, the waveform information of the WPT signal can be combined to send the WPT signal (or excitation signal), etc. Details will not be listed one by one here.

[0188] As an example, when the AMP STA is a type C AMP STA, since the energy transfer and data transmission of this type of AMP STA are coupled, before this type of AMP STA communicates, it needs to first obtain the WPT signal and store energy. Therefore, before steps 403 and 404 and other steps, this type of AMP STA needs to first receive the WPT signal to ensure that the AMP STA has enough energy for subsequent operations.

[0189] As another example, when the AMP STA is a type A AMP STA or a type B AMP STA, step 402 can be optional relative to steps 403 and 404. For example, the WPT signal can be sent by combining the energy states of the type A AMP STA and the type B AMP STA. For the description of the energy state, reference can be made to the description of the capability interaction in the above-mentioned term 1. For example, the first communication device can obtain the energy state of the AMP STA and send the WPT signal by combining this energy state.

[0190] There is no limitation on the sequence between step 402 and other steps.

[0191] 403. The first communication device sends communication indication information to the AMP STA. Correspondingly, the AMP STA receives the communication indication information.

[0192] Exemplarily, the first communication device may send the communication indication information based on the indication information. For example, obtain the communication indication information from the indication information and then send the communication indication information. The first communication device may send the communication indication information through Link 2.

[0193] As an example, the communication indication information may be included in a control frame or a management frame. As another example, the communication indication information may be included in a data frame. For the related description of the communication indication information, reference may be made to the description of the indication information in step 401 above, which will not be elaborated here.

[0194] As an example, when the AMP STA is a type C AMP STA (or a type B AMP STA), the communication indication information may be carried in the AMP PPDU. The format of the AMP PPDU may be different from the format of the existing PPDU (subsequently referred to as Wi-Fi PPDU) in the Wi-Fi protocol. The AMP PPDU shown in the embodiments of the present application can be understood as a PPDU that is different from the format of the existing PPDU in the Wi-Fi protocol and is applicable to the AMP field. As another example, when the AMP STA is a type A AMP STA, the communication indication information may be carried in the Wi-Fi PPDU, or the communication indication information may also be carried in the AMP PPDU, etc. The embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0195] As an example, the WPT signal and the communication indication information may be carried in different PPDUs respectively. As another example, the WPT signal and the communication indication information may also be carried in the same PPDU. For example, a part of the PPDU is used to provide RF energy for the AMP STA, and another part may be the communication indication information. Or, the WPT signal, the communication indication information, and the downlink excitation signal are carried in the same PPDU. For example, the first part of the PPDU is used to provide RF energy for the AMP STA, the second part may be the communication indication information, and the third part is the excitation signal. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the PPDU format of each signal.

[0196] 404. The first communication device sends an excitation signal to the AMP STA. Correspondingly, the AMP STA receives the excitation signal.

[0197] 405. The AMP STA sends a reflection signal to the AP. Correspondingly, the AP receives the reflection signal.

[0198] In the embodiments of the present application, the reflected signal can be carried in the AMP PPDU. Of course, for Class A AMP STAs or Class B AMP STAs, the reflected signal can also be carried in the Wi-Fi PPDU. For example, the excitation signal and the reflected signal can be carried in different PPDUs of the same format respectively. The specific forms of the excitation signal and the reflected signal are not limited in the embodiments of the present application. Generally speaking, the transmission time of the excitation signal is relatively close to that of the reflected signal, and it can be considered to be simultaneous. Figure 4b The interval between step 404 and step 405 in is only an example and should not be construed as a limitation to the embodiments of the present application. Similarly, the interval between the excitation signal and the reflected signal shown below is only an example and should not be construed as a limitation to the embodiments of the present application. The excitation signal can have a certain duration. Figure 4b In, an excitation signal is exemplarily shown by an arrow, but it should not be construed as a limitation to the embodiments of the present application. The following also applies to the description of the excitation signal and the reflected signal.

[0199] Exemplarily, the reflected signal can be used to carry control information, or energy transfer status, etc. The energy transfer status can be used to indicate the electrical energy status stored in the AMP STA, etc. The specific information carried by the reflected signal is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0200] As a possible implementation, the AP can send an acknowledgement (ACK) message to the first communication device, and the first communication device can send an ACK message to the AMP STA. For example, the ACK message can be used to confirm that the AP has received the reflected signal. For another example, the ACK message can be used to indicate that the ACK message is a confirmation message for the reflected signal.

[0201] As another possible implementation, after the AMP STA sends the reflected signal, it can be defaulted that the AP has received the reflected signal. For example, Figure 4b As shown, the ACK message can be an optional step.

[0202] In the embodiments of the present application, link 2 is a one-way communication link from the first communication device to the AMP STA. When the first communication device sends an excitation signal, the receiving end of the reflected signal after the excitation signal is reflected by the AMP STA is the AP, that is, the transmitting end and the receiving end of the backscatter communication are not the same device. Therefore, through the communication system shown in topology one, the backscatter self-interference problem can be effectively solved. And the AMP STA can receive information from the AP through the first communication device, thereby solving the problem of uplink and downlink imbalance, effectively improving the communication efficiency and the system performance.

[0203] Topology two

[0204] Figure 5a It is a schematic diagram of the topological structure of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present application. As Figure 5a shown, Link 1 (link 1) to Link 3 (link 3) can all be communication links, and Link 4 (link 4) can be a WPT link. Link 1 is a bidirectional link, Link 2 is a bidirectional link, and Link 3 is a unidirectional communication link from AMP STA to AP. Exemplarily, AMP STA can feedback the energy transfer status through Link 2.

[0205] For the relevant descriptions of the frequency bands supported by each link, reference can be made to the above Examples 1A to 1D, which will not be elaborated here.

[0206] For the relevant descriptions of the PPDU format, reference can be made to the description in the above Topological Structure 1, which will not be elaborated here.

[0207] For the relevant descriptions of the occupancy indication information, reference can be made to the description in the above Topological Structure 1, which will not be elaborated here.

[0208] For Topological Structure 2, Link 3 is a unidirectional communication link from AMP STA to AP. Since the receiving sensitivity of AP is better than that of AMP STA, the information sent by AMP STA can be received by AP. And AMP STA can receive information from AP through the first communication device. Thus, through the above Topological Structure 2, the problem of uplink and downlink imbalance can be effectively solved and the communication efficiency can be improved.

[0209] Figure 5b It is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. This communication method can be applied to such as Figure 5a the topological structure shown. For the relevant descriptions of Figure 5b , reference can be made to Figure 4b , which will not be elaborated here.

[0210] Figure 5b The difference from Figure 4b is whether AMP STA can send ACK information to the first communication device. Figure 4a In, Link 2 is a unidirectional link, so AMP STA cannot feedback AKC information, while Figure 5a In, the link is a bidirectional link, so AMPSTA can feedback ACK information. The description of the ACK information is as follows:

[0211] As a possible implementation, AMP STA can feedback ACK information to the first communication device. Correspondingly, the first communication device can receive this ACK information.

[0212] The ACK information can be used to confirm that the AMP STA has correctly received the communication indication information, or to confirm that the AMP STA has received the communication indication information. For example, the ACK information can indicate that the ACK information is a confirmation message for the communication indication information. For another example, the AMP STA can confirm based on the ACK information that it needs the first communication device to send an excitation signal. That is, the ACK information shown in the embodiments of the present application can be used to indicate which information the ACK information is a confirmation message for. Since the ACK information is optional, Figure 5b The ACK information is represented in a dashed line manner. For example, Figure 5b As shown, the ACK information can be carried in the reflected signal.

[0213] Exemplarily, for class C AMP STAs, since class C AMP STAs have low power consumption and low processing capabilities, the AMP STA may not send the ACK information. Exemplarily, for class A AMP STAs or class B AMP STAs, the ACK information can be carried in the AMP PPDU, or the Wi-Fi PPDU.

[0214] As another possible implementation, after the first communication device sends the communication indication information, it can be defaulted that the AMP STA has received the communication indication information. That is, after the AMP STA receives the communication indication information, it may not send the ACK information.

[0215] Regarding Figure 5b the description of other terms in Figure 4b can be referred to

[0216] For Figure 5a the topology shown, although link 2 is a bidirectional link, the receiving end of the reflected signal sent by the AMP STA may not only include the AP. For example, the receiving end of some signals sent by the AMP STA may also include the first communication device. When the AMP STA sends a reflected signal to the AP, the first communication device may not receive the signal, thus not affecting the WPT signal.

[0217] In the embodiments of the present application, the AMP STA can receive information from the AP through the first communication device. Therefore, through the communication system shown in topology two, the problem of uplink and downlink imbalance can be effectively solved, and the communication efficiency is effectively improved.

[0218] Topology three,

[0219] Figure 6a is a schematic diagram of the topology of a communication system provided by the embodiments of the present application. For example, Figure 6aAs shown, Link 1 to Link 3 can all be communication links, and Link 4 can be a WPT link. Link 1 is a bidirectional link, Link 2 is a unidirectional link, and Link 3 is a bidirectional link.

[0220] For the relevant descriptions of the frequency bands supported by each link, reference can be made to the above Examples 1A to 1D, which will not be elaborated here.

[0221] For the relevant descriptions of the PPDU format, reference can be made to the description in the above Topology Structure 1, which will not be elaborated here.

[0222] For the relevant descriptions of the occupancy indication information, reference can be made to the description in the above Topology Structure 1, which will not be elaborated here.

[0223] In the embodiments of the present application, the problem of uplink and downlink imbalance can be solved by adjusting the MCS. Exemplarily, different transmission rates can be used for the uplink and downlink. For example, a higher transmission rate can be used for the uplink, and a lower transmission rate can be used for the downlink. The problem of uplink and downlink imbalance is solved by the difference in rates. The higher and lower shown here are relative.

[0224] For Topology Structure 3, Link 2 is a unidirectional communication link from the first communication device to the AMP STA. When the first communication device sends an excitation signal, the receiving end of the reflected signal after the excitation signal is reflected by the AMP STA is the AP, that is, the transmitter and receiver of the backscatter communication are not the same device. Therefore, through the above Topology Structure 3, the problem of backscatter self-interference can be effectively solved, and the difficulty of the AP processing signals can be reduced. For the relevant descriptions of Link 2 and backscatter interference, reference can be made to the description in the above Topology Structure 1, which will not be elaborated here.

[0225] Figure 6b It is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. This communication method can be applied to a topology structure as Figure 6a shown. For Figure 6b the relevant descriptions, reference can be made to Figure 4b or Figure 5b , which will not be elaborated here.

[0226] For Figure 6a the topology structure shown, since Link 3 is a bidirectional link, when the AP feeds back ACK information, this ACK information can be transmitted on Link 3. That is, this ACK information can be directly sent by the AP to the AMP STA.

[0227] In the embodiments of the present application, through the communication system shown in Topology Structure 3, the problem of backscatter self-interference can be effectively solved, and the complexity and difficulty of the AP processing signals are effectively reduced.

[0228] Topology Structure Four

[0229] Figure 7a It is a schematic diagram of the topology structure of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present application. As Figure 7a shown, Link 1 (link 1) to Link 3 (link 3) can all be communication links, and Link 4 (link 4) can be a WPT link. Links 1 to 3 are all bidirectional links.

[0230] For the relevant descriptions of the frequency bands supported by each link, reference can be made to the above Examples 1A to 1D, which will not be elaborated here.

[0231] For the relevant descriptions of the PPDU format, reference can be made to the description in Topology Structure One above, which will not be elaborated here.

[0232] For the relevant descriptions of the occupancy indication information, reference can be made to the description in Topology Structure One above, which will not be elaborated here.

[0233] In the embodiments of the present application, the problem of uplink and downlink imbalance can be solved by adjusting the MCS. Exemplarily, different transmission rates can be adopted for the uplink and downlink. For the relevant descriptions of the transmission rate, reference can be made to the description in Topology Structure Three, which will not be elaborated here.

[0234] Figure 7b It is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. This communication method can be applied to the topology structure as Figure 7a shown. For the relevant descriptions of Figure 7b , reference can be made to Figure 4b , Figure 5b or Figure 6b , which will not be elaborated here.

[0235] It can be understood that Figure 4b , Figure 5b , Figure 6b and Figure 7b do not show other interaction processes between the AP and the first communication device. In specific implementations, the AP and the first communication device can also transmit other information other than the indication information, which will not be listed one by one here.

[0236] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram of the topology structure of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present application. Figure 8 The directions of Link 2 and Link 3 are not shown in the topology structure as shown. For the directions of Link 2 and Link 3, reference can be made to the descriptions of Topology Structures One to Four above, or, reference can also be made to the unidirectional or bidirectional descriptions shown in Table 1, etc. It can be understood that Table 1 exemplarily shows some topology structures and does not summarize all configurations of the above Topology Structures One to Four.

[0237] Table 1 exemplarily shows which physical layer (PHY) generates the signals on each link. The AMP PHY in Table 1 can be understood as the PHY that can be used to transmit signals applicable to the AMP field on the corresponding link, and the signal can be generated by the PHY applicable to the AMP field. The WPT shown in Table 1 indicates that the WPT signal is transmitted on the corresponding link. Exemplarily, for the relevant descriptions of Configurations 1 to 4 in Table 1, reference can be made to Topology 1, and for the relevant descriptions of Configurations 5 to 6, reference can be made to Topology 2. Each configuration shown in Table 1 is only an example and should not be construed as a limitation on the embodiments of the present application.

[0238] Table 1

[0239]

[0240]

[0241] For other descriptions of Table 1, reference can be made to the descriptions in the above Topologies 1 to 4, which will not be elaborated here. The differences between the communication methods shown in the above Topologies 1 to 4, or the working principles of different links, can also be applied to the differences between other topologies shown below or the working principles of links.

[0242] Topology 5

[0243] Figure 9a is a schematic diagram of the topology of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present application. As Figure 9a shown, Link 1 to Link 5 can all be communication links, and Link 6 can be a WPT link. Both Link 1 and Link 3 are bidirectional links, Link 2 is a unidirectional communication link from the excitation device to the AMP STA, Link 4 is a unidirectional communication link from the AMP STA to the relay device, and Link 5 is a unidirectional communication link from the AMP STA to the AP. Exemplarily, Link 5 can be an optional link. For the description of Link 5, the following Figure 10 , Figure 11a , Figure 12 and Figure 13 also apply.

[0244] As an example 9A, Links 1 to 6 can all support the sub-1 GHz band.

[0245] As another example 9B, Links 1 to 5 can all support the sub-1 GHz band, and Link 6 can support the 2.4 GHz band.

[0246] As yet another example 9C, Links 1 to 6 can all support the 2.4 GHz band.

[0247] As another example 9D, Link 1 to Link 5 can all support the 2.4 GHz frequency band, and Link 6 can support the sub-1 GHz frequency band.

[0248] For other descriptions of the frequency band, reference can be made to the above Examples 1A to 1D, which will not be elaborated here.

[0249] For the relevant description of the PPDU format, reference can be made to the description in Topology Structure 1 above, which will not be elaborated here.

[0250] For the relevant description of the occupancy indication information, reference can be made to the description in Topology Structure 1 above, which will not be elaborated here.

[0251] For Topology Structure 5, since Link 2 is a one-way communication link from the excitation device to the AMP STA, when the excitation device sends an excitation signal, the receiving end of the transmitted signal after reflection by the AMP STA can be the relay device, that is, the sending end and the receiving end of the backscatter communication are not the same device. Therefore, through the above Topology Structure 5, the backscatter self-interference problem can be effectively solved, and the difficulty of the AP processing signals can be reduced.

[0252] For Topology Structure 5, the AMP STA can receive signals through the relay device. Based on the function of the relay device supporting long-distance communication, the AMP STA can receive information from the AP through the relay device. Thus, the coverage range can be increased through the relay device. Therefore, through the above Topology Structure 5, the problem of uplink and downlink imbalance can be effectively solved.

[0253] Figure 9b It is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. This communication method can be applied to a Figure 9a Topology Structure as shown. As Figure 9b shown, the method includes:

[0254] 901. The AP sends energy transfer indication information to the excitation device. Correspondingly, the excitation device receives this indication information.

[0255] Exemplarily, the AP can transmit this energy transfer indication information through Link 1.

[0256] As an example, the energy transfer indication information can be included in a control frame or a management frame. As another example, the energy transfer indication information can be included in a data frame. For the relevant description of the energy transfer indication information, reference can be made to Figure 4b the description of the indication information in, which will not be elaborated here.

[0257] In addition to being able to transmit energy transfer indication information, other information can also be exchanged between the AP and the excitation device, and the embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0258] 902. The excitation device sends a WPT signal to the AMP STA. Correspondingly, the AMP STA can receive the WPT signal.

[0259] For the relevant description of step 902, reference can be made to Figure 4b the description of step 402 in, which will not be elaborated here.

[0260] 903. The AP sends communication indication information to the relay device. Correspondingly, the relay device receives the communication indication information.

[0261] Exemplarily, the AP can send the communication indication information through link 3. As an example, the communication indication information can be included in a control frame or a management frame. As another example, the communication indication information can be included in a data frame. For the relevant description of the communication indication information, reference can be made to the description of the indication information in step 401 or the description of the PPDU format in step 403 above, etc., which will not be elaborated here. In addition to being able to transmit communication indication information, other information can also be exchanged between the AP and the relay device, and the embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0262] As a possible implementation, the relay device can send ACK information to the AP. For the relevant description of the ACK information, reference can be made to Figure 4b or Figure 5b etc. The description will not be elaborated here. As another possible implementation, the relay device may not send ACK information, such as the AP defaults that the relay device has received the communication indication information.

[0263] 904. The relay device sends communication indication information to the AMP STA. Correspondingly, the AMP STA receives the communication indication information.

[0264] As an example, after parsing the communication indication information, the relay device can generate new communication indication information again. The new communication indication information and the relay indication information received by the relay device can be carried in different PPDU formats, or carried in the same PPDU format. For example, the communication indication information received by the relay device can be carried in a Wi-Fi PPDU, and the communication indication information sent by the relay device to the AMP STA can be carried in an AMP PPDU. As another example, the relay device can transparently transmit the communication indication information. For example, the communication indication information can be carried in an AMP PPDU.

[0265] 905. The incentive device sends an incentive signal to the AMP STA. Correspondingly, the AMP STA receives the incentive signal.

[0266] 906. The AMP STA sends a reflection signal to the AP. Correspondingly, the AP receives the reflection signal.

[0267] As a possible implementation, the AMP STA can feedback ACK information to the AP. Correspondingly, the AP can receive the ACK information. For example, the ACK information can be carried in the reflection signal. The ACK information can be a confirmation for the communication indication information, etc. For the relevant description of the ACK information, reference can be made to Figure 4b or Figure 5b and other descriptions, which will not be elaborated here. As another possible implementation, after the relay device sends the communication indication information, it can be default that the AMP STA has received the communication indication information. That is, after the AMP STA receives the communication indication information, it can not send ACK information.

[0268] Of course, in addition to the ACK information, the reflection signal can also carry other information, such as control information or energy transfer status, etc.

[0269] As a possible implementation, after the AP receives other information from the AMP STA, the AP can send ACK information to the AMP STA through the relay device. As another possible implementation, after the AMP STA sends a reflection signal carrying other information, it can be default that the AP has received the reflection signal. For the relevant description of the ACK information, reference can be made to Figure 4b or Figure 5b and other descriptions.

[0270] In the embodiments of the present application, through the communication system shown in Topology Structure Five, the problems of back reflection self-interference and uplink-downlink imbalance can be effectively solved, the communication efficiency is effectively improved, and the system performance is improved.

[0271] Topology Structure Six

[0272] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the topology structure of a communication system provided by the embodiments of the present application. As Figure 10 shown, Link 1 (link 1) to Link 5 (link 5) can all be communication links, and Link 6 (link 6) can be a WPT link. Link 1, Link 2, and Link 3 are all bidirectional links, Link 4 is a unidirectional communication link from the AMP STA to the relay device, and Link 5 is a unidirectional communication link from the AMP STA to the AP.

[0273] For the relevant description of the frequency band, reference can be made to the above Examples 9A to 9D, which will not be elaborated here.

[0274] For the relevant description of the PPDU format, reference can be made to the description in the above-mentioned topological structure one, which will not be elaborated here.

[0275] For the relevant description of the occupancy indication information, reference can be made to the description in the above-mentioned topological structure one, which will not be elaborated here.

[0276] For the description of the communication method of topological structure six, reference can be made to Figure 9b or Figure 4b or Figure 5b etc., which will not be shown one by one here.

[0277] For topological structure six, the AMP STA can receive information from the AP through the relay device. Thus, the coverage range can be increased through the relay device, and the problem of uplink-downlink imbalance can be effectively solved through the above-mentioned topological structure six.

[0278] Topological structure seven,

[0279] Figure 11a is a schematic diagram of the topological structure of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present application. As Figure 11a shown, link 1 (link 1) to link 5 (link 5) can all be communication links, and link 6 (link 6) can be a WPT link. Link 1, link 3, and link 4 are all bidirectional links, link 2 is a unidirectional communication link from the excitation device to the AMP STA, and link 5 is a unidirectional communication link from the AMP STA to the AP.

[0280] For the relevant description of the frequency band, reference can be made to the above-mentioned Examples 9A to 9D, which will not be elaborated here.

[0281] For the relevant description of the PPDU format, reference can be made to the description in the above-mentioned topological structure one, which will not be elaborated here.

[0282] For the relevant description of the occupancy indication information, reference can be made to the description in the above-mentioned topological structure one, which will not be elaborated here.

[0283] For topological structure seven, since link 2 is a unidirectional communication link from the excitation device to the AMP STA, the sending end of the excitation signal and the receiving end of the reflected signal are not the same device. Therefore, the problem of back-reflection self-interference can be effectively solved through the above-mentioned topological structure seven, and the difficulty of the AP in processing signals can be reduced.

[0284] For Topology Structure Seven, the AMP STA can receive information from the AP through the relay device. Based on the function of the relay device supporting long-distance communication, the information sent by the AMP STA can also be received by the AP (or the AMP STA can also send information to the AP through Link 5), and the coverage range is increased through the relay device. Thus, the problem of uplink-downlink imbalance can be effectively solved through the above Topology Structure Seven.

[0285] Figure 11b It is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. This communication method can be applied to a topology structure as shown in Figure 11a For the description of the communication method of Topology Structure Seven, reference can be made to Figure 9b or Figure 4b or Figure 5b etc., which will not be shown one by one here. Figure 11b Different from Figure 9b in Figure 9b , Link 4 is a unidirectional communication link, so the receiving end of the reflected signal sent by the AMP STA is not the relay device; while in Figure 11b , Link 4 is a bidirectional communication link, so the receiving end of the reflected signal sent by the AMP STA can be the relay device. For example, the reflected signal can carry ACK information. Optionally, the relay device can also send the reflected signal to the AP. As an example, the AMP STA can send a reflected signal carrying other information to the relay device through Link 4, and the other information can include control information or energy transfer status, etc. At this time, the relay device can also send an ACK message for the other information through Link 4. As another example, the AMP STA can send a reflected signal carrying other information to the AP through Link 5. At this time, the AP can feedback an ACK message through the relay device.

[0286] For other descriptions of Figure 11b , reference can be made to Figure 9b etc., which will not be elaborated here.

[0287] Topology Structure Eight,

[0288] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the topology structure of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 12 , Link 1 (link 1) to Link 5 (link 5) can all be communication links, and Link 6 (link 6) can be a WPT link. Links 1 to 4 are all bidirectional links, and Link 5 is a unidirectional communication link from the AMP STA to the AP.

[0289] For the relevant descriptions of the frequency band, reference can be made to the above Examples 9A to 9D, which will not be elaborated here.

[0290] For the relevant description of the PPDU format, reference can be made to the description in the above-mentioned Topology Structure 1, and details are not elaborated here.

[0291] For the relevant description of the occupancy indication information, reference can be made to the description in the above-mentioned Topology Structure 1, and details are not elaborated here.

[0292] For the description of the communication method of Topology Structure 8, reference can be made to Figure 11b or Figure 9b or Figure 4b or Figure 5b etc., which are not shown one by one here.

[0293] For Topology Structure 8, the AMP STA can receive the signal sent by the AP through the relay device, and the coverage range can be increased through this relay device. Thus, the problem of uplink and downlink imbalance can be effectively solved through the above-mentioned Topology Structure 8.

[0294] Figure 13 It is a schematic diagram of the topology structure of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present application. Figure 13 The directions of Link 2 and Link 4 are not shown in the shown topology structure. For the directions of Link 2 and Link 4, reference can be made to the descriptions in the above-mentioned Topology Structures 5 to 8, or, reference can also be made to the unidirectional or bidirectional descriptions shown in Table 2, etc. It can be understood that Table 2 exemplarily shows some topology structures. For the relevant description of the AMP PHY, reference can be made to Table 1, and details are not elaborated here.

[0295] Table 2

[0296]

[0297]

[0298]

[0299]

[0300]

[0301] For the specific description of Table 2, reference can be made to the descriptions in the above-mentioned Topology Structures 5 to 8, and details are not elaborated here.

[0302] Topology Structure 9,

[0303] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of the topology structure of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present application. As Figure 14As shown, Link 1 to Link 3 can all be communication links, and Link 5 can be a WPT link. Links 1 to 3 are all two-way links, and there is no communication link between the excitation device and the AMP STA. Although there is no communication link between the excitation device and the AMP STA, the excitation device can send excitation signals and WPT signals through Link 5.

[0304] As an example 14A, Links 1 to 3 and Link 5 can all support frequency bands below 1 GHz.

[0305] As another example 14B, Links 1 to 3 can all support frequency bands below 1 GHz, and Link 5 can support the 2.4 GHz frequency band.

[0306] As yet another example 14C, Links 1 to 3 and Link 5 can all support the 2.4 GHz frequency band.

[0307] As yet another example 14D, Links 1 to 3 can all support the 2.4 GHz frequency band, and Link 5 can support frequency bands below 1 GHz.

[0308] Exemplarily, the AMP STA can feedback ACK information through Link 3. Figure 14 Taking Link 3 as a two-way link as an example, this Link 3 can also be a one-way communication link from the relay device to the AMP STA, which will not be shown one by one here.

[0309] For the relevant description of the frequency band, reference can be made to the above Examples 1A to 1D, which will not be elaborated here.

[0310] For the relevant description of the PPDU format, reference can be made to the description in the above Topology 1, which will not be elaborated here.

[0311] For the relevant description of the occupancy indication information, reference can be made to the description in the above Topology 1, which will not be elaborated here.

[0312] For the description of the communication method of Topology 9, reference can be made to Figure 11b or Figure 9b or Figure 4b or Figure 5b etc., which will not be shown one by one here.

[0313] Regarding Topology 9, there is no communication link between the AMP STA and the excitation device. Therefore, the receiving end of the reflected signal is different from the transmitting end of the excitation signal, which can effectively solve the back-reflection self-interference problem and reduce the difficulty of the AP in processing signals.

[0314] For Topology Nine, the AMP STA can send information to the AP through the relay device and receive information from the AP through the relay device. The relay device can increase the downlink coverage range, so that the problem of uplink-downlink imbalance can be effectively solved through the above Topology Nine.

[0315] Topology Ten

[0316] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of the topology structure of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present application. As Figure 15 shown, Link 1 (link 1) to Link 4 (link 4) can all be communication links, and Link 5 (link 5) can be a WPT link. Links 1 to 3 are all bidirectional links, and Link 4 is a unidirectional communication link from the excitation device to the AMP STA.

[0317] Of course, Link 4 can also be a unidirectional communication link from the AMP STA to the excitation device ( Figure 15 not shown in Figure 15 ), or Link 4 is a bidirectional link (

[0318] not shown in

[0319] For the relevant description of the PPDU format, reference can be made to the description in the above Topology One, which will not be elaborated here.

[0320] For the relevant description of the occupancy indication information, reference can be made to the description in the above Topology One, which will not be elaborated here.

[0321] For the description of the communication method of Topology Ten, reference can be made to Figure 11b or Figure 9b or Figure 4b or Figure 5b etc., which will not be shown one by one here.

[0322] For Topology Ten, the AMP STA can send information to the AP through the relay device and receive information from the AP through the relay device. The relay device can increase the downlink coverage range, so that the problem of uplink-downlink imbalance can be effectively solved through the above Topology Ten.

[0323] For Topology Ten, since Link 4 is a unidirectional communication link from the excitation device to the AMP STA, when the excitation device sends an excitation signal, the receiving end of the reflected signal after the excitation signal is reflected by the AMP STA can be the relay device, that is, the sending end and the receiving end of the backscatter communication are not the same device. Therefore, the problem of backscatter self-interference can be effectively solved through the above Topology Ten, and the difficulty of the AP processing signals can be reduced.

[0324] Figure 16 It is a schematic diagram of the topological structure of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present application. Figure 16 The direction of link 4 is not shown in the topological structure shown. For the direction of link 4, reference can be made to the descriptions of topological structures nine to ten above, or, reference can also be made to the description of Table 3. For other descriptions of Table 3, reference can be made to Table 1 or Table 2, which will not be elaborated here.

[0325] Table 3

[0326]

[0327]

[0328] For the specific description of Table 3, reference can be made to the descriptions in topological structures nine to ten above, which will not be elaborated here.

[0329] Topological structure eleven

[0330] Figure 17a It is a schematic diagram of the topological structure of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present application. Figure 17a The topological structure shown can be referred to the description of Table 4.

[0331] Table 4

[0332]

[0333] As Figure 17a shown, link 1 (link 1) to link 2 (link 2) can all be communication links, and link 3 (link3) can be a WPT link. Links 1 to 2 are all bidirectional links. For example, the excitation device can transmit an excitation signal and a WPT signal through link 3. For Figure 17a the topological structure shown can effectively solve the problem of back-reflection self-interference. Figure 17c It is a schematic diagram of the process of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. This communication method can be applied to the topological structure as Figure 17a shown. The reflected signal sent by the AMP STA can carry ACK information for the communication indication information. Exemplarily, the reflected signal can also carry other information. At this time, for example, the AP can send ACK information for the other information. For Figure 17c the relevant description can be referred to the foregoing method, which will not be elaborated here.

[0334] As Figure 17bAs shown, there may also be a link 4 between the excitation device and the AMP STA. For example, this link 4 can be a one-way communication link from the excitation device to the AMP STA, or a one-way communication link from the AMP STA to the excitation device, or a two-way link.

[0335] In the above various topological structures and corresponding communication methods, where is described in detail in some topological structures may not be elaborated one by one in other topological structures, and where is described in detail in some communication methods may not be elaborated one by one in other methods. Therefore, for the parts not described in detail in the above various topological structures or communication methods, reference can be made to other topological structures or communication methods.

[0336] The communication device provided by the embodiments of the present application will be introduced below.

[0337] The present application divides the communication device into functional modules according to the above method embodiments. For example, each functional module can be corresponding to each function, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The above integrated modules can be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of software functional modules. It should be noted that the division of modules in the present application is illustrative, only a logical function division, and there may be other division methods in actual implementation. Below will be combined with Figures 18 to 20 Describe in detail the communication device of the embodiments of the present application.

[0338] Figure 18 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application. As Figure 18 shown, the communication device includes a processing module 1801 and a transceiver module 1802. The transceiver module 1802 can implement corresponding communication functions, and the processing module 1801 is used to implement corresponding processing functions. For example, the transceiver module 1802 can also be referred to as an interface, a communication interface, or a communication module, etc.

[0339] In some embodiments of the present application, the communication device can be used to perform the actions performed by the AMP STA in the above method embodiments. At this time, the AMP STA can be the AMP device itself or a chip or functional module that can be configured in the device, etc. The transceiver module 1802 is used to perform the operations related to the transceiver of the AMP STA in the above method embodiments, and the processing module 1801 is used to perform the operations related to the processing of the AMP STA in the above method embodiments.

[0340] Exemplarily, the processing module 1801 can be used to receive or input a WPT signal and receive or input communication indication information through the transceiver module 1802. Exemplarily, the processing module 1801 can be used to receive or input an excitation signal through the transceiver module 1802 and send or output the reflection signal of the excitation signal.

[0341] Exemplarily, the processing module 1801 can generate a reflection signal based on an excitation signal.

[0342] Multiplexing Figure 18 , in some other embodiments of the present application, the communication device can be used to perform the actions performed by the excitation device (or the first communication device) in the above method embodiments. In this case, the communication device can be the exciter itself (or the device itself) or a chip or functional module that can be configured in the exciter (or the device). The transceiver module 1802 is used to perform the transceiver-related operations of the excitation device (or the first communication device) in the above method embodiments, and the processing module 1801 is used to perform the processing-related operations of the excitation device (or the first communication device) in the above method embodiments.

[0343] Exemplarily, the transceiver module 1802 can be used to receive or input energy transfer indication information; the processing module 1801 can be used to send or output a WPT signal based on the energy transfer indication information.

[0344] Exemplarily, the transceiver module 1802 can be used to receive or input indication information.

[0345] Exemplarily, the transceiver module 1802 can also be used to send or output an excitation signal.

[0346] Exemplarily, the transceiver module 1802 can also be used to send or output occupancy indication information.

[0347] Multiplexing Figure 18 , in some other embodiments of the present application, the communication device can be used to perform the actions performed by the relay device (or the first communication device) in the above method embodiments. In this case, the communication device can be the relay device itself or a chip or functional module that can be configured in the relay device. The transceiver module 1802 is used to perform the transceiver-related operations of the relay device (or the first communication device) in the above method embodiments, and the processing module 1801 is used to perform the processing-related operations of the relay device (or the first communication device) in the above method embodiments.

[0348] Exemplarily, the transceiver module 1802 can be used to receive or input communication indication information (or indication information).

[0349] Multiplexing Figure 18 , in some other embodiments of the present application, the communication device can be used to perform the actions performed by the AP in the above method embodiments. In this case, the communication device can be a Wi-Fi device itself or a chip or functional module that can be configured in the device. The transceiver module 1802 is used to perform the transceiver-related operations of the AP in the above method embodiments, and the processing module 1801 is used to perform the processing-related operations of the AP in the above method embodiments.

[0350] Exemplarily, the transceiver module 1802 can be used to send or output energy transfer indication information. Exemplarily, the transceiver module 1802 can be used to send or output communication indication information.

[0351] Optionally, in each of the above embodiments, the communication device may further include a storage module, which can be used to store instructions and / or data. The processing module 1801 can read the instructions and / or data in the storage module to enable the communication device to implement the foregoing method embodiments.

[0352] In each of the above embodiments, the specific descriptions of terms or steps such as WPT signal, excitation signal, reflection signal, WPT link, communication link, frequency band, PPDU, etc. can refer to the introductions in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be elaborated herein one by one.

[0353] The specific descriptions of the transceiver module and the processing module shown in each of the above embodiments are only examples. For the specific functions or steps executed by the transceiver module and the processing module, reference can be made to the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be elaborated herein.

[0354] The communication device of the embodiments of the present application has been introduced above. The following introduces the possible product forms of the communication device. Any product form that has the functions of the above Figure 18 described communication device falls within the protection scope of the embodiments of the present application. The following introduction is only for example, and does not limit the product form of the communication device of the embodiments of the present application to this.

[0355] In a possible implementation manner, Figure 18 In the shown communication device, the processing module 1801 can be one or more processors, the transceiver module 1802 can be a transceiver, or the transceiver module 1802 can also be a sending module and a receiving module. The sending module can be a transmitter, and the receiving module can be a receiver. The sending module and the receiving module are integrated into one device, such as a transceiver. In the embodiments of the present application, the processor and the transceiver can be coupled, etc. The connection manner between the processor and the transceiver is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. During the execution of the above method, the process of sending information in the above method can be the process of outputting the above information by the processor. When outputting the above information, the processor outputs the above information to the transceiver for transmission by the transceiver. After the above information is output by the processor, other processing may be required before it reaches the transceiver. Similarly, the process of receiving information in the above method can be the process of the processor receiving the input above information. When the processor receives the input information, the transceiver receives the above information and inputs it to the processor. Further, after the transceiver receives the above information, the above information may need to be processed otherwise before it is input to the processor.

[0356] As Figure 19 shown, the communication device 190 includes one or more processors 1920 and a transceiver 1910.

[0357] Multiplexing Figure 19 , in some embodiments of the present application, the communication device can be used to perform the steps, methods, or functions executed by the above-mentioned AMP STA.

[0358] Multiplexing Figure 19 , in some other embodiments of the present application, the communication device is used to perform the steps, methods, or functions executed by the above-mentioned excitation device.

[0359] Multiplexing Figure 19 , in some further embodiments of the present application, the communication device is used to perform the steps, methods, or functions executed by the above-mentioned relay device.

[0360] Multiplexing Figure 19 , in some further embodiments of the present application, the communication device is used to perform the steps, methods, or functions executed by the above-mentioned first communication device.

[0361] Multiplexing Figure 19 , in some further embodiments of the present application, the communication device is used to perform the steps, methods, or functions executed by the above-mentioned AP.

[0362] For example, the processor 1920 can be used to perform the functions or steps implemented by the processing module 1801 as Figure 18 shown, and the transceiver 1910 can be used to perform the functions or steps implemented by the transceiver module 1802 as Figure 18 shown. For specific descriptions of the processor 1920 and the transceiver 1910, reference can be made to Figure 18 or the method embodiments shown above, which will not be elaborated here.

[0363] In Figure 19 each implementation manner of the communication device shown, the transceiver can include a receiver and a transmitter. The receiver is used to perform the receiving function (or operation), and the transmitter is used to perform the transmitting function (or operation). And the transceiver is used to communicate with other devices / devices through a transmission medium.

[0364] Optionally, the communication device 190 may further include one or more memories 1930 for storing program instructions and / or data. The memory 1930 is coupled to the processor 1920. The coupling in the embodiments of the present application is an indirect coupling or communication connection between communication devices, units or modules, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms for information interaction between communication devices, units or modules. The processor 1920 may cooperate with the memory 1930. The processor 1920 may execute the program instructions stored in the memory 1930. Optionally, at least one of the above one or more memories may be included in the processor.

[0365] In the embodiments of the present application, the specific connection medium between the transceiver 1910, the processor 1920 and the memory 1930 is not limited. In the embodiments of the present application Figure 19 it is shown that the memory 1930, the processor 1920 and the transceiver 1910 are connected through a bus 1940. The bus is represented by a thick line in Figure 19 which. The connection manners between other components are only for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting. The bus may be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For the convenience of representation, Figure 19 only one thick line is used to represent it in which, but it does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0366] In the embodiments of the present application, the processor may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc., which can implement or execute the various methods, steps and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of the present application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc. The steps of the method disclosed in combination with the embodiments of the present application may be directly embodied as being executed by a hardware processor, or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor, etc.

[0367] In the embodiments of the present application, the memory may include, but is not limited to, non-volatile memories such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD), a random access memory (RAM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), a read-only memory (ROM), or a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), etc. The memory is any storage medium that can be used to carry or store program code in the form of instructions or data structures and can be read and / or written by a computer (such as the communication device shown in the present application), but is not limited thereto. The memory in the embodiments of the present application may also be a circuit or any other device capable of implementing a storage function, for storing program instructions and / or data.

[0368] Exemplarily, the processor 1920 is mainly used to process communication protocols and communication data, and to control the entire communication device, execute software programs, and process the data of software programs. The memory 1930 is mainly used to store software programs and data. The transceiver 1910 may include a control circuit and an antenna. The control circuit is mainly used for the conversion between baseband signals and radio frequency signals and the processing of radio frequency signals. The antenna is mainly used to transmit and receive radio frequency signals in the form of electromagnetic waves. The input / output device, such as a touch screen, a display screen, a keyboard, etc., is mainly used to receive data input by the user and output data to the user.

[0369] Exemplarily, when the communication device is powered on, the processor 1920 can read the software program in the memory 1930, interpret and execute the instructions of the software program, and process the data of the software program. When data needs to be wirelessly transmitted, the processor 1920 performs baseband processing on the data to be transmitted and then outputs a baseband signal to the radio frequency circuit. The radio frequency circuit performs radio frequency processing on the baseband signal and then transmits the radio frequency signal outward in the form of electromagnetic waves through the antenna. When data is sent to the communication device, the radio frequency circuit receives the radio frequency signal through the antenna, converts the radio frequency signal into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the processor 1920. The processor 1920 converts the baseband signal into data and processes the data.

[0370] In another implementation, the radio frequency circuit and the antenna may be provided independently of the processor performing baseband processing. For example, in a distributed scenario, the radio frequency circuit and the antenna may be independent of the communication device and arranged in a remote manner.

[0371] The communication device shown in the embodiments of the present application may also have more Figure 19More components and the like are not limited in the embodiments of the present application. The methods executed by the above-mentioned processor and transceiver are only examples, and for the specific steps executed by the processor and transceiver, reference may be made to the methods described above.

[0372] In another possible implementation, Figure 18 In the communication device shown, the processing module 1801 may be one or more logic circuits, and the transceiver module 1802 may be an input / output interface, or also referred to as a communication interface, or an interface circuit, or an interface, etc. Or the transceiver module 1802 may also be a sending module and a receiving module. The sending module may be an output interface, and the receiving module may be an input interface. The sending module and the receiving module are integrated into one module, such as an input / output interface. As Figure 20 shown, Figure 20 The communication device shown includes a logic circuit 2001 and an interface 2002. That is, the above-mentioned processing module 1801 may be implemented by the logic circuit 2001, and the transceiver module 1802 may be implemented by the interface 2002. Among them, the logic circuit 2001 may be a chip, a processing circuit, an integrated circuit, or a system on chip (SoC) chip, etc., and the interface 2002 may be a communication interface, an input / output interface, a pin, etc. Exemplarily, Figure 20 is given by taking the above-mentioned communication device as a chip as an example. The chip includes a logic circuit 2001 and an interface 2002.

[0373] In the embodiments of the present application, the logic circuit and the interface may also be coupled to each other. For the specific connection manner between the logic circuit and the interface, the embodiments of the present application do not make limitations. Exemplarily, the logic circuit 2001 may be used to execute the functions or steps implemented by the processing module 1801 as Figure 18 shown, and the interface 2002 may be used to execute the functions or steps implemented by the transceiver module 1802 as Figure 18 shown. For the specific description of the logic circuit 2001 and the interface 2002, reference may be made to Figure 18 or the method embodiments shown above, which will not be elaborated here.

[0374] The communication device shown in the embodiments of the present application may implement the method provided in the embodiments of the present application in the form of hardware, or may also implement the method provided in the embodiments of the present application in the form of software, etc. The embodiments of the present application do not make limitations in this regard.

[0375] The embodiments of the present application further provide a communication system, which includes an AMP STA and an excitation device; or, the communication system includes an AMP STA and a first communication device; or, the communication system includes an AMP STA, an excitation device, and a relay device. Optionally, the communication system may further include an AP.

[0376] In addition, the present application also provides a computer program, which is used to implement the operations and / or processes executed by each communication device in the method provided by the present application.

[0377] The present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium, in which computer code is stored. When the computer code runs on a computer, the computer is caused to execute the operations and / or processes executed by each communication device in the method provided by the present application.

[0378] The present application also provides a computer program product, which includes computer code or a computer program. When the computer code or the computer program runs on a computer, the operations and / or processes executed by each in the method provided by the present application are caused to be executed.

[0379] In several embodiments provided by the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed system, communication devices, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the communication device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For example, the division of the modules is only a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple modules or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. In addition, the displayed or discussed coupling or direct coupling or communication connection between each other can be an indirect coupling or communication connection through some interfaces, communication devices, or modules, and can also be in the form of electrical, mechanical, or other connections.

[0380] The modules described as separate components may or may not be physically separated. The components displayed as modules may or may not be physical modules, that is, they may be located in one place, or may be distributed to multiple network modules. Some or all of the modules can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the technical effects of the solution provided by the embodiments of the present application.

[0381] In addition, in each embodiment of the present application, the functional modules can be integrated in a processing module, or each module can exist physically alone, or two or more modules can be integrated in one module. The above-mentioned integrated modules can be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of software functional modules.

[0382] When the integrated module is implemented in the form of a software functional module and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a readable storage medium and includes several instructions for causing 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 methods described in various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned readable storage medium includes: various media such as USB flash drives, mobile hard disks, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical discs that can store program codes.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to an ambient energy AMP station STA, and the method includes: Receiving a wireless power transfer (WPT) signal and receiving communication indication information, where the communication indication information is used to indicate information for the AMP STA to perform communication; Receiving an excitation signal and sending a reflected signal of the excitation signal.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The receiving of the WPT signal includes: receiving the WPT signal from a first communication device; The receiving of the communication indication information includes: receiving the communication indication information from the first communication device; The receiving of the excitation signal includes: receiving the excitation signal from the first communication device.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein The sending of the reflected signal of the excitation signal includes: Sending the reflected signal of the excitation signal to an access point AP.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The receiving of the WPT signal includes: receiving the WPT signal from an excitation device; The receiving of the communication indication information includes: receiving the communication indication information from a relay device; or receiving the communication indication information from the access point AP; The receiving of the excitation signal includes: receiving the excitation signal from the excitation device.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein The sending of the reflected signal of the excitation signal includes: Sending the reflected signal of the excitation signal to the relay device.

6. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The sending of the reflected signal of the excitation signal includes: Sending the reflected signal of the excitation signal to the AP.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The link for transmitting the WPT signal is a WPT link, or the link for transmitting the excitation signal is a communication link.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein The frequency band supported by the communication link is different from the frequency band supported by the WPT link.

9. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The frequency band supported by the communication link is the same as the frequency band supported by the WPT link, and the communication link is a unidirectional communication link.

10. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to an excitation device, and the method includes: Receiving energy transfer indication information from an access point AP, where the energy transfer indication information is used to indicate information for an ambient energy AMP station STA to receive a wireless power transfer (WPT) signal; Sending the WPT signal to the AMP STA based on the energy transfer indication information.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The receiving of the energy transfer indication information from the access point AP includes: Receiving indication information, where the indication information includes the energy transfer indication information and communication indication information, and the communication indication information is used to indicate information for the AMP STA to perform communication.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that The energy transfer indication information includes at least one of: the identifier of the AMP STA or the wake-up information of the AMP STA.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein The energy transfer indication information further includes at least one of the following: the transmission time of the WPT signal, the waveform information of the WPT signal, the wake-up information of the excitation device.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11-13, characterized in that, The communication indication information includes at least one of the following: Control information, scheduling information, data type to be reported by the AMP STA.

15. The method according to any one of claims 10-14, characterized in that, Sending the WPT signal to the AMP STA based on the energy transfer indication information includes: Sending the WPT signal to the AMP STA on the WPT link based on the energy transfer indication information.

16. The method according to any one of claims 11-15, characterized in that, The method further includes: Sending an excitation signal to the AMP STA on the communication link.

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, The frequency band supported by the communication link is different from the frequency band supported by the WPT link.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein The method further includes: Sending occupancy indication information on the communication link, where the occupancy indication information is used to indicate that the communication link is occupied.

19. The method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, The frequency band supported by the communication link is the same as the frequency band supported by the WPT link, and the communication link is a unidirectional communication link.

20. The method according to any one of claims 15-19, characterized in that, The frequency band supported by the WPT link includes 2.4 GHz or below 1 GHz.

21. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes a module for executing the method according to any one of claims 1-9.

22. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes a module for executing the method according to any one of claims 10-20.

23. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes a processor, and the processor is used to execute the method according to any one of claims 1-20.

24. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes a logic circuit and an interface, and the logic circuit and the interface are coupled; The interface is used to input and / or output information, and the logic circuit is used to execute the method according to any one of claims 1-9, or the logic circuit is used to execute the method according to any one of claims 10-20.

25. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium is used to store a computer program, and when the computer program is executed, the method according to any one of claims 1-20 is executed.

26. A computer program product, characterized in that, When the computer program product is executed, the method according to any one of claims 1-20 is executed.

27. A communication system, characterized in that, The communication system includes an ambient energy AMP station STA and an excitation device, the AMP STA is used to execute the method according to any one of claims 1-9, and the excitation device is used to execute the method according to any one of claims 10-20.

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