Power saving method and device and storage medium

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention relates to the technical field of communication, and provides a power saving method, equipment and a storage medium. The method comprises: after a first device receives a first PPDU, the first device determines to switch from a first capability mode to a second capability mode according to whether a first wireless frame is sent after a first time interval and / or whether retransmission data sent by a second device is received within a first transmission time; wherein the first wireless frame is used for responding to the first PPDU, and the first PPDU is the latest PPDU which is sent by the second equipment and needs to be responded by the first equipment; the value of at least one working parameter of the first equipment in the second capability mode is smaller than that in the first capability mode. The embodiment of the invention provides a mode for timely switching the capability mode of the equipment, so that the energy consumption of the equipment is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a power saving method, device, and storage medium. Background Art

[0002] Currently, Wi-Fi technology research focuses on Ultra High Reliability (UHR), with the goal of improving the reliability of Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN) connections, reducing latency, improving manageability, increasing throughput at different signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) levels, and reducing device-level power consumption.

[0003] In UHR, the power saving mechanism will be further enhanced to reduce device-level power consumption. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a power saving method, device, and storage medium.

[0005] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a power saving method, the method comprising:

[0006] After the first device receives the first physical layer protocol data unit PPDU, the first device determines to switch from the first capability mode to the second capability mode based on whether it sends a first radio frame after the first time interval and / or whether it receives retransmitted data sent by the second device within the first transmission time; the first radio frame is used to respond to the first PPDU, and the first PPDU is the most recent PPDU sent by the second device that requires a response from the first device; the value of at least one working parameter of the first device in the second capability mode is less than the value in the first capability mode.

[0007] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a power saving method, the method comprising:

[0008] The second device sends a first PPDU so that after the first device receives the above-mentioned first PPDU, it determines to switch from the first capability mode to the second capability mode according to whether the first radio frame is sent after the first time interval and / or whether the retransmission data sent by the above-mentioned second device is received within the first transmission time; the above-mentioned first radio frame is used to respond to the above-mentioned first PPDU, and the above-mentioned first PPDU is the most recent PPDU sent by the above-mentioned second device that requires the above-mentioned first device to respond; the value of at least one working parameter of the above-mentioned first device in the above-mentioned second capability mode is less than the value in the above-mentioned first capability mode.

[0009] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication device, wherein the communication device is a first device, including:

[0010] A processing module is used to determine, after receiving a first PPDU, to switch from a first capability mode to a second capability mode based on whether a first wireless frame is sent after a first time interval and / or whether retransmission data sent by a second device is received within a first transmission time; the above-mentioned first wireless frame is used to respond to the above-mentioned first PPDU, and the above-mentioned first PPDU is the most recent PPDU sent by the above-mentioned second device that requires a response from the first device; and the value of at least one working parameter of the above-mentioned first device in the above-mentioned second capability mode is less than the value in the above-mentioned first capability mode.

[0011] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication device, where the communication device is a second device, including:

[0012] A transceiver module is used to send a first PPDU so that after the first device receives the above-mentioned first PPDU, it determines to switch from the first capability mode to the second capability mode based on whether a first wireless frame is sent after a first time interval and / or whether retransmission data sent by the above-mentioned second device is received within a first transmission time; the above-mentioned first wireless frame is used to respond to the above-mentioned first PPDU, and the above-mentioned first PPDU is the most recent PPDU sent by the above-mentioned second device that requires the above-mentioned first device to respond; the value of at least one working parameter of the above-mentioned first device in the above-mentioned second capability mode is less than the value in the above-mentioned first capability mode.

[0013] In the fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication device, comprising one or more processors; wherein, when the above-mentioned communication device acts as a first device, the above-mentioned processor is used to execute the power-saving method provided by the first aspect of the embodiment of the present disclosure, and when the above-mentioned communication device acts as a second device, the above-mentioned processor is used to execute the power-saving method provided by the second aspect of the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a storage medium storing instructions. When the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device executes the power saving method provided in the first aspect or the second aspect of the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] In the seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a communication system, which includes a first device and a second device, wherein the second device sends a first PPDU, and after receiving the first PPDU, the first device determines to switch from the first capability mode to the second capability mode based on whether a first wireless frame is sent after a first time interval, and / or whether retransmission data sent by the second device is received within a first transmission time; the first wireless frame is used to respond to the first PPDU, and the first PPDU is the most recent PPDU sent by the second device that requires a response from the first device; and the value of at least one working parameter of the first device in the second capability mode is smaller than the value in the first capability mode.

[0016] The power-saving method, device, and storage medium provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure can provide a method for switching capability communication modes, which helps to improve communication efficiency.

[0017] Additional aspects and advantages of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be given in part in the following description, which will become apparent from the following description, or will be learned through practice of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present disclosure. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work.

[0019] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system shown in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 2 This is one of the interactive schematic diagrams of the power saving method shown in the embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 3 This is the second interactive schematic diagram of the power saving method shown in the embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 4 is an example diagram of the interactive process of the power saving method shown in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 5a This is one of the flowcharts of the power saving method shown in the embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 5b This is the second flowchart of the power saving method shown in the embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 6ais a structural diagram of a first device shown in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 6b is a structural diagram of a second device shown in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 7 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the chip proposed in the embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a power saving method, device, and storage medium.

[0030] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a power saving method, the method comprising:

[0031] After the first device receives the first physical layer protocol data unit PPDU, the first device determines to switch from the first capability mode to the second capability mode based on whether it sends a first radio frame after the first time interval and / or whether it receives retransmitted data sent by the second device within the first transmission time; the first radio frame is used to respond to the first PPDU, and the first PPDU is the most recent PPDU sent by the second device that requires a response from the first device; the value of at least one working parameter of the first device in the second capability mode is less than the value in the first capability mode.

[0032] In the above embodiment, after the first device receives the most recent / latest first PPDU sent by the second device that requires an immediate response from the first device, it can determine whether to switch from the first capability mode to the second capability mode based on whether the first wireless frame is sent after the first time interval and / or whether the retransmission data sent by the second device is received within the first transmission time, which helps to reduce device energy consumption.

[0033] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first device determines to switch from the first capability mode to the second capability mode based on whether the first radio frame is sent after the first time interval and / or whether retransmission data sent by the second device is received within the first transmission time, including:

[0034] The first device determines the capability mode switching time according to whether the first radio frame is sent after the first time interval and / or whether the retransmitted data sent by the second device is received within the first transmission time;

[0035] The first device switches from the first capability mode to the second capability mode according to the capability mode switching time.

[0036] In the above embodiment, after the first device receives the most recent / latest first PPDU sent by the second device that requires an immediate response from the first device, it can determine the capability mode switching time based on whether the first wireless frame is sent after the first time interval and / or whether the retransmission data sent by the second device is received within the first transmission time, so that it can switch from the first capability mode to the second capability mode in a timely manner, which helps to reduce device energy consumption.

[0037] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, when the first device sends a first radio frame after a first time interval, or when the first device receives retransmitted data sent by the second device within the first transmission time, an end time of the channel occupation time of the second device is determined as the capability mode switching time;

[0038] If the first device does not send the first wireless frame after the first time interval and does not receive the retransmitted data within the first transmission time, the end time of the first transmission time or the end time of the channel occupancy time is determined as the capability mode switching time.

[0039] In the above embodiment, the first device can switch the capability mode at the end time of the channel occupancy time of the second device when the first radio frame is sent after the first time interval, and when the first radio frame is not sent after the first time interval and retransmission data is received within the first transmission time. In addition, the first device can switch the capability mode at the end time of the first transmission time or the end time of the channel occupancy time when the first radio frame is not sent after the first time interval and retransmission data is not received within the first transmission time. Based on this, the first device can flexibly determine the capability mode switching time according to the sending status of the first radio frame and the data retransmission status, which is conducive to reducing device energy consumption.

[0040] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first transmission time is the shortest time between the time corresponding to the retransmission limit of the second device and the lifetime of the first PPDU.

[0041] In the above embodiment, by using the shortest time between the time corresponding to the retransmission limit of the second device and the lifetime of the first PPDU as the first transmission time, the first device can be prevented from being in a high energy consumption state for a long time, which is beneficial to reducing device energy consumption.

[0042] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the above-mentioned retransmission limit includes at least one of a short retransmission count or a long retransmission count; the above-mentioned lifetime is the maximum lifetime of the medium access control service data unit MSDU in the MAC layer under the enhanced distributed channel access EDCA mechanism.

[0043] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, before the first time interval, the method further includes:

[0044] The first device receives an initial control frame sent by the second device, where the initial control frame is used to instruct the first device to switch from the second capability mode to the first capability mode;

[0045] The first device switches from the second capability mode to the first capability mode and sends an initial control response frame, where the initial control response frame is used to indicate completion of the capability mode switching.

[0046] In the above embodiment, the first device can switch the capability mode after receiving the initial control frame, which can improve the signaling process of the capability mode switch. In addition, the first device can indicate the completion of the capability mode switch through the initial control response frame after completing the capability mode switch, which helps to ensure consistency and efficiency of communication and collaboration between devices.

[0047] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the initial control frame includes at least one of the following:

[0048] The Duration field is used to indicate the duration of the channel occupation by the second device;

[0049] The Padding field is used to extend the length of the initial control frame.

[0050] In the above embodiment, the initial control frame can specify the communication duration through the Duration field, which can avoid channel conflicts and improve the resource utilization efficiency of the entire network. The Padding field can be used to extend the length of the second radio frame to allow the first device sufficient time to achieve capability mode switching.

[0051] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, after the first device switches to the first capability mode, the first device performs at least one of the following operations:

[0052] The first device receives a second PPDU sent by the second device, where the second PPDU is a PPDU that does not require a response from the first device;

[0053] The first device receives the third PPDU sent by the second device, and sends or does not send the first radio frame after the first time interval, and the latest PPDU of the third PPDU is the first PPDU.

[0054] In the above embodiment, in order to ensure that data exchange and communication operations are effectively performed after the first device switches from low power consumption mode to high power consumption mode, the first device can respond through the first wireless frame when the communication status is good and a PPDU that requires an immediate response is received. When a problem occurs in the communication status, it may choose not to respond through the first wireless frame, completing the signaling process after the first device receives the PPDU, which is conducive to ensuring timely transmission of data.

[0055] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the above method further includes:

[0056] In case of receiving the second PPDU, the first device switches from the first capability mode to the second capability mode at the end time of the channel occupation time of the second device.

[0057] In the above embodiment, after receiving a PPDU from a second device that does not require an immediate response, the first device may remain in high power consumption mode for the duration of the second device's channel occupancy period. This allows the first device to immediately receive a new PPDU sent by the second device, thereby improving data transmission efficiency. The first device may switch to low power consumption mode at the end of the second device's channel occupancy period, effectively reducing energy consumption when the second device is no longer transmitting data to the first device.

[0058] With reference to some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first time interval is a short interframe interval;

[0059] The first time interval starts after the first device receives the first PPDU.

[0060] In the above embodiment, the first time interval is a period of time that begins when the first device receives a first PPDU from the second device that requires an immediate response. During this period, the first device should promptly transmit a first radio frame in response. However, if the first device fails to transmit a response frame after the first time interval, this may indicate a communication issue, such as signal interference or processing delay, which helps the second device determine whether data retransmission is necessary. If the first device transmits a response frame after the first time interval, the second device can determine that the first device has received the corresponding PPDU, thereby confirming that both parties have completed data transmission.

[0061] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a power saving method, the method comprising:

[0062] The second device sends a first PPDU so that after the first device receives the above-mentioned first PPDU, it determines to switch from the first capability mode to the second capability mode according to whether the first radio frame is sent after the first time interval and / or whether the retransmission data sent by the above-mentioned second device is received within the first transmission time; the above-mentioned first radio frame is used to respond to the above-mentioned first PPDU, and the above-mentioned first PPDU is the most recent PPDU sent by the above-mentioned second device that requires the above-mentioned first device to respond; the value of at least one working parameter of the above-mentioned first device in the above-mentioned second capability mode is less than the value in the above-mentioned first capability mode.

[0063] In the above embodiment, after the second device sends the first PPDU, the first device can receive the most recent / latest first PPDU sent by the second device that requires an immediate response from the first device. It can then determine whether to switch from the first capability mode to the second capability mode based on whether the first wireless frame is sent after the first time interval, and / or whether retransmission data sent by the second device is received within the first transmission time, thereby helping to reduce device energy consumption.

[0064] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the above method further includes:

[0065] The second device receives the first wireless frame; or

[0066] When the second device fails to receive the first wireless frame, it sends or does not send the retransmission data within the first transmission time.

[0067] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first transmission time is the shortest time between the time corresponding to the retransmission limit of the second device and / or the lifetime of the first PPDU.

[0068] In the above embodiment, by using the shortest time between the time corresponding to the retransmission limit of the second device and the lifetime of the first PPDU as the first transmission time, the first device can be prevented from being in a high energy consumption state for a long time, which is beneficial to reducing device energy consumption.

[0069] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the above-mentioned retransmission limit includes at least one of a short retransmission count or a long retransmission count; the above-mentioned lifetime is the maximum lifetime of the MSDU in the MAC layer under the EDCA mechanism.

[0070] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the above method further includes:

[0071] The second device sends an initial control frame, where the initial control frame is used to instruct the first device to switch from the second capability mode to the first capability mode;

[0072] The second device receives the initial control response frame sent by the first device, where the initial control response frame is used to indicate completion of capability mode switching.

[0073] In the above embodiment, the first device can switch the capability mode after receiving the initial control frame, which can improve the signaling process of the capability mode switch. In addition, the first device can indicate the completion of the capability mode switch through the initial control response frame after completing the capability mode switch, which helps to ensure consistency and efficiency of communication and collaboration between devices.

[0074] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the initial control frame includes at least one of the following:

[0075] The Duration field is used to indicate the duration of the channel occupation by the second device;

[0076] The Padding field is used to extend the length of the initial control frame.

[0077] In the above embodiment, the initial control frame can specify the communication duration through the Duration field, which can avoid channel conflicts and improve the resource utilization efficiency of the entire network. The Padding field can be used to extend the length of the second radio frame to allow the first device sufficient time to achieve capability mode switching.

[0078] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the above method further includes:

[0079] The second device sends a second PPDU, where the second PPDU is a PPDU that does not require a response from the first device;

[0080] The second device sends a third PPDU, and the most recent PPDU of the third PPDU is the first PPDU.

[0081] In the above embodiment, in order to ensure that data exchange and communication operations are effectively performed after the first device switches from low power consumption mode to high power consumption mode, when the second device sends the third PPDU including the first PPDU, it can enable the first device to respond through the first wireless frame when the communication status is good and a PPDU that requires an immediate response is received. When a problem occurs in the communication status, it can choose not to respond through the first wireless frame, completing the signaling process after the first device receives the PPDU, which is conducive to ensuring timely transmission of data.

[0082] With reference to some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first time interval is a short interframe interval;

[0083] The first time interval starts after the first device receives the first PPDU.

[0084] In the above embodiment, the first time interval is a period of time that begins when the first device receives a first PPDU from the second device that requires a response. During this period, the first device should promptly transmit a first radio frame in response. However, if the first device fails to transmit a response frame after the first time interval, this may indicate a communication issue, such as signal interference or processing delay, which helps the second device determine whether data retransmission is necessary. If the first device transmits a response frame after the first time interval, the second device can determine that the first device has received the corresponding PPDU, thereby confirming that both parties have completed data transmission.

[0085] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication device, which is a first device, including:

[0086] A processing module is used to determine, after receiving a first PPDU, to switch from a first capability mode to a second capability mode based on whether a first wireless frame is sent after a first time interval and / or whether retransmission data sent by a second device is received within a first transmission time; the above-mentioned first wireless frame is used to respond to the above-mentioned first PPDU, and the above-mentioned first PPDU is the most recent PPDU sent by the above-mentioned second device that requires a response from the first device; and the value of at least one working parameter of the above-mentioned first device in the above-mentioned second capability mode is less than the value in the above-mentioned first capability mode.

[0087] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication device, which is a second device, including:

[0088] A transceiver module is used to send a first PPDU so that after the first device receives the above-mentioned first PPDU, it determines to switch from the first capability mode to the second capability mode based on whether a first wireless frame is sent after a first time interval and / or whether retransmission data sent by the above-mentioned second device is received within a first transmission time; the above-mentioned first wireless frame is used to respond to the above-mentioned first PPDU, and the above-mentioned first PPDU is the most recent PPDU sent by the above-mentioned second device that requires the above-mentioned first device to respond; the value of at least one working parameter of the above-mentioned first device in the above-mentioned second capability mode is less than the value in the above-mentioned first capability mode.

[0089] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication device comprising one or more processors; wherein, when the above-mentioned communication device acts as a first device, the above-mentioned processor executes the power-saving method provided in the first aspect and the optional implementation manner of the first aspect; and when the above-mentioned communication device acts as a second device, the above-mentioned processor executes the power-saving method provided in the second aspect and the optional implementation manner of the second aspect.

[0090] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a storage medium, which stores instructions. When the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device executes the method described in the first aspect, the second aspect, the optional implementation of the first aspect, and the optional implementation of the second aspect.

[0091] In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a program product. When the program product is executed by a communication device, the communication device executes the method described in the first aspect, the second aspect, the optional implementation of the first aspect, and the optional implementation of the second aspect.

[0092] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a computer program, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the method described in the first aspect, the second aspect, the optional implementation of the first aspect, and the optional implementation of the second aspect.

[0093] In a ninth aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a chip or chip system, including a processing circuit configured to execute the method described in the first aspect, the second aspect, the optional embodiment of the first aspect, and the optional embodiment of the second aspect.

[0094] In the tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a communication system, which includes a first device and a second device, wherein the second device sends a first PPDU, and after receiving the first PPDU, the first device determines to switch from the first capability mode to the second capability mode based on whether a first wireless frame is sent after a first time interval, and / or whether retransmission data sent by the second device is received within a first transmission time; the first wireless frame is used to respond to the first PPDU, and the first PPDU is the most recent / latest PPDU sent by the second device that requires a response from the first device; the value of at least one working parameter of the first device in the second capability mode is smaller than the value in the first capability mode.

[0095] It is understandable that the first device, second device, communication system, communication device, storage medium, program product, computer program, chip, or chip system described above are all used to perform the methods proposed in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can refer to the beneficial effects of the corresponding methods and will not be repeated here.

[0096] The present disclosure provides a power-saving method, device, and storage medium. In some embodiments, the terms power-saving method, information processing method, and power-saving method are interchangeable, the terms power-saving device, information processing device, and information processing system are interchangeable, and the terms information processing system, communication system, and information processing system are interchangeable.

[0097] The embodiments of the present disclosure are not exhaustive and are merely illustrative of some embodiments, and are not intended to be a specific limitation on the scope of protection of the present disclosure. In the absence of contradiction, each step in a certain embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a certain embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily exchanged. In addition, the optional implementation methods in a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; in addition, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined. For example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0098] In each embodiment of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified or provided for by logic, the terms and / or descriptions between the embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form a new embodiment based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0099] The terms used in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0100] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, elements expressed in the singular, such as "a", "an", "the", "above", "above", "the", etc., may mean "one and only one", or "one or more", "at least one", etc. For example, when using articles such as "a", "an", "the" in English in translation, the noun following the article may be understood as a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0101] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, “plurality” refers to two or more.

[0102] In some embodiments, the terms "at least one," "one or more," "a plurality of," "multiple," etc. may be used interchangeably.

[0103] In some embodiments, descriptions such as "at least one of A and B," "A and / or B," "A in one case, B in another case," or "in response to one case A, in response to another case B" may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (A is executed independently of B); in some embodiments, B (B is executed independently of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); and in some embodiments, A and B (both A and B are executed). The above is also applicable when there are more branches such as A, B, and C.

[0104] In some embodiments, "A or B" and other descriptions may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (A is executed independently of B); in some embodiments, B (B is executed independently of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The above is also applicable when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0105] The prefixes such as "first" and "second" in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only used to distinguish different description objects and do not constitute any restriction on the position, order, priority, quantity or content of the description objects. For the statement of the description object, please refer to the description in the context of the claims or embodiments, and no unnecessary restriction should be constituted due to the use of prefixes. For example, if the description object is a "field", the ordinal number before the "field" in the "first field" and the "second field" does not limit the position or order between the "fields". "First" and "second" do not limit whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they limit the order of the "first field" and the "second field". For another example, if the description object is a "level", the ordinal number before the "level" in the "first level" and the "second level" does not limit the priority between the "levels". For another example, the number of description objects is not limited by the ordinal number and can be one or more. Taking "first device" as an example, the number of "devices" can be one or more. In addition, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the description object is "device", then the "first device" and the "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different; for another example, if the description object is "information", then the "first information" and the "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their contents can be the same or different.

[0106] In some embodiments, “including A,” “comprising A,” “used to indicate A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0107] In some embodiments, terms such as "in response to...", "in response to determining...", "in the case of...", "at the time of...", "when...", "if...", "if...", etc. can be used interchangeably.

[0108] In some embodiments, terms such as "greater than", "greater than or equal to", "not less than", "more than", "more than or equal to", "not less than", "higher than", "higher than or equal to", "not less than", and "above" can be replaced with each other, and terms such as "less than", "less than or equal to", "not greater than", "less than", "less than or equal to", "not more than", "lower than", "lower than or equal to", "not higher than", and "below" can be replaced with each other.

[0109] In some embodiments, obtaining data, information, etc. may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the data is obtained.

[0110] In some embodiments, data, information, etc. may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0111] In addition, each element, each row, or each column in the table of the embodiment of the present disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the combination of any elements, any rows, and any columns can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0112] To address the above issues, the following will further describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure in a clear and complete manner with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present disclosure and do not constitute all the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by persons of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present disclosure without creative effort shall fall within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0113] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0114] like Figure 1 As shown, the communication system 100 includes a first device 101 and a second device 102 .

[0115] The first device 101 and the second device 102 may be station devices (STA) or access point devices (AP). When the first device 101 is a STA, the second device 102 is an AP; when the first device 101 is an AP, the second device 102 is a STA.

[0116] STA includes a multi-link station device (non-AP STA) attached to a station device supporting multi-link (Non-Access Point Multi-Link Device, Non-AP MLD), and AP includes an AP attached to an access point device supporting multi-link (Access Point Multi-Link Device, AP MLD) and an ultra-high reliability mobile access point device (UHR mobile AP). The first device 101 and the second device 102 can respectively be devices that support the ultra-high reliability UHR transmission protocol, such as the first device 101 and the second device 102 can respectively be (UHR AP and UHR STA), or can respectively be devices that support the extremely high throughput (EHT) transmission protocol.

[0117] In some embodiments, the first device 101 and the second device 102 may be a wireless communication chip, a wireless sensor, or a wireless communication terminal that supports WiFi communication. Optionally, the wireless communication terminal includes, but is not limited to, at least one of a mobile phone, a wearable device, an Internet of Things device that supports WiFi communication, a car with WiFi communication function, a smart car, a tablet computer, a computer with wireless transceiver function, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal device in industrial control, a wireless terminal device in self-driving, a wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal device in a smart grid, a wireless terminal device in transportation safety, a wireless terminal device in a smart city, and a smart home.

[0118] Optionally, the first device 101 and the second device 102 can be devices supporting multiple connections, for example, they can be represented as AP MLD and Non-AP MLD respectively; AP MLD can represent an access point supporting multiple connection communication functions, and non-AP MLD can represent a site supporting multiple connection communication functions.

[0119] The first device 101 is in a first capability mode.

[0120] After the first device 101 receives the first physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) sent by the second device 102, the first device 101 determines the capability mode switching time based on whether it sends a first wireless frame after the first time interval and / or whether it receives retransmission data sent by the second device 102 within the first transmission time.

[0121] Furthermore, the first device 101 switches from the first capability mode to the second capability mode according to the capability mode switching time.

[0122] The first radio frame is used to respond to the first PPDU, and the first PPDU is the latest PPDU sent by the second device 102 and requires an immediate response from the first device 101.

[0123] The value of at least one operating parameter of any communication device in the second capability mode is lower than the value in the first capability mode. Figure 1 A value of at least one operating parameter of the first device 101 in the second capability mode is smaller than a value in the first capability mode.

[0124] The first capability mode in each embodiment of the present disclosure may also be referred to as a high capability mode, and the second capability mode may also be referred to as a low capability mode.

[0125] Among them, "capabilities mode" is equivalent to "capabilities state", which can also be called capability communication mode. In some embodiments, the three can be interchangeable.

[0126] Optionally, the above-mentioned working parameters include but are not limited to one or more of the modulation and coding strategy (MCS), the number of spatial streams (SS) or the channel bandwidth (Bandwidth, BW), and the channel bandwidth can also be understood as the working bandwidth.

[0127] Among them, the various working parameters corresponding to the second capability mode can be preset values, or can be the minimum parameter values ​​corresponding to the corresponding working parameters, or the parameter value range corresponding to the corresponding working parameters, which is not limited here.

[0128] As an example, the channel bandwidth corresponding to the second capability mode is 20 MHz, the number of spatial streams is 1, and the modulation and coding strategy is up to MCS5. The channel bandwidth of the first capability mode is greater than or equal to 20 MHz, the number of spatial streams is greater than 1, and the MCS is not limited. Alternatively, the channel bandwidth of the first capability is greater than 20 MHz, the number of spatial streams is greater than or equal to 1, and the MCS is not limited.

[0129] Optionally, the working parameters corresponding to the first capability communication mode or the second capability communication mode may include but are not limited to bandwidth (BW for short), supported MCS mode), NSS (number of Spatial Stream, number of spatial streams), etc.

[0130] As an example, in the second capability communication mode, the device supports an operating bandwidth of 20 MHz (Mega Hertz) (i.e., BW=20 MHz), the number of SSs is 1 (i.e., NSS=1, single spatial stream), and the maximum value of the MCS index is 5, that is, the value of the MCS index can be any value from 0 to 5, for example, the value of the MCS index is 5, etc. In the first capability communication mode, the device supports a bandwidth greater than or equal to 20 MHz, for example, any one or more of 40 MHz, 80 MHz, 160 MHz, or 320 MHz, the number of SSs can be greater than or equal to 2, the MCS index can be greater than or equal to 5, etc.

[0131] It should be noted that the values ​​of the working parameters of the first capability mode and the second capability mode mentioned above are only examples and are not limited in actual applications.

[0132] It can be understood that the communication system described in the embodiment of the present disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solution of the embodiment of the present disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solution proposed in the embodiment of the present disclosure. Ordinary technicians in this field can know that with the evolution of the system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solution proposed in the embodiment of the present disclosure is also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0133] The following embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to Figure 1 The communication system 100, or a portion thereof, is shown but is not limited thereto. Figure 1 The various entities shown are examples, and the communication system may include Figure 1 All or part of the subject, and may also include Figure 1 The number and form of other entities are arbitrary, each entity can be physical or virtual, and the connection relationship between the entities is an example, and the connection can be in any way, which can be direct or indirect, wired or wireless.

[0134] The various embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to wireless local area networks (WLANs), such as IEEE 802.11 system standards, such as 802.11a / b / g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11bf, 802.11be, or their successors, such as 802.11bn. Alternatively, the various embodiments of the present disclosure may also be applied to wireless local area network systems, such as Internet of Things (IoT) networks or Vehicle to X (V2X) networks. Of course, the embodiments of the present disclosure can also be applied to other possible communication systems, such as long term evolution (LTE) system, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, LTE time division duplex (TDD) system, universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS), world-wide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication system, and fifth generation (5G) communication system.

[0135] Figure 2 This is one of the interactive schematic diagrams of the power saving method shown in the embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 The power saving methods shown include:

[0136] S21: The first device receives an initial control frame, where the initial control frame is used to instruct the first device to switch from the second capability mode to the first capability mode.

[0137] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, an initial control frame (ICF) is sent by the second device to instruct the first device to switch from the second capability mode to the first capability mode.

[0138] The initial control frame may be a multi-user request to send (MU-RTS) frame, a buffer status report poll (BSRP) frame, or other frames, or a newly defined frame, which is not limited here.

[0139] Typically, when in Dynamic Power Save (DPS) mode, a UHR device enters Low Capabilities Mode (LCM) under certain conditions, such as Low Power Listening (LPL) mode. In LPL mode, for example, transmission and reception are performed with a single spatial stream, 20 MHz bandwidth, and a low-rate MCS.

[0140] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the first device operates in a low-capability mode, the second device associated therewith can send an initial control frame to the first device so that the first device switches to a high-capability mode (HighCapabilities Mode, HCM) or a full-capabilities mode (full Capabilities mode), such as the first-capabilities mode, after receiving the initial control frame, so as to perform frame exchange with the second device that sends the initial control frame. It can be seen that in an embodiment of the present disclosure, allowing the first device to operate in the second-capability mode and, when necessary, triggering the switch to the first-capability mode by the second device can effectively reduce the power consumption of the first device. At the same time, when frame exchange is required, the first device is triggered to switch to the high-capability mode by the initial control frame to ensure timely and effective transmission of wireless data.

[0141] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first PPDU is the latest PPDU sent by the second device that requires an immediate response (immediate response / acknowledgement) from the first device.

[0142] In some embodiments, the initial control frame may include at least one of the following:

[0143] Duration field, indicating the duration of channel occupancy when the second device communicates with the first device;

[0144] The Padding field is used to extend the length of the initial control frame.

[0145] The duration field can be used to specify the communication duration between the first and second devices, thereby avoiding channel conflicts and improving resource utilization efficiency across the entire network. The padding field can be used to extend the length of the initial control frame, allowing the first device sufficient time to switch capability modes.

[0146] S22: The first device switches from the second capability mode to the first capability mode.

[0147] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, after receiving the initial control frame, the first device may switch from the second capability mode to the first capability mode within a certain period of time.

[0148] S23 , the first device sends an initial control response frame, where the initial control response frame is used to indicate completion of capability mode switching.

[0149] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, after the first device switches from the second capability mode to the first capability mode, it may send an Initial Control Response (ICR) frame to the second device to inform the second device that the capability mode switching is completed.

[0150] Through the initial control response frame, the first device can effectively notify the second device that the first device has successfully switched to the new capability mode, thereby ensuring that the communication collaboration between the devices remains consistent and efficient.

[0151] S24: The first device receives the second PPDU.

[0152] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, after switching to the first capability mode, the first device may receive a second PPDU sent by the second device.

[0153] The second PPDU is a PPDU that does not require an immediate response from the first device, and the specific number of the second PPDUs sent by the second device is not limited here.

[0154] S25 , the first device switches from the first capability mode to the second capability mode at the end time of the channel occupation time of the second device.

[0155] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, after the first device receives the second PPDU, that is, after receiving the PPDU sent by the second device that does not require an immediate response from the first device, the first device may switch from the first capability mode to the second capability mode.

[0156] In this case, the first device can avoid maintaining a high energy consumption state when there is no need to transmit PPDU with the second device by switching to the second capability mode with low power consumption in a timely manner, thereby improving the overall energy efficiency of the system, extending the service life of the device, and improving the transmission efficiency of the system.

[0157] The power saving method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of the aforementioned steps and embodiments. For example, any one of steps S21 to S25 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of steps S21 to S25 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0158] Figure 3 This is the second interactive schematic diagram of the power saving method shown in the embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 The power saving methods shown include:

[0159] S31: The first device receives an initial control frame, where the initial control frame is used to instruct the first device to switch from the second capability mode to the first capability mode.

[0160] S32: The first device switches from the second capability mode to the first capability mode.

[0161] S33: The first device sends an initial control response frame.

[0162] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the relevant description and implementation of steps S31 to S33 can be found in the implementation shown in the aforementioned steps S212 to S213, and will not be repeated here.

[0163] S34: The first device receives the third PPDU.

[0164] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, after switching to the first capability mode, the first device can receive the third PPDU sent by the second device.

[0165] The third PPDU includes at least one PPDU that requires an immediate response from the first device, and the specific number of the third PPDUs sent by the second device is not limited herein.

[0166] S35, when the first device sends the first wireless frame after the first time interval after receiving the first PPDU, or when the first wireless frame is not sent after the first time interval and retransmission data is received within the first transmission time, at the end time of the channel occupancy time of the second device, it switches from the first capability mode to the second capability mode.

[0167] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first PPDU is the latest PPDU among the third PPDUs sent by the second device, which requires an immediate response from the first device.

[0168] Among them, each time the first device receives a PPDU that requires the first device to respond immediately, it needs to send a response frame to the second device immediately after a time interval after receiving the PPDU to inform the second device that the first device has received the response PPDU.

[0169] In this case, after the first device receives the first PPDU, if there is no problem with the current communication state of the first device (such as signal interference), the first device needs to send a first radio frame to the second device after a first time interval to respond to the first PPDU. If there is a problem with the current communication state, the first device will not send the first radio frame to the second device.

[0170] The first time interval may be a short interframe space (SIFS), or may be a time interval pre-agreed between the first device and the second device for replying a response frame, which is not limited here.

[0171] SIFS is the shortest interval between two frames in wireless communication and is typically used in scenarios requiring a quick response. In the disclosed embodiment, the first time interval begins after the first device receives the first PPDU. By setting the first time interval to one SIFS, the first device can respond in a very short time, avoiding energy waste caused by ineffective waiting on both the first and second devices.

[0172] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, when a first radio frame is sent to a second device after a first time interval after receiving a first PPDU, it indicates that the first device promptly responds to the first PPDU after receiving the first PPDU. Therefore, after the first device sends the first radio frame after the first time interval, the first device can maintain the first capability mode during the channel occupation duration of the second device and switch from the first capability mode to the second capability mode at the end of the channel occupation duration of the second device.

[0173] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, if the first device does not send the first wireless frame after the first time interval after receiving the first PPDU, it means that the first device is unable to respond to the first PPDU due to problems with the communication status. At this time, the second device cannot determine whether the first device has received the first PPDU, and will send retransmission data to the first device within the first transmission time.

[0174] Among them, the first transmission time is a preset time period pre-negotiated by the first device and the second device for data retransmission, and the channel occupancy time of the second device includes the first transmission time, for example, the start time of the first transmission time is later than the start time of the channel occupancy time of the second device, and the end time of the first transmission time is equal to or encounters the end time of the channel occupancy time of the second device, and there is no restriction here.

[0175] When the first device receives retransmitted data sent by the second device within the first transmission time, the first device can maintain the first capability mode during the channel occupancy time of the second device, and switch from the first capability mode to the second capability mode at the end time of the channel occupancy time of the second device.

[0176] Among them, after the first device receives the retransmitted data sent by the second device within the first transmission time, since the third PPDU sent by the first device before the first time interval includes the first PPDU, the retransmitted data also includes the first PPDU, and then the first device needs to send a first wireless frame to respond to the first PPDU in the retransmitted data after receiving the retransmitted data.

[0177] Optionally, the first transmission time may include a first time interval.

[0178] In the disclosed embodiment, the first device maintains the first capability mode during the second device's channel occupancy duration, allowing it to successfully receive new PPDUs when the second device sends them again. Furthermore, at the end of the second device's channel occupancy duration, meaning when the second device is no longer communicating with the first device, the first device can switch from the first capability mode to the second capability mode, thereby avoiding energy waste.

[0179] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first transmission time may be any one of the time corresponding to the retransmission limit of the second device or the lifetime of the first PPDU. For example, the first transmission time may be the shortest time between the time corresponding to the retransmission limit of the second device and the lifetime of the first PPDU.

[0180] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the retransmission limit of the second device can be understood as the maximum number of times the second device attempts to retransmit data. The time corresponding to the retransmission limit of the second device is the time consumed by the second device to attempt to retransmit data the maximum number of times, that is, the maximum time allowed for the second device to implement the data retransmission operation.

[0181] The retransmission limit of the second device includes at least one of a short retry count and a long retry count.

[0182] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the lifetime of any PPDU is the maximum lifetime of a medium access control service data unit (MAC Service Data Unit, MSDU) in the MAC layer under the Enhanced Distributed Channel Access (EDCA) mechanism.

[0183] When the first device is an AP, the lifetime of the first PPDU may be expressed as dot11QAPEDCATableMSDULifetime; when the first device is a STA, the lifetime of the first PPDU may be expressed as dot11EDCATableMSDULifetime.

[0184] S36, the first device does not send the first wireless frame after the first time interval after receiving the first PPDU, and does not receive retransmission data within the first transmission time, and switches from the first capability mode to the second capability mode at the end time of the first transmission time or the end time of the channel occupancy time of the second device.

[0185] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, if the first device does not send the first wireless frame after the first time interval after receiving the first PPDU, it means that the first device is unable to respond to the first PPDU due to problems with the communication status. At this time, the second device cannot determine whether the first device has received the first PPDU, and may send retransmission data to the first device within the first transmission time.

[0186] When the first device does not receive the retransmitted data sent by the second device within the first transmission time, the first device can determine that the second device no longer performs data retransmission operations. Therefore, the first device can switch from the first capability mode to the second capability mode at the end time of the first transmission time or the end time of the channel occupancy time of the second device, thereby avoiding energy waste.

[0187] Optionally, the first device may switch from the first capability mode to the second capability mode at the end time of the first transmission time, so as to enter the low power mode as early as possible and avoid energy waste as much as possible.

[0188] The power saving method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of the aforementioned steps and embodiments. For example, any one of steps S31 to S36 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of steps S31 to S36 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0189] The power saving method provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure is further described below with reference to specific examples.

[0190] Example 1:

[0191] Step 1: The second device sends an initial control frame (ICF) to its associated first device. The initial control frame is used to instruct the first device to switch from a low capability mode (second capability mode) to a high capability mode (first capability mode). The ICF contains at least the following:

[0192] Duration field: used to indicate the duration of the second device occupying the channel;

[0193] Padding field: used to extend the ICF length so that the first device can implement capability mode switching.

[0194] Step 2: After receiving the initial control frame, the first device switches from low capability mode (second capability mode) to high capability mode (first capability mode) within a certain period of time, and sends an initial control response (ICR) frame to the second device, indicating that the first device has completed the capability mode switch.

[0195] Step 3: After receiving the ICR frame, the second device sends a second PPDU to the first device, where the second PPDU is a PPDU that does not require an immediate response from the first device.

[0196] Step 4: After the first device switches to the high-capability mode, it receives the second PPDU sent by the second device, and switches from the high-capability mode to the low-capability mode after the channel occupancy time indicated by the Duration field expires.

[0197] Example 2:

[0198] Step 1: The second device sends an initial control frame (ICF) to its associated first device. The initial control frame is used to instruct the first device to switch from a low capability mode (second capability mode) to a high capability mode (first capability mode). The ICF contains at least the following:

[0199] Duration field: used to indicate the duration of the second device occupying the channel;

[0200] Padding field: used to extend the ICF length so that the first device can implement capability mode switching.

[0201] Step 2: After receiving the initial control frame, the first device switches from low capability mode (second capability mode) to high capability mode (first capability mode) within a certain period of time, and sends an initial control response (ICR) frame to the second device, indicating that the first device has completed the capability mode switch.

[0202] Step 3: After the second device receives the ICR frame, the first device sends a third PPDU and requests a necessary response frame. The third PPDU includes a PPDU that requires an immediate response from the first device.

[0203] Step 4: After the first device switches to the high-capability mode, it receives the third PPDU sent by the second device and needs to send a necessary response frame to the second device.

[0204] Case 1: After the first time interval after receiving the first PPDU (the most recent / latest PPDU in the third PPDU that requires an immediate response from the first device), the first wireless frame is sent to the second device, and after the channel occupancy time indicated by the Duration field is reached, the high-capability mode is switched to the low-capability mode.

[0205] The first radio frame is used to respond to the first PPDU.

[0206] Case 2: When the first wireless frame is not sent to the second device after the first time interval after receiving the first PPDU, the first device receives retransmitted data sent by the second device within the first transmission time and / or sends a response frame to the second device for the PPDU that requires an immediate response in the retransmitted data, and the first device continues to maintain the high-capability mode, and switches from the high-capability mode to the low-capability mode after the channel occupancy time indicated by the Durationfield is reached.

[0207] Case three: When the first wireless frame is not sent to the second device after the first time interval after receiving the first PPDU, the retransmission data sent by the second device is not received within the first transmission time, and the response frame for the PPDU that requires an immediate response in the retransmission data is not sent to the second device, the first device continues to maintain the high-capability mode and switches from the high-capability mode to the low-capability mode after the channel occupancy time indicated by the Durationfield or the first transmission time arrives.

[0208] The first time interval is a short interframe space SIFS, and the first time interval starts when: the first device receives the first PPDU sent by the second device.

[0209] The first transmission time corresponds to the time corresponding to the retransmission limit (Retrylimit) of the first device or the lifetime corresponding to the first PPDU (the smaller of the time corresponding to the retransmission limit and the lifttime).

[0210] The retransmission limit may be a short retry count or a long retry count, and the lifetime may be dot11EDCATableMSDULifetime (if the first device is a STA) or dot11QAPEDCATableMSDULifetime (if the first device is an AP).

[0211] Example 3:

[0212] Step 1: The second device sends an initial control frame (ICF) to its associated first device. The initial control frame is used to instruct the first device to switch from a low capability mode (second capability mode) to a high capability mode (first capability mode). The ICF contains at least the following:

[0213] Duration field: used to indicate the duration of the second device occupying the channel;

[0214] Padding field: used to extend the ICF length so that the first device can implement capability mode switching.

[0215] Step 2: After receiving the initial control frame, the first device switches from low capability mode (second capability mode) to high capability mode (first capability mode) within a certain period of time, and sends an initial control response (ICR) frame to the second device, indicating that the first device has completed the capability mode switch.

[0216] In step 3, after receiving the ICR frame, the second device sends a PPDU that does not require an immediate response from the first device, and a PPDU that requires an immediate response from the first device, to the first device. That is, the second device can simultaneously send a PPDU that requires an immediate response from the first device, and a PPDU that does not require an immediate response from the first device.

[0217] Step 4: After switching to the high-capability mode, the first device receives the PPDU sent by the second device.

[0218] Case 1: The first device sends a first radio frame to the second device after the first time interval after receiving the first PPDU (the most recent / latest PPDU that requires an immediate response from the first device among all PPDUs sent by the second device, including PPDUs that do not require an immediate response from the first device and PPDUs that require an immediate response from the first device), and switches from high-capability mode to low-capability mode after the channel occupancy time indicated by the Duration field is reached.

[0219] The first radio frame is used to respond to the first PPDU.

[0220] Case 2: If the first wireless frame is not sent to the second device after the first time interval after receiving the first PPDU, if the retransmitted data sent by the second device is received within the first transmission time, the first device continues to maintain the high-capability mode, and switches from the high-capability mode to the low-capability mode after the channel occupancy time indicated by the Duration field is reached.

[0221] Case three: When the first wireless frame is not sent to the second device after the first time interval after receiving the first PPDU, and the retransmission data sent by the second device is not received within the first transmission time, the first device continues to maintain the high-capability mode, and switches from the high-capability mode to the low-capability mode after the channel occupancy time indicated by the Duration field or the first transmission time arrives.

[0222] See also Figure 4 , Figure 4 A specific example of the embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0223] At time T1, the second device sends an initial control frame (ICF) to the first device.

[0224] After receiving the initial control frame, the first device switches from low capability mode (LCM) to high capability mode (HCM), and sends an initial control response (ICR) frame to the second device at time T2, notifying the second device through the ICR frame that the first device has successfully switched to high capability mode.

[0225] After the first device switches to the high-capability mode, data is exchanged with the second device.

[0226] After receiving the PPDU sent by the second device that does not require an immediate response, the first device may switch from the high-capability mode to the low-capability mode at the end time (T6) of the channel occupation time of the second device.

[0227] Among them, after receiving the PPDU sent by the second device that requires an immediate response, and after receiving the most recent / latest first PPDU that requires an immediate response, the first device can send a first wireless frame after a first time interval (such as T4) to respond to the first PPDU, and can switch from high-capability mode to low-capability mode at the end time (T6) of the channel occupancy time of the second device.

[0228] If the first device does not send the first radio frame and receives retransmitted data from the second device within the first transmission time (T4-T5), it can switch from high-capability mode to low-capability mode at the end time (T6) of the second device's channel occupancy period. If the first device does not send the first radio frame and does not receive retransmitted data from the second device within the first transmission time (T3-T5), the first device can switch from high-capability mode to low-capability mode at the end time (T5) of the first transmission time.

[0229] Figure 5a This is one of the flow charts of the power saving method shown in the embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5a As shown, the method is performed by a first device, and the method includes:

[0230] S511, after receiving the first PPDU, determine to switch from the first capability mode to the second capability mode based on whether the first radio frame is sent after the first time interval and / or whether the retransmission data sent by the second device is received within the first transmission time; the first radio frame is used to respond to the first PPDU, and the first PPDU is the most recent / latest PPDU sent by the second device that requires an immediate response from the first device.

[0231] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first device determines to switch from the first capability mode to the second capability mode based on whether the first radio frame is sent after the first time interval and / or whether retransmission data sent by the second device is received within the first transmission time, including:

[0232] The first device determines the capability mode switching time according to whether the first radio frame is sent after the first time interval and / or whether the retransmission data sent by the second device is received within the first transmission time;

[0233] The first device switches from the first capability mode to the second capability mode according to the capability mode switching time.

[0234] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first device determines the capability mode switching time based on whether the first radio frame is sent after the first time interval and / or whether retransmission data sent by the second device is received within the first transmission time, including:

[0235] When the first device sends the first radio frame after the first time interval, or when the first radio frame is not sent after the first time interval and retransmission data sent by the second device is received within the first transmission time, the end time of the channel occupation time of the second device is determined as the capability mode switching time;

[0236] If the first device does not send the first radio frame after the first time interval and does not receive retransmission data within the first transmission time, the end time of the first transmission time or the end time of the channel occupancy time is determined as the capability mode switching time.

[0237] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first transmission time is the shortest time between the time corresponding to the retransmission limit of the second device and / or the lifetime of the first PPDU.

[0238] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the retransmission limit includes at least one of a short retransmission count or a long retransmission count; the lifetime is the maximum lifetime of the medium access control service data unit MSDU in the MAC layer under the enhanced distributed channel access EDCA mechanism.

[0239] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, before the first time interval, the method further includes:

[0240] The first device receives an initial control frame sent by the second device, where the initial control frame is used to instruct the first device to switch from the second capability mode to the first capability mode;

[0241] The first device switches from the second capability mode to the first capability mode and sends an initial control response frame, where the initial control response frame is used to indicate completion of the capability mode switching.

[0242] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the initial control frame includes at least one of the following:

[0243] The Duration field is used to indicate the duration of the channel occupation by the second device;

[0244] The Padding field is used to extend the length of the initial control frame.

[0245] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, after the first device switches to the first capability mode, the first device performs at least one of the following operations:

[0246] The first device receives a second PPDU sent by the second device, where the second PPDU is a PPDU that does not require an immediate response from the first device;

[0247] The first device receives the third PPDU sent by the second device, and sends or does not send the first radio frame after the first time interval, and the most recent PPDU of the third PPDU is the first PPDU.

[0248] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, it also includes:

[0249] When receiving the second PPDU, the first device switches from the first capability mode to the second capability mode at the end time of the channel occupation time of the second device.

[0250] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first time interval is a short interframe interval;

[0251] The first time interval starts after the first device receives the first PPDU.

[0252] Figure 5b This is the second flow chart of the power saving method shown in the embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5b As shown, the method is performed by a second device, and the method includes:

[0253] S521, sending a first PPDU so that after the first device receives the first PPDU, it determines to switch from the first capability mode to the second capability mode based on whether the first radio frame is sent after the first time interval and / or whether the retransmission data sent by the second device is received within the first transmission time; the first radio frame is used to respond to the first PPDU, and the first PPDU is the most recent / latest PPDU sent by the second device that requires an immediate response from the first device.

[0254] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, it also includes:

[0255] The second device receives the first wireless frame; or,

[0256] When the second device does not receive the first radio frame, it sends or does not send retransmission data within the first transmission time.

[0257] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first transmission time is the shortest time between the time corresponding to the retransmission limit of the second device and / or the lifetime of the first PPDU.

[0258] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the retransmission limit includes at least one of a short retransmission count or a long retransmission count; and the lifetime is the maximum lifetime of the MSDU in the MAC layer under the EDCA mechanism.

[0259] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the method further includes:

[0260] The second device sends an initial control frame, where the initial control frame is used to instruct the first device to switch from the second capability mode to the first capability mode;

[0261] The second device receives the initial control response frame sent by the first device, where the initial control response frame is used to indicate completion of capability mode switching.

[0262] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the initial control frame includes at least one of the following:

[0263] The Duration field is used to indicate the duration of the channel occupation by the second device;

[0264] The Padding field is used to extend the length of the initial control frame.

[0265] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, it also includes:

[0266] The second device sends a second PPDU, where the second PPDU is a PPDU that does not require a response from the first device;

[0267] The second device sends a third PPDU, and the most recent PPDU of the third PPDU is the first PPDU.

[0268] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first time interval is a short interframe interval;

[0269] The first time interval starts after the first device receives the first PPDU.

[0270] Figure 6a Schematic diagram of the structure of the first device proposed in the embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6a As shown, the first device 610 may include: a processing module 611.

[0271] In some embodiments, the processing module 611 is used to determine, after receiving the first PPDU, to switch from the first capability mode to the second capability mode based on whether a first wireless frame is sent after a first time interval and / or whether retransmission data sent by the second device is received within the first transmission time; the first wireless frame is used to respond to the first PPDU, and the first PPDU is the most recent PPDU sent by the second device that requires a response from the first device; and the value of at least one working parameter of the first device in the second capability mode is less than the value in the first capability mode.

[0272] Optionally, the processing module 611 is configured to execute at least one of the processing steps (e.g., step S22, step S25, step S32, step S35, step S36, and step S511, but not limited thereto) performed by the first device in any of the above methods, which are not described in detail here. The first device 610 may further include a transceiver module 612, configured to execute at least one of the transceiver steps (e.g., step S21, step S23, step S24, step S31, step S33, and step S34, but not limited thereto) performed by the first device in any of the above methods, which are not described in detail here.

[0273] Figure 6b Schematic diagram of the structure of the second device proposed in the embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6b As shown, the second device 620 may include: a transceiver module 621.

[0274] In some embodiments, the above-mentioned transceiver module 621 is used to send a first PPDU so that after the first device receives the above-mentioned first PPDU, it determines to switch from the first capability mode to the second capability mode based on whether the first wireless frame is sent after the first time interval and / or whether the retransmission data sent by the above-mentioned second device is received within the first transmission time; the above-mentioned first wireless frame is used to respond to the above-mentioned first PPDU, and the above-mentioned first PPDU is the most recent PPDU sent by the above-mentioned second device that requires the above-mentioned first device to respond; the value of at least one working parameter of the above-mentioned first device in the above-mentioned second capability mode is less than the value in the above-mentioned first capability mode.

[0275] Optionally, the transceiver module 621 is used to execute at least one of the transceiver steps (such as step S521, but not limited thereto) executed by the second device in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0276] It should be understood that the division of the above units or modules is merely a division of logical functions. In actual implementation, they may be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they may be physically separated. In addition, the units or modules may be implemented in the form of a processor calling software: for example, including a processor connected to a memory, the memory storing instructions, and the processor calling the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or the functions of the above units or modules, where the processor is, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory is a memory inside or outside the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits, and the functions of some or all of the units or modules can be realized by designing the hardware circuits. The above-mentioned hardware circuits can be understood as one or more processors; for example, in one implementation, the above-mentioned hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and the functions of some or all of the above units or modules are realized by designing the logical relationship of the components in the circuit; for example, in another implementation, the above-mentioned hardware circuit can be realized by a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gate circuits, and the connection relationship between the logic gate circuits is configured by a configuration file, thereby realizing the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. All units or modules of the above devices can be realized in the form of software called by the processor, or in the form of hardware circuits, or in part by software called by the processor, and the rest by hardware circuits.

[0277] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capability. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction reading and execution capability, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP); in another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationship of the hardware circuit, and the logical relationship of the above hardware circuit is fixed or reconfigurable, such as a hardware circuit implemented by a processor as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the processor loads a configuration document to implement the process of hardware circuit configuration, which can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. In addition, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a neural network processing unit (NPU), a tensor processing unit (TPU), a deep learning processing unit (DPU), etc.

[0278] Figure 7 7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Communication device 700 may be a first device, or may be a chip, chip system, logical entity, or processor that supports the first device in implementing any of the above methods. The communication device may be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments. For details, please refer to the description of the above method embodiments.

[0279] like Figure 7 As shown, the communication device 700 includes one or more processors 701. Processor 701 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, for example, a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit can be used to control power-saving devices (such as base stations, baseband chips, terminal devices, terminal device chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. The communication device 700 is used to perform any of the above methods.

[0280] In some embodiments, the communication device 700 further includes one or more memories 702 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 702 may be located outside the communication device 700.

[0281] In some embodiments, the communication device 700 further includes one or more transceivers 703. When the communication device 700 includes one or more transceivers 703, the transceiver 703 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (for example, step S21, step S23, step S24, step S31, step S33, step S34, step S521, but not limited thereto), and the processor 701 performs at least one of the other steps (for example, step S22, step S25, step S32, step S35, step S36, step S511, but not limited thereto).

[0282] In some embodiments, a transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter. The receiver and transmitter may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, and transceiver circuit may be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, and transmitting circuit may be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, and receiving circuit may be used interchangeably.

[0283] In some embodiments, the communication device 700 may include one or more interface circuits 704. Optionally, the interface circuit 704 is connected to the memory 702. The interface circuit 704 may be configured to receive signals from the memory 702 or other devices, and may be configured to send signals to the memory 702 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 704 may read instructions stored in the memory 702 and send the instructions to the processor 701.

[0284] The communication device 700 described in the above embodiment may be a first device, but the scope of the communication device 700 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 700 may not be limited thereto. Figure 7 The communication device may be an independent device or a part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: 1) an independent integrated circuit IC, or a chip, or a chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the IC collection may also include a storage component for storing data and programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, a terminal device, an intelligent terminal device, a cellular phone, a wireless device, a handheld device, a mobile unit, a vehicle-mounted device, a network device, a cloud device, an artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0285] Figure 8FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip 800 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The chip 800 includes one or more processors 801, and the chip 800 is configured to execute any of the above methods.

[0286] In some embodiments, chip 800 further includes one or more interface circuits 803. Optionally, interface circuit 803 is connected to memory 802. Interface circuit 803 can be used to receive signals from memory 802 or other devices, and interface circuit 803 can be used to send signals to memory 802 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 803 can read instructions stored in memory 802 and send the instructions to processor 801.

[0287] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 803 executes at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (for example, step S21, step S23, step S24, step S31, step S33, step S34, step S521, but not limited to these), and the processor 801 executes at least one of the other steps (for example, step S22, step S25, step S32, step S35, step S36, step S511, but not limited to these).

[0288] In some embodiments, terms such as interface circuit, interface, transceiver pin, and transceiver may be used interchangeably.

[0289] In some embodiments, the chip 800 further includes one or more memories 802 for storing instructions. Alternatively, all or part of the memory 802 may be external to the chip 800.

[0290] The present disclosure also provides a storage medium having instructions stored thereon. When the instructions are executed on the communication device 700, the communication device 700 executes any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but is not limited thereto and may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but is not limited thereto and may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0291] The present disclosure also provides a program product, which, when executed by the communication device 700, enables the communication device 700 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0292] The present disclosure also proposes a computer program, which, when run on a computer, enables the computer to execute any of the above methods. The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure and an explanation of the technical principles used. Those skilled in the art should understand that the scope of disclosure involved in the present disclosure is not limited to the technical solutions formed by a specific combination of the above-mentioned technical features, but should also cover other technical solutions formed by any combination of the above-mentioned technical features or their equivalent features without departing from the above-mentioned disclosed concepts. For example, the above-mentioned features are replaced with the technical features with similar functions disclosed in the present disclosure (but not limited to) and the technical solutions formed.

Claims

1. A power saving method, characterized in that: The method comprises: After receiving the first physical layer protocol data unit PPDU, the first device determines to switch from the first capability mode to the second capability mode based on whether it sends a first radio frame after a first time interval and / or whether it receives retransmitted data sent by the second device within the first transmission time; the first radio frame is used to respond to the first PPDU, and the first PPDU is the most recent PPDU sent by the second device that requires a response from the first device; the value of at least one working parameter of the first device in the second capability mode is less than the value in the first capability mode.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first device determines, based on whether it sends a first radio frame after a first time interval and / or whether it receives retransmitted data sent by the second device within a first transmission time, to switch from the first capability mode to the second capability mode, including: The first device determines the capability mode switching time according to whether the first radio frame is sent after the first time interval and / or whether the retransmission data sent by the second device is received within the first transmission time; The first device switches from the first capability mode to the second capability mode according to the capability mode switching time.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The first device determines the capability mode switching time according to whether the first radio frame is sent after the first time interval and / or whether retransmission data sent by the second device is received within the first transmission time, including: When the first device sends the first radio frame after the first time interval, or when the first device receives retransmitted data sent by the second device within the first transmission time, determining the end time of the channel occupation time of the second device as the capability mode switching time; If the first device does not send the first wireless frame after the first time interval and does not receive the retransmitted data within the first transmission time, the end time of the first transmission time or the end time of the channel occupancy time is determined as the capability mode switching time.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The first transmission time is the shortest time between the time corresponding to the retransmission limit of the second device and / or the lifetime of the first PPDU.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The retransmission limit includes at least one of a short retransmission count or a long retransmission count; the lifetime is the maximum lifetime of a medium access control service data unit MSDU in the MAC layer under the enhanced distributed channel access EDCA mechanism.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that Before the first time interval, the method further includes: The first device receives an initial control frame sent by the second device, where the initial control frame is used to instruct the first device to switch from the second capability mode to the first capability mode; The first device switches from the second capability mode to the first capability mode and sends an initial control response frame, where the initial control response frame is used to indicate completion of the capability mode switching.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that The initial control frame includes at least one of the following: The Duration field is used to indicate the duration of the channel occupation by the second device; The Padding field is used to extend the length of the initial control frame.

8. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that After the first device switches to the first capability mode, the first device performs at least one of the following operations: The first device receives a second PPDU sent by the second device, where the second PPDU is a PPDU that does not require a response from the first device; The first device receives a third PPDU sent by the second device, and sends or does not send the first radio frame after the first time interval, where the most recent PPDU of the third PPDU is the first PPDU.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein: The method further comprises: In case of receiving the second PPDU, the first device switches from the first capability mode to the second capability mode at the end time of the channel occupation time of the second device.

10. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first time interval is a short interframe space; The first time interval starts after the first device receives the first PPDU.

11. A power saving method, characterized in that: The method comprises: The second device sends a first PPDU so that after the first device receives the first PPDU, it determines to switch from the first capability mode to the second capability mode based on whether it sends a first radio frame after a first time interval and / or whether it receives retransmission data sent by the second device within a first transmission time; the first radio frame is used to respond to the first PPDU, and the first PPDU is the most recent PPDU sent by the second device that requires a response from the first device; the value of at least one working parameter of the first device in the second capability mode is less than the value in the first capability mode.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The method further comprises: The second device receives the first radio frame; or When the second device does not receive the first radio frame, it sends the retransmission data within the first transmission time.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that The method further comprises: The second device sends an initial control frame, where the initial control frame is used to instruct the first device to switch from the second capability mode to the first capability mode; The second device receives an initial control response frame sent by the first device, where the initial control response frame is used to indicate completion of capability mode switching.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein: The initial control frame includes at least one of the following: The Duration field is used to indicate the duration of the channel occupation by the second device; The Padding field is used to extend the length of the initial control frame.

15. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The method further comprises: The second device sends a second PPDU, where the second PPDU is a PPDU that does not require a response from the first device; The second device sends a third PPDU, where a most recent PPDU of the third PPDU is the first PPDU.

16. A communication device, characterized in that: The communication device is a first device, comprising: A processing module is used to determine, after receiving a first PPDU, to switch from a first capability mode to a second capability mode based on whether a first radio frame is sent after a first time interval and / or whether retransmission data sent by a second device is received within a first transmission time; the first radio frame is used to respond to the first PPDU, and the first PPDU is the most recent PPDU sent by the second device that requires a response from the first device; and the value of at least one working parameter of the first device in the second capability mode is less than the value in the first capability mode.

17. A communication device, characterized in that: The communication device is a second device, including: A transceiver module is configured to send a first PPDU so that after receiving the first PPDU, the first device determines to switch from the first capability mode to the second capability mode based on whether a first radio frame is sent after a first time interval and / or whether retransmission data sent by the second device is received within a first transmission time; the first radio frame is used to respond to the first PPDU, and the first PPDU is the most recent PPDU sent by the second device that requires a response from the first device; and the value of at least one operating parameter of the first device in the second capability mode is less than the value in the first capability mode.

18. A communication device, characterized in that: include: one or more processors; The processor is configured to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10 or the method according to any one of claims 11 to 15.

19. A storage medium, characterized in that: The storage medium stores instructions, and when the instructions are executed on the communication device, the communication device executes the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10 or the method according to any one of claims 11 to 15.

20. A communication system comprising a first device and a second device, wherein: The second device sends a first PPDU, and after receiving the first PPDU, the first device determines to switch from the first capability mode to the second capability mode based on whether the first device sends a first radio frame after a first time interval and / or whether retransmitted data sent by the second device is received within a first transmission time; the first radio frame is used to respond to the first PPDU, and the first PPDU is the most recent PPDU sent by the second device that requires a response from the first device; A value of at least one operating parameter of the first device in the second capability mode is smaller than a value in the first capability mode.

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