Information processing method and device

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention discloses an information processing method and device, and the method comprises the steps: a first communication device transmits first information, and the first information is used for carrying out the inventory or paging of one or more second devices; wherein the first communication device is an intermediate node in an environment Internet of Things scene, and the one or more second devices are one or more of environment Internet of Things devices. According to the embodiment of the invention, the inventory or paging can be triggered through the intermediate node to send the first information, so that the environmental Internet of Things equipment receiving the first information feeds back the inventory or paging response, and the inventory or paging of the environmental Internet of Things equipment through the intermediate node is realized.

Description

Information processing method and device Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of communication technologies, and in particular to an information processing method and device. Background Art

[0002] To conserve power and reduce device complexity in communication systems, new devices, such as the Ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT) or A-IoT, have been introduced. Instead of generating their own energy, these devices can harvest energy, such as from signals sent by the surrounding environment or nearby devices, and use this harvested energy for communication. These devices also eliminate the need for batteries, which can be replaced. Consequently, communication based on these devices requires minimal cost, power consumption, and size.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide an information processing method and apparatus.

[0005] According to a first aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, an information processing method is provided, where the method is performed by a first communication device, and the method includes:

[0006] Sending first information, where the first information is used to inventory or page one or more second devices; wherein the first communication device is an intermediate node in an environmental Internet of Things scenario, and the one or more second devices are one or more environmental Internet of Things devices.

[0007] According to a second aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, an information processing method is provided. The method is performed by a second device, and the method includes:

[0008] Receive first information sent by a first communication device, where the first information is used to inventory or page the second device; wherein the first communication device is an intermediate node in an environmental Internet of Things scenario, and the second device is one or more environmental Internet of Things devices.

[0009] According to a third aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, an information processing method is provided, the method being executed by a network device, the method comprising:

[0010] Sending first configuration information to a first communication device; the first configuration information is used by the first communication device to trigger an inventory or paging when receiving the first configuration information, and the inventory or paging is used to inventory or paging one or more second devices; wherein the first communication device is an intermediate node in an environmental Internet of Things scenario, and the one or more second devices are one or more environmental Internet of Things devices.

[0011] According to a fourth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, an information processing method is provided, the method being executed by a network device, the method comprising:

[0012] Sending first indication information to a first communication device, wherein the first indication information is used to instruct the first communication device to trigger an inventory or paging to send first information, and the first information is used to inventory or page one or more second devices; wherein the first communication device is an intermediate node in an environmental Internet of Things scenario, and the one or more second devices are one or more environmental Internet of Things devices.

[0013] According to a fifth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, an information processing method is provided, the method being executed by a network device, the method comprising:

[0014] Sending second indication information to a first communication device, where the second indication information is used to instruct the first communication device to trigger an inventory or paging to send first information, and the first information is used to inventory or page one or more second devices; wherein the first communication device is an intermediate node in an environmental Internet of Things scenario, and the one or more second devices are one or more environmental Internet of Things devices.

[0015] According to a sixth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first communication device is provided, including:

[0016] A transceiver module is used to send first information, where the first information is used to inventory or page one or more second devices; wherein the first communication device is an intermediate node in an environmental Internet of Things scenario, and the one or more second devices are one or more environmental Internet of Things devices.

[0017] According to a seventh aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a second device is provided, including:

[0018] A transceiver module is used to receive first information sent by a first communication device, where the first information is used to inventory or page the second device; wherein the first communication device is an intermediate node in an environmental Internet of Things scenario, and the second device is one or more environmental Internet of Things devices.

[0019] According to an eighth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a network device is provided, including:

[0020] A transceiver module is configured to send first configuration information to a first communication device; the first configuration information is used by the first communication device to trigger an inventory or paging upon receiving the first configuration information, and the inventory or paging is used to perform an inventory or paging on one or more second devices; wherein the first communication device is an intermediate node in an environmental Internet of Things scenario, and the one or more second devices are one or more environmental Internet of Things devices.

[0021] According to a ninth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a network device is provided, including:

[0022] A transceiver module is used to send first indication information to a first communication device, where the first indication information is used to instruct the first communication device to trigger an inventory or paging to send first information, and the first information is used to inventory or page one or more second devices; wherein the first communication device is an intermediate node in an environmental Internet of Things scenario, and the one or more second devices are one or more environmental Internet of Things devices.

[0023] According to a tenth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a network device is provided, including:

[0024] A transceiver module is used to send second indication information to a first communication device, where the second indication information is used to instruct the first communication device to trigger an inventory or paging to send first information, and the first information is used to inventory or page one or more second devices; wherein the first communication device is an intermediate node in an environmental Internet of Things scenario, and the one or more second devices are one or more environmental Internet of Things devices.

[0025] According to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided, including:

[0026] A first communication device, configured to perform an optional implementation of the first aspect;

[0027] A second device, configured to perform an optional implementation of the second aspect;

[0028] A network device is configured to perform optional implementations of the aforementioned third, fourth and fifth aspects.

[0029] According to a twelfth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided, including: one or more processors;

[0030] The processor is used to call instructions to enable the communication device to execute the optional implementation methods of the aforementioned first aspect, second aspect, third aspect, fourth aspect and fifth aspect.

[0031] According to the thirteenth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a storage medium is proposed, which stores instructions. When the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device executes the optional implementation methods of the aforementioned first aspect, second aspect, third aspect, fourth aspect and fifth aspect.

[0032] According to the technical solution disclosed in the present invention, an inventory or paging can be triggered through an intermediate node to send a first message, so that the environmental Internet of Things device that receives the first message feeds back an inventory or paging response, thereby realizing the inventory or paging of the environmental Internet of Things device through the intermediate node. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the following drawings required for describing the embodiments are introduced. The following drawings are merely some embodiments of the present disclosure and do not impose specific limitations on the protection scope of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] FIG2 is an exemplary diagram of a topological structure of an environmental Internet of Things scenario according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] FIG3A is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] FIG3B is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] FIG3C is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] FIG4A is a flow chart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] FIG4B is a flow chart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] FIG4C is a flow chart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0042] FIG4D is a flow chart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0043] FIG5A is a flow chart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0044] FIG5B is a flow chart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0045] FIG5C is a schematic diagram showing a flow chart of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0046] FIG5D is a flow chart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0047] FIG5E is a flow chart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0048] FIG5F is a flow chart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0049] FIG6A is a flow chart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0050] FIG6B is a flow chart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0051] FIG7A is an interactive diagram of the information processing method proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0052] FIG7B is an interactive diagram of the information processing method proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0053] FIG7C is an interactive diagram of the information processing method proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0054] FIG8A is a schematic structural diagram of a first communication device proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0055] FIG8B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network device proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0056] FIG8C is a schematic structural diagram of a second device proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0057] FIG9A is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device 9100 proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0058] FIG9B is a schematic structural diagram of a chip 9200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide an information processing method and apparatus.

[0060] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes an information processing method, which is executed by a first communication device, and the method includes: sending first information, where the first information is used to inventory or paging one or more second devices; wherein the first communication device is an intermediate node in an environmental Internet of Things scenario, and the one or more second devices are one or more environmental Internet of Things devices.

[0061] In the above embodiment, an inventory or paging can be triggered by an intermediate node to send the first information, so that the environmental Internet of Things device that receives the first information feeds back an inventory or paging response, thereby realizing the inventory or paging of the environmental Internet of Things device through the intermediate node.

[0062] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving first configuration information sent by a network device; wherein the first configuration information includes at least one of the following: an inventory or paging cycle, the inventory or paging cycle is a time period for the first communication device to send the first information; an inventory or paging area, the inventory or paging area is an area where the first communication device needs to inventory or paging; an inventory or paging position, the inventory or paging position is a position where the first communication device needs to inventory or paging; a first resource and / or a first channel, the first resource and / or the first channel is a resource and / or a signal for the first communication device to send the first information channel; a second resource and / or a second channel, the second resource and / or the second channel are the resources and / or channels used by the one or more second devices to send the second information; the second information is the response information of the one or more second devices to the first information; an inventory type, the inventory type is the type of the one or more second devices inventoried; a first parameter, the first parameter is used by the one or more second devices to generate a random number, the random number is the initial value of a counter, the counter is decremented by one each time the one or more second devices receive the first information, wherein the second information is sent by the one or more second devices when the counter is the first value.

[0063] In the above embodiment, the first configuration information can be sent to the first communication device through the network device, so that the first communication device can perform inventory or paging of the environmental Internet of Things devices based on the first configuration information, thereby realizing communication between the environmental Internet of Things devices and the intermediate node.

[0064] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, sending the first information includes: receiving the first configuration information, and sending the first information on the first resource and / or first channel.

[0065] In the above embodiment, the intermediate node starts to trigger inventory or paging upon receiving the first configuration information configured by the network device, and sends the first information (such as inventory or paging instruction) on the first resource and / or first channel configured by the network device for the intermediate node, so that the environmental Internet of Things device that receives the first information feeds back an inventory or paging response, thereby realizing inventory or paging of the environmental Internet of Things device through the intermediate node, and realizing communication between the environmental Internet of Things device and the intermediate node.

[0066] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information further includes at least one of the following: the second resource and / or the second channel, the inventory type, and the first parameter.

[0067] In the above embodiment, the first information carries at least one of the second resource and / or the second channel, the inventory type, and the first parameter, so that the environmental Internet of Things device that receives the first information feeds back an inventory or paging response based on this information (i.e., the second resource and / or the second channel, the inventory type, and at least one of the first parameter), thereby realizing inventory or paging of the environmental Internet of Things device through the intermediate node and realizing communication between the environmental Internet of Things device and the intermediate node.

[0068] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: starting or restarting a first timer, the length of the first timer being the length of the inventory or paging cycle; when the first timer times out, resending the first information.

[0069] In the above embodiment, periodic inventory or paging of environmental Internet of Things devices can be more suitable for batch management and statistics of environmental Internet of Things devices.

[0070] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first configuration information is configuration information associated with one or more tasks.

[0071] In the above embodiment, all parameters in the first configuration information (such as inventory or paging cycle, inventory or paging area, inventory or paging location, first resource and / or first channel, second resource and / or second channel, inventory type, and first parameter) can be configured according to the task, so that the corresponding environmental IoT devices can be inventoried or paging for different tasks.

[0072] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, starting or restarting the first timer includes: starting or restarting the first timer associated with the first task, the length of the first timer associated with the first task is the length of the inventory or paging cycle associated with the first task; the first task is any one or more tasks among the one or more tasks; the first timer times out, and resending the first information includes: when the timer associated with the first task times out, resending the first information corresponding to the first task, the first information corresponding to the first task is used to inventory or paging the second device associated with the first task.

[0073] In the above embodiment, the corresponding environmental IoT devices of different tasks may be periodically inventoried or paged.

[0074] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving first indication information sent by a network device, where the first indication information is used to instruct the first communication device to trigger an inventory or paging.

[0075] In the above embodiment, the network device can instruct the intermediate node to trigger an inventory or paging to send the first information, so that the environmental Internet of Things device that receives the first information feeds back an inventory or paging response, thereby realizing the inventory or paging of the environmental Internet of Things device through the intermediate node.

[0076] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, sending the first information includes: receiving the first indication information, and sending the first information.

[0077] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first indication information is used to instruct the first communication device to trigger an inventory or paging of one or more tasks.

[0078] In the above embodiment, one or more different tasks are supported, and the first indication information is used to trigger the inventory or paging of the different tasks.

[0079] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, sending the first information includes: receiving second indication information sent by a network device; wherein the second indication information includes a first resource and / or a first channel; and sending the first information on the first resource and / or the first channel.

[0080] In the above embodiment, the network device can carry the content of the first information through the second indication information. In this way, the first communication device receives the second indication information and can trigger an inventory or paging based on the second indication information. The first communication device sends the first information (such as an inventory or paging instruction), so that the environmental Internet of Things device that receives the first information feeds back an inventory or paging response, thereby realizing the inventory or paging of the environmental Internet of Things device through the intermediate node.

[0081] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving second configuration information sent by the network device, the second configuration information including an indication that the first communication device is the intermediate node.

[0082] In the above embodiment, the intermediate node is configured through the network device so that when the network device sends the first information to the intermediate node, the intermediate node can send the first information to inventory or page the environmental Internet of Things devices.

[0083] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the second indication information also includes at least one of the following: a second resource and / or a second channel, an inventory type, and a first parameter; wherein the second resource and / or the second channel is used to indicate the resource and / or channel used by the one or more second devices to send the second information; the second information is the response information of the one or more second devices to the first information; the inventory type is the type of the one or more second devices in inventory; the first parameter is used for the one or more second devices to generate a random number, and the random number is the initial value of a counter, and the counter is reduced by one each time the one or more second devices receive the first information, wherein the second information is sent by the one or more second devices when the counter is the first value.

[0084] In the above embodiment, the second indication information can be used to indicate the resources / channels, inventory type, first parameters, etc. required by the environmental Internet of Things device, so that the environmental Internet of Things device can feedback the inventory or paging response based on this information to achieve communication between the environmental Internet of Things device and the intermediate node.

[0085] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information further includes at least one of the following: the second resource and / or the second channel, the inventory type, and the first parameter.

[0086] In the above embodiment, the first information carries at least one of the second resource and / or the second channel, the inventory type, and the first parameter, so that the environmental Internet of Things device that receives the first information feeds back an inventory or paging response based on this information (i.e., the second resource and / or the second channel, the inventory type, and at least one of the first parameter), thereby realizing inventory or paging of the environmental Internet of Things device through the intermediate node and realizing communication between the environmental Internet of Things device and the intermediate node.

[0087] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving second information sent by the one or more second devices.

[0088] In the above embodiment, the environmental Internet of Things device that receives the first information feeds back an inventory or paging response (i.e., the second information) based on the information (i.e., the second resource and / or the second channel, the inventory type, and at least one of the first parameters), thereby implementing inventory or paging of the environmental Internet of Things device through the intermediate node and realizing communication between the environmental Internet of Things device and the intermediate node.

[0089] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an information processing method, which is executed by a second device and includes:

[0090] Receive first information sent by a first communication device, where the first information is used to inventory or page the second device; wherein the first communication device is an intermediate node in an environmental Internet of Things scenario, and the second device is one or more environmental Internet of Things devices.

[0091] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information also includes at least one of the following: a second resource and / or a second channel, the second resource and / or the second channel are the resources and / or channels used by the second device to send the second information; the second information is the response information of the second device to the first information; the inventory type, the inventory type is the type of the second device inventoried; the first parameter, the first parameter is used by the second device to generate a random number, the random number is the initial value of the counter, and the counter is reduced by one each time the second device receives the first information.

[0092] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: sending the second information on the second resource and / or second channel.

[0093] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, sending the second information includes: generating a random number based on the first parameter; using the random number as the initial value of a counter, and reducing the counter by one each time the first information is received; and sending the second information when the counter is the first value.

[0094] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an information processing method, which is executed by a network device and includes:

[0095] Sending first configuration information to a first communication device; the first configuration information is used by the first communication device to trigger an inventory or paging when receiving the first configuration information, and the inventory or paging is used to inventory or paging one or more second devices; wherein the first communication device is an intermediate node in an environmental Internet of Things scenario, and the one or more second devices are one or more environmental Internet of Things devices.

[0096] In combination with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the first configuration information includes at least one of the following: an inventory or paging cycle, the inventory or paging cycle is the time period during which the first communication device sends the first information; an inventory or paging area, the inventory or paging area is the area that the first communication device needs to inventory or page; an inventory or paging location, the inventory or paging location is the location that the first communication device needs to inventory or page; a first resource and / or a first channel, the first resource and / or the first channel are the resources and / or channels used by the first communication device to send the first information; a second resource and / or the second channel, the second resource and / or the second channel are the resources and / or channels used by the one or more second devices to send the second information; the second information is the response information of the one or more second devices to the first information; an inventory type, the inventory type is the type of the one or more second devices in inventory; a first parameter, the first parameter is used by the one or more second devices to generate a random number, the random number is the initial value of a counter, and the counter is decremented by one each time the one or more second devices receive the first information, wherein the second information is sent by the one or more second devices when the counter is the first value.

[0097] In combination with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the first configuration information is configuration information associated with one or more tasks.

[0098] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an information processing method, which is executed by a network device and includes:

[0099] Sending first indication information to a first communication device, wherein the first indication information is used to instruct the first communication device to trigger an inventory or paging to send first information, and the first information is used to inventory or page one or more second devices; wherein the first communication device is an intermediate node in an environmental Internet of Things scenario, and the one or more second devices are one or more environmental Internet of Things devices.

[0100] In combination with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the first indication information is used to instruct the first communication device to trigger an inventory or paging of one or more tasks.

[0101] In combination with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: sending first configuration information to the first communication device; wherein the first configuration information includes at least one of the following: an inventory or paging cycle, the inventory or paging cycle is a time period for the first communication device to send the first information; an inventory or paging area, the inventory or paging area is an area where the first communication device needs to inventory or paging; an inventory or paging position, the inventory or paging position is a position where the first communication device needs to inventory or paging; a first resource and / or a first channel, the first resource and / or the first channel is a resource and / or a first channel for the first communication device to send the first information channel; a second resource and / or a second channel, the second resource and / or the second channel are the resources and / or channels used by the one or more second devices to send the second information; the second information is the response information of the one or more second devices to the first information; an inventory type, the inventory type is the type of the one or more second devices inventoried; a first parameter, the first parameter is used by the one or more second devices to generate a random number, the random number is the initial value of a counter, the counter is decremented by one each time the one or more second devices receive the first information, wherein the second information is sent by the one or more second devices when the counter is the first value.

[0102] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an information processing method, which is executed by a network device and includes:

[0103] Sending second indication information to a first communication device, where the second indication information is used to instruct the first communication device to trigger an inventory or paging to send first information, and the first information is used to inventory or page one or more second devices; wherein the first communication device is an intermediate node in an environmental Internet of Things scenario, and the one or more second devices are one or more environmental Internet of Things devices.

[0104] In combination with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: sending second configuration information to the first communication device, where the second configuration information includes an indication that the first communication device is the intermediate node.

[0105] In combination with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the second indication information also includes at least one of the following: a first resource and / or a first channel, a second resource and / or a second channel, an inventory type, and a first parameter; wherein, the first resource and / or the first channel is the resource and / or the channel for the first communication device to send the first information; the second resource and / or the second channel is used to indicate the resource and / or the channel used by the one or more second devices to send the second information; the second information is the response information of the one or more second devices to the first information; the inventory type is the type of the one or more second devices in inventory; the first parameter is used for the one or more second devices to generate a random number, and the random number is the initial value of the counter, and the counter is reduced by one each time the one or more second devices receive the first information, wherein the second information is sent by the one or more second devices when the counter is the first value.

[0106] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a first communication device, comprising at least one of a transceiver module and a processing module; wherein the above-mentioned first communication device is used to execute the optional implementation method of the first aspect.

[0107] In the seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a network device, comprising at least one of a transceiver module and a processing module; wherein the above-mentioned second device is used to execute the optional implementation method of the second aspect.

[0108] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a network device, comprising at least one of a transceiver module and a processing module; wherein the above-mentioned network device is used to execute the optional implementation method of the third aspect.

[0109] In the ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a network device, comprising at least one of a transceiver module and a processing module; wherein the above-mentioned network device is used to execute the optional implementation method of the fourth aspect.

[0110] In the tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a network device, comprising at least one of a transceiver module and a processing module; wherein the above-mentioned network device is used to execute the optional implementation method of the fifth aspect.

[0111] In an eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication system, including:

[0112] A first communication device, configured as an optional implementation of the first aspect;

[0113] A second device, configured to perform an optional implementation of the second aspect;

[0114] A network device is configured to perform optional implementations of the aforementioned third, fourth and fifth aspects.

[0115] In the twelfth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a communication device, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the processor is used to call instructions to enable the communication device to execute the optional implementation method of the aforementioned first aspect.

[0116] In the thirteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a communication device, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the processor is used to call instructions to enable the communication device to execute the optional implementation method of the aforementioned second aspect.

[0117] In the fourteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a communication device, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the processor is used to call instructions to enable the communication device to execute the optional implementation methods of the aforementioned third aspect, fourth aspect and fifth aspect.

[0118] In the fifteenth 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 optional implementation methods of the aforementioned first aspect, second aspect, third aspect, fourth aspect and fifth aspect.

[0119] In the sixteenth 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 optional implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, the fourth aspect and the fifth aspect.

[0120] In the seventeenth 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 optional implementation of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth aspects.

[0121] In an eighteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a chip or a chip system, wherein the chip or chip system includes a processing circuit configured to execute the method described in the optional implementation of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth aspects above.

[0122] It is understandable that the first communication device, the second device, the network device, the communication system, the storage medium, the program product, the computer program, the chip, or the chip system described above are all used to perform the method proposed in the embodiment of the present disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can refer to the beneficial effects of the corresponding method and will not be repeated here.

[0123] The present disclosure provides an information processing method and apparatus thereof. In some embodiments, the terms information processing method, communication method, etc. are interchangeable, the terms information processing apparatus, communication apparatus, etc. are interchangeable, and the terms information processing system, communication system, etc. are interchangeable.

[0124] 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.

[0125] 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.

[0126] 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.

[0127] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, elements expressed in the singular, such as "a", "an", "the", "above", "said", "the", "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.

[0128] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, “plurality” refers to two or more.

[0129] In some embodiments, the terms "at least one," "one or more," "a plurality of," "multiple," etc. may be used interchangeably.

[0130] 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.

[0131] 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.

[0132] 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.

[0133] 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.

[0134] In some embodiments, terms such as "time / frequency" and "time / frequency domain" refer to the time domain and / or the frequency domain.

[0135] 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.

[0136] 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.

[0137] In some embodiments, devices and equipment can be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. In some cases, they can also be understood as "equipment", "device", "circuit", "network element", "node", "function", "unit", "section", "system", "network", "chip", "chip system", "entity", "subject", etc.

[0138] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in the network, such as access network equipment, core network equipment, etc.

[0139] In some embodiments, "access network device (AN device)" may also be referred to as "radio access network device (RAN device)", "base station (BS)", "radio base station", "fixed station", and in some embodiments may also be understood as "node", "access point", "transmission point (TP)", "reception point (RP)", "transmission and / or reception point (TRP)" "panel", "antenna panel", "antenna array", "cell", "macro cell", "small cell", "femto cell", "pico cell", "sector", "cell group", "serving cell", "carrier", "component carrier", "bandwidth part (BWP)", etc.

[0140] In some embodiments, "terminal" or "terminal device" may be referred to as "user equipment (UE)", "user terminal" "mobile station (MS)", "mobile terminal (MT)", subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, wireless unit, remote unit, mobile device, wireless device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, remote terminal, handset, user agent, mobile client, client, etc.

[0141] In some embodiments, obtaining data, information, etc. may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the data is obtained.

[0142] In some embodiments, data, information, etc. may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0143] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication system may include, but is not limited to, a first communication device 101, a network device 102, and a second device 103. The number and configuration of devices shown in Figure 1 are for example purposes only and do not limit the present disclosure. In actual applications, one or more first communication devices, one or more network devices, and one or more second devices may be included.

[0144] In some embodiments, the first communication device 101 may be an intermediate node in an ambient IoT scenario. In some embodiments, the first communication device 101 may be, for example, a relay, an IAB (Integrated Access and Backhaul), a terminal, or a repeater. In some embodiments, the terminal herein may be a user-side entity for receiving or transmitting signals, such as a mobile phone. It may also be referred to as a terminal, user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), or mobile terminal (MT). The terminal may be at least one of a car with communication capabilities, a smart car, a mobile phone, a wearable device, a tablet computer, a computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, a virtual reality (VR) terminal, an augmented reality (AR) terminal, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in self-driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal in a smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in a smart city, a wireless terminal in a smart home, etc. The embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit the specific technology and specific device form adopted by the terminal.

[0145] In some embodiments, the second device 103 may be one or more of the ambient Internet of Things devices in the ambient Internet of Things scenario. The ambient Internet of Things (Ambient Internet of Things, also called Ambient IOT or A-IOT) device does not need to generate energy by itself, but can collect energy, such as collecting energy based on the surrounding environment or signals sent by surrounding devices, and can communicate based on the collected energy. The device also does not need to be configured with batteries or replaced. In other words, the ambient Internet of Things device needs to collect radio waves sent by the surrounding environment or surrounding devices to obtain energy before it can drive itself to work. The ambient Internet of Things device has the characteristics of low memory, low processing power, low power, small data transmission, and massive deployment. The ambient Internet of Things device can be maintenance-free and have a long service life.

[0146] In some embodiments, the types of ambient IoT devices can be divided into a first type and a second type. The first type of ambient IoT devices have energy storage, lack independent signal generation / amplification, and rely on backscatter transmission for uplink transmission. The second type of ambient IoT devices have energy storage and independent signal amplification, and uplink transmission is based on internally generated signals or relies on backscatter transmission for uplink transmission. For example, the first type refers to devices with energy storage and no independent signal generation and / or amplification capabilities; the second type refers to devices with energy storage and signal amplification capabilities.

[0147] In some embodiments, the network device 102 may be an access network device. In some embodiments, the access network device is, for example, a node or device that connects a terminal device to a wireless network. The access network device may include at least one of an evolved NodeB (eNB), a next generation evolved NodeB (ng-eNB), a next generation NodeB (gNB), a NodeB (NB), a home nodeB (HNB), a home evolved nodeB (HeNB), a wireless backhaul device, a radio network controller (RNC), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a base band unit (BBU), a mobile switching center, a base station in a 6G communication system, an open RAN, a cloud RAN, a base station in other communication systems, and an access node in a Wi-Fi system, but is not limited thereto.

[0148] In some embodiments, the technical solution of the present disclosure can be applied to the Open RAN architecture. In this case, the interfaces between or within the access network devices involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be transformed into internal interfaces of the Open RAN, and the processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented through software or programs.

[0149] In some embodiments, the access network device can be composed of a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU), where the CU can also be called a control unit. The CU-DU structure can be used to split the protocol layer of the access network device, with the functions of some protocol layers centrally controlled by the CU, and the functions of the remaining part or all of the protocol layers distributed in the DU, which is centrally controlled by the CU, but is not limited to this.

[0150] 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.

[0151] The following embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1 , or a portion thereof, but are not limited thereto. The entities shown in FIG1 are illustrative only. The communication system may include all or part of the entities shown in FIG1 , or may include other entities outside of FIG1 . The number and form of the entities are arbitrary, and the entities may be physical or virtual. The connection relationships between the entities are illustrative only. The entities may be connected or disconnected, and the connection may be in any manner, including direct or indirect, wired or wireless.

[0152] The embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), future radio access (FRA), new radio access technology (RAT), new radio (NR), new radio access (NX), future generation radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM (registered trademark)), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.20, Ultra-WideBand (UWB), Bluetooth (registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X), systems utilizing other communication methods, and next-generation systems based on and extending these methods. Furthermore, multiple systems may be combined (for example, a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0153] It's important to note that in today's IoT networks, traditional IoT devices are often powered by conventional batteries with limited lifespans, negatively impacting the user experience. The astronomical growth of IoT networks, coupled with the proliferation of IoT devices, has pushed maintenance expenses, including labor and battery costs, to a whole new level. Billions of conventional batteries are discarded each year, with only a small fraction effectively recycled, negatively impacting the Earth's ecosystem. Maintaining IoT network operations and replacing batteries can be extremely challenging in some extreme environmental conditions. Battery-free IoT communications have been proposed, promising improved network performance and sustainability, while expanding their application scenarios. Furthermore, battery-free communications are more environmentally friendly and safer for children and the elderly. By eliminating traditional batteries, device size and cost can be significantly reduced, paving the way for a variety of new applications.

[0154] In the 5G era, various LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) technologies, such as MTC (Machine Type Communication), NB-IoT (Narrow Band Internet of Things), and RedCap (Reduced Capability), have been developed to meet the growing needs of vertical fields. These LPWA technologies achieve low cost, low power consumption, and large-scale connectivity, which can meet the requirements of many applications. However, there are still many use cases and applications that cannot be solved in the following situations. First, devices driven by traditional batteries are not applicable, such as in extreme environmental conditions (such as high voltage, extremely high / low temperature, and humid environments). Second, maintenance-free devices are required (for example, traditional batteries that do not need to be replaced in the device). Finally, ultra-low complexity, very small device size / form factor (such as mm thickness), and longer life cycle are required.

[0155] Ambient-powered IoT is a promising technology that can address the aforementioned unmet needs. An ambient-powered IoT device is an IoT device powered by energy harvesting, either without a battery or with limited energy storage capabilities (e.g., using capacitors), by harvesting radio waves, light, motion, heat, or any other suitable power source.

[0156] Energy harvested from the environment can power data transmission and wireless communications at sensor nodes. Current mainstream low-power IoT communication chips (such as BLE, LoRa, and NB-IoT) consume tens or even hundreds of milliwatts of power for both transmission and reception. However, ambient energy harvesting only captures microwatts of energy, making it inadequate for these types of nodes. Therefore, new wireless communication technologies are needed to reduce communication energy consumption to tens or even below ten microwatts. Backscatter communication is currently the mainstream approach. Backscatter communications is a key technology for building a green, energy-efficient, and flexibly deployable future IoT, and a crucial means of achieving the "Intelligent Connection of Everything."

[0157] Backscatter communication is a modulation and transmission technology designed with extremely low power consumption, which utilizes the principle of backscattering of radio frequency signals. For example, when a radio frequency signal reaches the surface of an object, a portion of it will be reflected. The sending node adjusts the matching between the receiving antenna and the impedance according to the information to be sent, thereby enhancing the reflection of the incident radio frequency signal and modulating the acquired sensing data onto the reflected signal to complete the transmission of the data. This process is similar to that of a reflector. Compared with other communication technologies, backscatter communication does not require a complex radio frequency structure, reduces the use of devices such as power amplifiers, high-precision crystal oscillators, duplexers, and high-precision filters, and does not require complex baseband processing. Therefore, it can simplify terminal design and significantly reduce the cost of terminal nodes.

[0158] Backscatter communication has been widely used in RFID (radio frequency identification) systems, with numerous large-scale commercial applications. Its operating principle is that a receiver (typically an RFID reader) transmits a radio frequency excitation signal, activating a passive node (typically an RFID tag). The tag then uses backscatter communication to modulate its information onto the radio frequency signal. The reader then receives the reflected signal from the passive tag and demodulates it, achieving information transmission.

[0159] Currently, RFID technology also has numerous drawbacks, such as limited coverage (the wireless signal experiences double-path fading during the round-trip communication process, resulting in high path loss and a short effective communication range), single-channel transmission, the need for strict tag alignment, and a lack of power control. RFID technology still has significant room for improvement in communication. Integration with 3GPP communication technologies is needed to improve the wireless communication performance of RFID technology in the passive IoT.

[0160] To conserve power and reduce device complexity in communication systems, new devices, such as the Ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT) devices, have been introduced. These A-IoT devices require energy from radio waves emitted by the surrounding environment or surrounding devices before they can operate. Therefore, before sourcing energy, A-IoT devices are typically powered off, meaning they are disconnected from the network. To address this, communication systems must support data communication methods with shorter transmission times, lower memory consumption, and more convenient terminal management to expedite data communication.

[0161] In some embodiments, the present disclosure implements a wireless communication design based on backscatter technology for communication between ambient energy devices (also referred to as ambient IoT devices, i.e., the second device herein). In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 2, the topology of the ambient IoT scenario in this disclosure is as follows: Downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) data are indirectly received and transmitted between the ambient IoT device and a network device (e.g., a base station); intermediate nodes, such as relays, IABs, UEs, and repeaters, perform forwarding.

[0162] In some embodiments, under the aforementioned topology, network devices need to perform inventory or paging via an intermediate node. To this end, embodiments of the present disclosure provide an information processing method and apparatus thereof, which can trigger an inventory or paging operation via an intermediate node to send a first message, causing the environmental IoT device that receives the first message to respond with an inventory or paging response, thereby implementing inventory or paging of the environmental IoT device via the intermediate node.

[0163] FIG3A is an interactive diagram illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3A , the information processing method according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can be applied to a communication system 100, and the method includes but is not limited to the following steps.

[0164] Step S3101: The network device 102 sends first configuration information.

[0165] In some embodiments, the first configuration information may be sent by the network device 102 to the first communication device 101. For example, the network device 102 sends the first configuration information to the first communication device 101, and correspondingly, the first communication device 101 receives the first configuration information sent by the network device 102.

[0166] In some embodiments, the first configuration information can be used by the first communication device 101 to trigger an inventory or paging upon receiving the first configuration information. The inventory or paging is used to perform an inventory or paging on one or more second devices. First communication device 101 is an intermediate node in an ambient IoT scenario, and the one or more second devices are one or more ambient IoT devices. In other words, upon receiving the first configuration information configured by network device 102, first communication device 101 triggers an inventory or paging.

[0167] In some embodiments, "paging" in this disclosure may refer to searching for or taking inventory of a second device (or ambient IoT device) in an ambient IoT scenario. "Inventory" in this disclosure may refer to checking the number of second devices (or ambient IoT devices) in an existing ambient IoT scenario by methods such as counting or reconciliation. In some embodiments, the terms "inventory," "paging," "statistics," and "inventory" may be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, the terms "triggering" and "starting" may be used interchangeably.

[0168] In some embodiments, the first configuration information may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: an inventory or paging cycle; an inventory or paging area; an inventory or paging location; a first resource and / or a first channel; a second resource and / or a second channel; an inventory type; and a first parameter. In this embodiment, the first configuration information may include an inventory or paging cycle, an inventory or paging area, a first resource and / or a first channel, a second resource and / or a second channel, and a first parameter. In this embodiment, the first configuration information may include an inventory or paging area, a first resource and / or a first channel, a second resource and / or a second channel, an inventory type, and a first parameter. In this embodiment, the first configuration information may include an inventory or paging cycle, an inventory or paging location, a first resource and / or a first channel, a second resource and / or a second channel, an inventory type, and a first parameter. In this embodiment, the first configuration information may include an inventory or paging cycle, an inventory or paging location, a first resource and / or a first channel, a second resource and / or a second channel, and a first parameter. In this embodiment, the first configuration information may include an inventory or paging location, a first resource and / or a first channel, a second resource and / or a second channel, and a first parameter. It should be noted that the above embodiments are not exhaustive and are merely illustrative of some embodiments. Furthermore, the above embodiments may be implemented individually or in combination. The above embodiments are intended for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0169] In some embodiments, the inventory or paging cycle is, for example, a time period during which the first communication device 101 transmits first information. The first information is used to inventory or page one or more second devices. For example, the length of the inventory or paging cycle can be in units of symbols, slots, microseconds (us), milliseconds (ms), seconds, minutes, hours, and the like.

[0170] Exemplarily, the inventory or paging cycle may include a first cycle. An inventory or paging needs to be re-initiated every first cycle (or the first message needs to be re-sent every first cycle). For example, the inventory or paging cycle may include a first cycle (e.g., 2 hours), and an inventory or paging needs to be re-initiated every 2 hours, or the first message needs to be re-sent every 2 hours.

[0171] Exemplarily, the inventory or paging cycle may include a first cycle and a second cycle. The first cycle may be understood as a large cycle, that is, the inventory or paging needs to be re-initiated at intervals of the first cycle (or the first information needs to be re-sent at intervals of the first cycle). The second cycle may be a small cycle, that is, the first information can be repeatedly sent within a large cycle, and the small cycle is a small cycle for resending the first information within a large cycle. For example, the inventory or paging cycle may include a first cycle (such as 24 hours) and a second cycle (such as 4 hours), and the inventory or paging needs to be re-initiated at intervals of 24 hours. Within the 24-hour period, the first information is resent at intervals of 4 hours to perform inventory or paging on the environmental Internet of Things devices in the environmental Internet of Things scenario.

[0172] In some embodiments, the inventory or paging area is an area that the first communication device 101 needs to inventory or page. Exemplarily, the inventory or paging area can be represented by a zone ID or other identifier that can indicate an area, which can indicate the area that the first communication device 101 needs to inventory or page. Exemplarily, the zone ID can be used to indicate a specific area to be inventoried, such as zones A, B, C, or D, or the zone ID can be used to indicate a direction, such as east, west, south, north, southeast, northeast, southwest, or northwest. For example, the zone ID can be used to indicate the coordinates or angles of a specific direction. The present disclosure does not specifically limit the number of bits occupied by the zone ID.

[0173] For example, the area identifier has 2 bits, where 00 represents area A, 01 represents area B, 10 represents area C, and 11 represents area D. For example, the area identifier may be a Zone ID, or other identifier that can identify a geographic location or a geographic area, which is not specifically limited in this disclosure.

[0174] In some embodiments, the inventory or paging location is a location that the first communication device 101 needs to inventory or page. Exemplarily, the inventory or paging location can be represented by a zone ID or other identifier that can indicate a location, which can indicate the location that the first communication device 101 needs to inventory or page. Exemplarily, the location identifier can be used to indicate a specific inventory location, such as zones A, B, C, and D, or the location identifier can be used to indicate a direction, such as east, west, south, north, southeast, northeast, southwest, and northwest. For example, the location identifier can be used to indicate the coordinates, angles, and the like of a specific direction. The present disclosure does not specifically limit the number of bits occupied by the location identifier.

[0175] For example, the location identifier has 2 bits, where 00 represents area A, 01 represents area B, 10 represents area C, and 11 represents area D. For example, the location identifier may be a Zone ID, or other identifier that can identify a geographic location or a geographic area, which is not specifically limited in this disclosure.

[0176] In some embodiments, the first resource and / or first channel is a resource and / or channel used by the first communication device 101 to transmit the first information. For example, the resource may be a time domain and / or frequency domain resource, and / or a code domain resource. The first resource and / or first channel may be a resource and / or channel used by the first communication device 101 to transmit the first information.

[0177] In some embodiments, the second resource and / or second channel is a resource and / or channel used by one or more second devices to transmit the second information. In some embodiments, the second information may be a response message from one or more second devices to the first information. Exemplarily, the resource may be a time domain and / or frequency domain resource, and / or a code domain resource. The second resource and / or second channel may be a resource and / or channel used by the second device to transmit the second information.

[0178] In some embodiments, the above-mentioned inventory type is the type of one or more second devices to be inventoried. Exemplarily, the network device 102 configures the inventory type for the first communication device 101, which can be used to inventory or page a specific type of device. That is, the above-mentioned inventory type can indicate the type of second device that needs to be inventoried or paged. In some embodiments, the types of second devices can be divided into a first type and a second type. Among them, the second device of the first type has energy storage, no independent signal generation / amplification, and the uplink transmission relies on backscatter transmission. The second device of the second type has energy storage and independent signal amplification, and the uplink transmission is based on an internally generated signal or the uplink transmission relies on backscatter transmission. Exemplarily, the above-mentioned inventory type can be "first type" and "second type". By configuring the inventory type, only the second devices of the first type can be inventoried, by configuring the inventory type, only the second devices of the second type can be inventoried, and by configuring the inventory type, both the second devices of the first type and the second devices of the second type can be inventoried. Alternatively, the aforementioned inventory types can be "backscatter" and "non-backscatter," where "backscatter" can, for example, refer to sending signals based on backscatter, and "non-backscatter" can, for example, refer to actively sending signals. For example, a network device can configure the inventory type to indicate whether the signal generation type of the second device being inventoried is "backscatter" or "non-backscatter." By configuring this inventory type, only "backscatter" second devices can be inventoried, only "non-backscatter" second devices can be inventoried, or both "backscatter" and "non-backscatter" second devices can be inventoried. It should be noted that the aforementioned device types are merely examples; other naming formats are possible and are not specifically limited by this disclosure. In some embodiments, the aforementioned first parameter is used by one or more second devices to generate a random number. This random number can be the initial value of a counter, which is decremented by one each time the one or more second devices receive first information, where the second information is sent by the one or more second devices when the counter reaches the first value. Exemplarily, the network device 102 sends the first parameter to the first communication device 101 via the first configuration information. The first communication device 101 carries the first parameter when sending the first information. In this way, the second device 103 that receives the first information can generate a random number based on the first parameter in the first information and use the random number as the initial value of the counter. Each time the second device 103 receives the first information, it decrements the counter by one until the counter reaches the first value (e.g., 0), at which time the second device 103 sends the second information. Exemplarily, the first parameter can be represented by Q, or can be named by other names, which are not specifically limited in this disclosure.The first parameter (such as Q value) is used to resolve conflicts. For example, for the second device 103 that receives the first information, a number is randomly selected from (0 to 2 to the power of Q) and the random number is used as the initial value of the counter. Each time the first information is received, the value of the counter is subtracted by 1. When the value of the counter is reduced to 0, the second information can be sent.

[0179] It should be noted that, in some embodiments, when performing an inventory or paging on the second device, it may be necessary to distinguish different tasks. In this way, the above-mentioned first configuration information may include configuration information associated with one or more tasks. In some embodiments, the above-mentioned first configuration information may be configuration information associated with one or more tasks. Exemplarily, each task has associated configuration information, and the configuration information may include one or more of the above-mentioned inventory or paging cycle, the above-mentioned inventory or paging area, the above-mentioned inventory or paging location, the above-mentioned first resource and / or first channel, the above-mentioned second resource and / or second channel, the above-mentioned inventory type, and the above-mentioned first parameter. The configuration information associated with different tasks may be the same or different.

[0180] In some embodiments, when performing an inventory or paging on the second device, it may not be necessary to distinguish between different tasks. Thus, the first configuration information only needs to include one piece of configuration information. The configuration information may include one or more of the inventory or paging cycle, the inventory or paging area, the inventory or paging location, the first resource and / or first channel, the second resource and / or second channel, the inventory type, and the first parameter.

[0181] In some embodiments, the first configuration information may be sent by the network device 102 to the first communication device 101 via dedicated signaling. Exemplarily, the network device 102 sends the dedicated signaling to the first communication device 101, and accordingly, the first communication device 101 receives the dedicated signaling sent by the network device 102, where the dedicated signaling includes the first configuration information. Exemplarily, the dedicated signaling may be dedicated RRC (Radio Resource Control) signaling. For example, the network device 102 may send the first configuration information to the first communication device 101 via dedicated RRC signaling, and accordingly, the first communication device 101 obtains the first configuration information via dedicated RRC signaling.

[0182] Step S3102: The first communication device 101 receives the first configuration information, triggering an inventory or paging.

[0183] In some embodiments, the first configuration information may be sent by the network device 102 to the first communication device 101. Exemplarily, the network device 102 sends the first configuration information to the first communication device 101, and accordingly, the first communication device 101 receives the first configuration information sent by the network device 102. The first communication device 101 receives the first configuration information and starts to trigger an inventory or paging (or starts an inventory or paging). That is, when the first communication device 101 receives the first configuration information sent by the network device 102, the first communication device 101 may know that it will act as an intermediate node and perform an inventory or paging on the second device in the environmental Internet of Things scenario based on the first configuration information. That is, when the first communication device 101 receives the first configuration information sent by the network device 102, it starts to trigger an inventory or paging, without the need for the network device 102 to send the first indication information to instruct the first communication device 101 to trigger an inventory or paging.

[0184] It should be noted that, in some embodiments, the triggering of inventory or paging can be understood as starting inventory or paging, such as starting to determine the resources needed for inventory or paging, determining the area for inventory or paging, or other information, and performing data encapsulation to generate a data packet of the first information.

[0185] Step S3103: The first communication device 101 sends first information on a first resource and / or a first channel.

[0186] In some embodiments, the first resource and / or the first channel may be included in the first configuration information.

[0187] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first communication device 101 receives first configuration information sent by a network device 102. The first communication device 101 may know that it will act as an intermediate node and perform an inventory or paging of a second device in an ambient IoT scenario based on the first configuration information. That is, upon receiving the first configuration information sent by the network device 102, the first communication device 101 triggers an inventory or paging operation and sends the first information on the first resource and / or first channel. Exemplarily, the first information may be an inventory or paging instruction, or may be other instructions, such as an indoor command (e.g., a read / write instruction).

[0188] In some embodiments, the first information sent by the first communication device 101 may be generated by the first communication device 101. For example, upon receiving the first configuration information sent by the network device 102, the first communication device 101 starts to trigger inventory or paging, generates the first information, and sends the first information on the first resource and / or first channel.

[0189] In some embodiments, after sending the first information (or after sending the first information), the first communication device 101 can start or restart the first timer, and the length of the first timer is the length of the inventory or paging cycle; when the first timer times out, the first information is resent. That is, the first communication device 101 can periodically inventory or page the second device based on the inventory or paging cycle in the first configuration information. Exemplarily, the first communication device 101 receives the first configuration information sent by the network device 102 and starts to trigger inventory or paging, generates the first information, and the first communication device 101 sends the first information on the first resource and / or first channel. The first communication device 101 starts or restarts the first timer. The first communication device 101 determines that the first timer has timed out, and the first communication device 101 sends the first information again, or the first communication device 101 determines that the first timer has timed out, and the first communication device 101 resends the first information.

[0190] It should be noted that, in some embodiments, when performing an inventory or paging on the second device, it may be necessary to distinguish different tasks. In this way, the above-mentioned first configuration information may include configuration information associated with one or more tasks. In some embodiments, the above-mentioned first configuration information may be configuration information associated with one or more tasks. Exemplarily, the first communication device 101 starts to trigger an inventory or paging upon receiving the first configuration information sent by the network device 102. For one or more tasks configured by the first configuration information, the first communication device 101 generates first information respectively. The first communication device 101 sends the first information on the first resource and / or first channel associated with the task indicated by the first configuration information. The first communication device 101 starts or restarts the first timer associated with the task. The length of the first timer associated with the task is the length of the inventory period associated with the task. The first communication device 101 determines that the first timer associated with the task has timed out, and the intermediate node sends the first information corresponding to the task again.

[0191] For example, the first configuration information may include configuration information associated with three tasks (e.g., Task 1, Task 2, and Task 3). Upon receiving the first configuration information sent by network device 102, first communication device 101 triggers an inventory or paging. For Task 1 configured in the first configuration information, first communication device 101 generates first information and transmits it on the first resource and / or first channel associated with Task 1, as indicated in the first configuration information. First communication device 101 starts or restarts the first timer associated with Task 1, with the length of the first timer being the length of the inventory cycle associated with Task 1. First communication device 101 determines that the first timer associated with Task 1 has expired, and the intermediate node retransmits the first information corresponding to Task 1. For Task 2 configured in the first configuration information, first communication device 101 generates first information and transmits it on the first resource and / or first channel associated with Task 2, as indicated in the first configuration information. First communication device 101 starts or restarts the first timer associated with Task 2, with the length of the first timer being the length of the inventory cycle associated with Task 2. The first communication device 101 determines that the first timer associated with Task 2 has timed out, and the intermediate node resends the first information corresponding to Task 2. For Task 3 configured in the first configuration information, the first communication device 101 generates first information, transmits the first information on the first resource and / or first channel associated with Task 3 indicated in the first configuration information, and starts or restarts the first timer associated with Task 3. The length of the first timer associated with Task 3 is the length of the inventory period associated with Task 3. The first communication device 101 determines that the first timer associated with Task 3 has timed out, and the intermediate node resends the first information corresponding to Task 3.

[0192] In some embodiments, the first information sent by the first communication device 101 may further include at least one of the following: the second resource and / or second channel, the inventory type, the first parameter, and a task identifier. That is, the first information sent by the first communication device 101 may further carry at least one of the second resource and / or second channel, the inventory type, and the first parameter. Exemplarily, the second resource and / or second channel, the inventory type, and the first parameter may be included in the first configuration information sent by the network device 102 to the first communication device 101. For a description of the second resource and / or second channel, the inventory type, and the first parameter, please refer to the relevant description in step S3101 above and will not be repeated here. It should be noted that when performing an inventory or paging of a second device, if the purpose is to distinguish different tasks, the first information sent by the first communication device 101 may also carry the task identifier. The second device that receives the first information can, based on the task identifier, determine whether the second device is a device associated with the task corresponding to the task identifier. For example, if a task requires an inventory of second device a, second device b, and second device c, and the first information sent by the first communication device 101 carries the task identifier of the task, if the second device a receives the first information and determines, based on the task identifier in the first information, that the second device a is a device associated with the task corresponding to the task identifier, then the second device a sends the second information. Exemplarily, the task identifier may be configured for the first communication device 101 by the network device 102. Exemplarily, the network device 102 configures the task identifier for the first communication device 101 through the first configuration information.

[0193] In some embodiments, the first resource and / or first channel in the first configuration information may be one or more, and each of the one or more first resources and / or first channels is used to indicate the resource and / or channel on which the first communication device 101 sends the first information each time. Exemplarily, the network device 102 configures a resource list of first resources and / or first channels, or in other words, the first configuration information includes a first resource list, and the first resource list includes one or more first resources and / or first channels, each first resource and / or first channel corresponding to one inventory or paging. For example, if the first resource list includes three first resources and / or first channels, then three inventory or paging may be performed. For example, each time the first communication device 101 sends the first information, it uses a corresponding first resource and / or first channel to send the first information. The first communication device 101 can send the first information three times, i.e., implement three inventory or paging. For example, when the first communication device 101 sends the first information for the first time, it can use the first first resource in the first resource list to send the first information; when sending the first information for the second time, it can use the second first resource in the first resource list to send the first information; when sending the first information for the third time, it can use the third first resource in the first resource list to send the first information.

[0194] In some embodiments, the second resource and / or second channel in the first configuration information may be one or more, and each second resource and / or second channel among the one or more second resources and / or second channels is used to indicate the resource and / or channel used by the second device to send the second information each time. Exemplarily, the network device 102 is configured with a resource list of a second resource and / or a second channel, or the second configuration information includes a second resource list, and the second resource list includes one or more second resources and / or second channels, and each second resource and / or second channel corresponds to an inventory or paging. For example, the second resource list includes 3 second resources and / or second channels, which may correspond to 3 inventories or pagings. For example, each time the first communication device 101 sends the first information, the first information includes a corresponding second resource and / or second channel, which is used to instruct the second device to use the second resource and / or second channel to send the second information. For example, when the first communication device 101 sends the first information for the first time, the second resource indicated in the first information is the first second resource in the second resource list. When the first information is sent for the second time, the second resource indicated in the first information is the second second resource in the second resource list. When the first information is sent for the third time, the second resource indicated in the first information is the third second resource in the second resource list. Each time the second device sends the second information, it uses a second resource and / or a second channel indicated by the first information to send the second information. The second device can send the second information three times, ie, implement three inventory or paging responses.

[0195] In some embodiments, the first resource and / or the first channel in the first configuration information may be a block of resources, and the first resource and / or the first channel are used to indicate the resource and / or the channel on which the first information is sent by the first communication device 101. Exemplarily, the first resource and / or the first channel configured by the network device 102 is a block of resources, and the first communication device 101 may select a resource and / or a channel from the block of resources (i.e., the first resource and / or the first channel), and send the first information on the selected resource and / or channel.

[0196] In some embodiments, the second resource and / or second channel in the first configuration information may be a block of resources, and the second resource and / or second channel is used to indicate the resource and / or channel for sending the second information by the second communication device 101. Exemplarily, the second resource and / or second channel configured by the network device 102 is a block of resources, and the second communication device 101 may select a resource and / or channel from the block of resources (i.e., the second resource and / or second channel), and the first information sent by the first communication device 101 carries the selected resource and / or channel. In this way, the second device that receives the first information may send the second information based on the selected resource and / or channel in the first information.

[0197] It should be noted that, in some embodiments, the first resource and / or the first channel in the first configuration information may be indicated in a list, and the second resource and / or the second channel in the first configuration information may be a block of resources, and the second resource and / or the second channel is used to indicate the resource and / or channel for the second communication device 101 to send the second information. Exemplarily, the first resource and / or the first channel in the first configuration information may be one or more, and each of the one or more first resources and / or first channels is used to indicate the resource and / or channel for the first communication device 101 to send the first information once each time. Exemplarily, the network device 102 is configured with a resource list of the first resource and / or the first channel, or the first configuration information includes a first resource list, and the first resource list includes one or more first resources and / or first channels, and each first resource and / or first channel corresponds to an inventory or paging. Exemplarily, the second resource and / or second channel configured by the network device 102 is a block of resources, and the second communication device 101 can select resources and / or channels from the block of resources (i.e., the second resource and / or second channel). The first information sent by the first communication device 101 carries the selected resources and / or channels. In this way, for the second device that receives the first information, it can send second information based on the selected resources and / or channels in the first information.

[0198] It should be noted that, in some embodiments, the first resource and / or first channel in the first configuration information may be a block of resources, and the first resource and / or first channel is used to indicate the resource and / or channel on which the first communication device 101 sends the first information. The second resource and / or second channel in the first configuration information may be indicated by a list. Exemplarily, the first resource and / or first channel configured by the network device 102 is a block of resources, and the first communication device 101 may select a resource and / or channel from the block of resources (i.e., the first resource and / or first channel) and send the first information on the selected resource and / or channel. The second resource and / or second channel in the first configuration information may be one or more, and each of the one or more second resources and / or second channels is used to indicate the resource and / or channel to be used by the second device each time it sends the second information. Exemplarily, the network device 102 configures a resource list of second resources and / or second channels, or the second configuration information includes a second resource list, and the second resource list includes one or more second resources and / or second channels, each second resource and / or second channel corresponding to an inventory or paging.

[0199] Optionally, in some embodiments, step S3102 may be an optional step, that is, the above-mentioned step of "triggering inventory or paging" may be optional. In other words, the first communication device 101 receives the first configuration information and sends the first information on the first resource and / or the first channel. Exemplarily, the first communication device 101 receives the first configuration information, obtains the first resource and / or the first channel based on the first configuration information, and then sends the first information on the first resource and / or the first channel.

[0200] Step S3104: The second device 103 sends second information.

[0201] In some embodiments, upon receiving the first configuration information sent by the network device 102, the first communication device 101 triggers an inventory or paging operation, generates first information, and transmits the first information on the first resource and / or first channel. The second device 103 that receives the first information may transmit the second information, and accordingly, the first communication device 101 receives the second information transmitted by the second device 103. In some embodiments, the second device 103 that receives the first information may be one or more, that is, the second device 103 that transmits the second information may be one or more. In some embodiments, the second information may include, but is not limited to, a device identifier and / or data of the second device 103.

[0202] In some embodiments, the second device 103 that receives the first information may send the second information via backscatter transmission.

[0203] In some embodiments, the first information sent by the first communication device 101 may further include at least one of the following: the second resource and / or second channel, the inventory type, the first parameter, and a task identifier. Exemplarily, the first information sent by the first communication device 101 also includes the second resource and / or second channel. Upon receiving the first information, the second device 103 may send the second information via the second resource and / or second channel. Exemplarily, the second device 103 may send the second information via backscatter transmission on the second resource and / or second channel. It should be noted that, for inventory or paging of the second device, if it is to distinguish different tasks, the first information sent by the first communication device 101 may also carry the task identifier. The second device that receives the first information can determine, based on the task identifier, whether the second device belongs to the task-associated device corresponding to the task identifier. For example, a certain task requires an inventory of the second device a, the second device b, and the second device c. The first information sent by the first communication device 101 carries the task identifier of the task. If the second device a receives the first information and determines, based on the task identifier in the first information, that the second device a belongs to the task-associated device corresponding to the task identifier, then the second device a sends the second information.

[0204] Exemplarily, the first information sent by the first communication device 101 also includes a second resource and / or a second channel, and an inventory type. For the second device 103 that receives the first information, it can be determined based on the inventory type whether the second device 103 is a device that requires inventory or paging. If the second device 103 is a device that requires inventory or paging, the second device 103 sends the second information on the second resource and / or second channel. Exemplarily, the second device 103 can send the second information on the second resource and / or second channel through backscatter transmission.

[0205] Exemplarily, the first information sent by the first communication device 101 also includes a second resource and / or a second channel, and a first parameter. For the second device 103 that receives the first information, a random number can be generated based on the first parameter, and the random number can be used as the initial value of the counter. Each time the second device 103 receives the first information, the counter is reduced by one until the counter is the first value (such as 0). The second device 103 sends the second information on the second resource and / or second channel. Exemplarily, the second device 103 can send the second information on the second resource and / or second channel through backscatter transmission.

[0206] Exemplarily, the first information sent by the first communication device 101 also includes a second resource and / or a second channel, an inventory type, and a first parameter. For the second device 103 that receives the first information, it can be determined based on the inventory type whether the second device 103 is a device that needs to be inventoryed or paging. If the second device 103 is a device that needs to be inventoryed or paging, a random number is generated based on the first parameter, and the random number is used as the initial value of the counter. Each time the second device 103 receives the first information, the counter is reduced by one until the counter is the first value (such as 0). The second device 103 sends the second information on the second resource and / or second channel. Exemplarily, the second device 103 can send the second information on the second resource and / or second channel through backscatter transmission.

[0207] In some embodiments, the second device 103 that receives the first information may be a second device in the same IoT environment as the first communication device 101. That is, the second device in the same IoT environment as the first communication device 101 will receive the first information sent by the first communication device 101.

[0208] In some embodiments, the first information sent by the first communication device 101 may also carry a device identifier, which may be the identifier of the device that needs to be inventoried or paging. That is, the first communication device 101 sends the first information, and the second device 103 that receives the first information determines whether the second device 103 is a device that needs to be inventoried or paging based on the device identifier of the first information. If the second device 103 is a device that needs to be inventoried or paging, the second device 103 sends the second information.

[0209] Optionally, in some embodiments, the method may further include step S3105, namely: the first communication device 101 sends the second information to the network device 102. Exemplarily, the first communication device 101 may report the second information sent by the second device 103 to the network device 102 in the form of a report. Correspondingly, the network device 103 receives the second information sent by the first communication device 101, so that the network device 103 can understand the situation of the second device in the environmental Internet of Things scenario.

[0210] In some embodiments, the names of information, etc. are not limited to the names described in the embodiments, and terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "symbol", "codeword", "codebook", "codeword", "codepoint", "bit", "data", "program", and "chip" can be used interchangeably.

[0211] In some embodiments, terms such as "uplink", "uplink", "physical uplink" can be interchangeable with each other, and terms such as "downlink", "downlink", "physical downlink" can be interchangeable with each other, and terms such as "side", "sidelink", "side communication", "sidelink communication", "direct connection", "direct link", "direct communication", "direct link communication" can be interchangeable with each other.

[0212] In some embodiments, "obtain", "get", "get", "receive", "transmit", "bidirectional transmission", "send and / or receive" can be interchangeable, and can be interpreted as receiving from other entities, obtaining from protocols, obtaining from higher layers, obtaining by self-processing, autonomous implementation, etc.

[0213] In some embodiments, terms such as "send", "transmit", "report", "download", "transmit", "bidirectional transmission", "send and / or receive" can be used interchangeably.

[0214] In some embodiments, terms such as "certain", "preset", "preset", "setting", "indicated", "a certain", "any", and "first" can be interchangeable. "Specific A", "preset A", "preset A", "setting A", "indicated A", "a certain A", "any A", and "first A" can be interpreted as A pre-specified in a protocol, etc., or as A obtained through setting, configuration, or indication, etc., or as specific A, a certain A, any A, or first A, etc., but not limited to this.

[0215] In some embodiments, the determination or judgment can be performed by a value represented by 1 bit (0 or 1), or by a true or false value (Boolean value) represented by true or false, or by comparison of numerical values ​​(for example, comparison with a predetermined value), but is not limited thereto.

[0216] The method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S3101 to S3105. For example, step S3101 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3101 + step S3102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3101 + step S3102 + step S3103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3101 + step S3102 + step S3103 + step S3104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S3101 + step S3102 + step S3103 + step S3104 + step S3105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0217] In some embodiments, step S3102, step S3103, step S3104, and step S3105 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0218] In some embodiments, step S3103, step S3104, and step S3105 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0219] In some embodiments, step S3104 and step S3105 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0220] In some embodiments, step S3105 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0221] In some embodiments, reference may be made to other optional implementations described before or after the description corresponding to FIG. 3A .

[0222] FIG3B is an interactive diagram illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3B , the information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be applied to a communication system 100, and the method includes but is not limited to the following steps.

[0223] Step S3201: The network device 102 sends first configuration information.

[0224] In some embodiments, the first configuration information may be sent by network device 102 to first communication device 101. For example, network device 102 sends the first configuration information to first communication device 101, and correspondingly, first communication device 101 receives the first configuration information sent by network device 102. Upon receiving the first configuration information, first communication device 101 may save the first configuration information. For a description of the first configuration information, please refer to the optional implementation of step S3101 in FIG. 3A and other related portions of the embodiment involved in FIG. 3A , which will not be repeated here.

[0225] Step S3202: The network device 102 sends first indication information.

[0226] In some embodiments, the first indication information may be sent by the network device 102 to the first communication device 101. For example, the network device 102 sends the first indication information to the first communication device 101, and correspondingly, the first communication device 101 receives the first indication information sent by the network device 102.

[0227] In some embodiments, the first indication information is used to instruct the first communication device 101 to trigger an inventory or paging. That is, the network device 102 can dynamically instruct the first communication device 101 to trigger an inventory or paging through the first indication information. Exemplarily, upon receiving the first indication information, the first communication device 101 initiates the inventory or paging.

[0228] In some embodiments, the first indication information may be any one of the following information: RRC signaling; MAC (Medium Access Control) CE (Control Element); or DCI (Downlink Control Information). Exemplarily, the first indication information may be RRC signaling, or MAC CE, or DCI, to instruct the first communication device 101 to trigger an inventory or paging.

[0229] It should be noted that, in some embodiments, for performing an inventory or paging on the second device, it may be necessary to distinguish different tasks. In some embodiments, the first indication information may be used to instruct the first communication device 101 to trigger an inventory or paging of one or more tasks. Exemplarily, if multiple different tasks are supported, the first indication information may be used to trigger an inventory or paging of different tasks. For example, taking the first indication information as a MAC CE, the MAC CE may define a bitmap, and different bits in the bitmap may indicate an inventory or paging of different tasks. For example, if the value of the bit indicator bit in the bitmap is 1, it indicates that the corresponding task needs to be triggered for inventory or paging. If the value of the bit indicator bit in the bitmap is 0, it indicates that the corresponding task does not need to be triggered for inventory or paging. The value of the bit indicator bit in the bitmap may also be other values, which is not limited in this disclosure and will not be described in detail.

[0230] For another example, taking the first indication information as DCI, the DCI can indicate the inventory or paging of different tasks using different indication bits. For another example, taking the first indication information as RRC signaling, the RRC signaling can indicate the inventory or paging of different tasks by carrying a task identifier (such as a task index). This disclosure does not specifically limit how to distinguish different tasks.

[0231] In some embodiments, for performing inventory or paging on the second device, it may not be necessary to distinguish between different tasks. In this way, the first indication information is used to instruct the first communication device 101 to trigger inventory or paging.

[0232] Step S3203: The first communication device 101 receives the first indication information and sends the first information.

[0233] In some embodiments, the network device 102 can dynamically instruct the first communication device 101 to trigger an inventory or paging through the first indication information. Upon receiving the first indication information, the first communication device 101 begins to trigger an inventory or paging. Exemplarily, each time the first communication device 101 receives the first indication information, an inventory or paging is triggered. The first communication device 101 generates first information and sends the first information on a first resource and / or a first channel. Exemplarily, the first communication device 101 can obtain the first resource and / or the first channel through the first configuration information. Exemplarily, the first communication device 101 can obtain the first resource and / or the first channel through the first indication information.

[0234] In some embodiments, the first indication information can be used to instruct the first communication device 101 to trigger an inventory or paging of one or more tasks. Exemplarily, if multiple different tasks are supported, the first indication information can be used to trigger an inventory or paging of different tasks. Exemplarily, for one or more tasks indicated by the first indication information, the first communication device 101 receives the first indication information, generates first information respectively, and sends the first information on the first resource and / or first channel associated with the task. Exemplarily, the first communication device 101 can obtain the first resource and / or first channel associated with the task through the first configuration information. Exemplarily, the first communication device 101 can obtain the first resource and / or first channel associated with the task through the first indication information.

[0235] For example, the above-mentioned first configuration information may include configuration information associated with three tasks (such as task 1, task 2 and task 3). The above-mentioned first indication information indicates that the first communication device 101 triggers the inventory or paging of task 2 and task 3. The first communication device 101 receives the first indication information, generates the first information a of task 2 and the first information b of task 3 respectively, sends the first information a on the first resource and / or first channel associated with task 2 indicated by the first configuration information, and sends the first information b on the first resource and / or first channel associated with task 3 indicated by the first configuration information.

[0236] In some embodiments, the first configuration information may include an inventory or paging cycle. For example, upon receiving the first indication information, the first communication device 101 may periodically inventory or page the second device based on the inventory or paging cycle. In some embodiments, the first configuration information does not include the inventory or paging cycle. That is, the network device directly and dynamically instructs the first communication device 101 to trigger an inventory or paging through the first indication information. Each time the first communication device 101 receives the first indication information, an inventory or paging is triggered. In some embodiments, the first configuration information may include an inventory or paging cycle. For example, upon receiving the first indication information, the first communication device 101 may periodically inventory or page the second device based on the inventory or paging cycle. At the same time, the network device also directly and dynamically instructs the first communication device 101 to trigger an inventory or paging through the first indication information. Each time the first communication device 101 receives the first indication information, an inventory or paging is triggered.

[0237] In some embodiments, the first information sent by the first communication device 101 may further include at least one of the following: the second resource and / or second channel, the inventory type, the first parameter, and a task identifier. That is, the first information sent by the first communication device 101 may further carry at least one of the second resource and / or second channel, the inventory type, the first parameter, and the task identifier. Exemplarily, the second resource and / or second channel, the inventory type, the first parameter, and the task identifier may be included in the first configuration information sent by the network device 102 to the first communication device 101. Exemplarily, the first communication device 101 may obtain the second resource and / or second channel via the first indication information. For a description of the second resource and / or second channel, the inventory type, the first parameter, and the task identifier, please refer to the relevant descriptions in steps S3101 and S3103 above and are not further described here. Exemplarily, the task identifier may be configured by the network device 102 for the first communication device 101. For example, the network device 102 configures the task identifier for the first communication device 101 via the first configuration information. Exemplarily, the task identifier may also be obtained by the first communication device 101 through indication information (such as first indication information).

[0238] In some embodiments, the first resource and / or first channel in the first configuration information may be one or more, and each of the one or more first resources and / or first channels is used to indicate the resource and / or channel on which the first communication device 101 sends the first information each time. Exemplarily, the network device 102 configures a resource list of first resources and / or first channels, or in other words, the first configuration information includes a first resource list, and the first resource list includes one or more first resources and / or first channels, each first resource and / or first channel corresponding to one inventory or paging. For example, if the first resource list includes three first resources and / or first channels, then three inventory or paging may be performed. For example, each time the first communication device 101 sends the first information, it uses a corresponding first resource and / or first channel to send the first information. The first communication device 101 can send the first information three times, i.e., implement three inventory or paging. For example, when the first communication device 101 sends the first information for the first time, it can use the first first resource in the first resource list to send the first information; when sending the first information for the second time, it can use the second first resource in the first resource list to send the first information; when sending the first information for the third time, it can use the third first resource in the first resource list to send the first information.

[0239] In some embodiments, the second resource and / or second channel in the first configuration information may be one or more, and each second resource and / or second channel among the one or more second resources and / or second channels is used to indicate the resource and / or channel used by the second device to send the second information each time. Exemplarily, the network device 102 is configured with a resource list of a second resource and / or a second channel, or the second configuration information includes a second resource list, and the second resource list includes one or more second resources and / or second channels, and each second resource and / or second channel corresponds to an inventory or paging. For example, the second resource list includes 3 second resources and / or second channels, which may correspond to 3 inventories or pagings. For example, each time the first communication device 101 sends the first information, the first information includes a corresponding second resource and / or second channel, which is used to instruct the second device to use the second resource and / or second channel to send the second information. For example, when the first communication device 101 sends the first information for the first time, the second resource indicated in the first information is the first second resource in the second resource list. When the first information is sent for the second time, the second resource indicated in the first information is the second second resource in the second resource list. When the first information is sent for the third time, the second resource indicated in the first information is the third second resource in the second resource list. Each time the second device sends the second information, it uses a second resource and / or a second channel to send the second information. The second device can send the second information three times, ie, implement three inventory or paging responses.

[0240] In some embodiments, the first resource and / or the first channel in the first configuration information may be a block of resources, and the first resource and / or the first channel are used to indicate the resource and / or the channel on which the first information is sent by the first communication device 101. Exemplarily, the first resource and / or the first channel configured by the network device 102 is a block of resources, and the first communication device 101 may select a resource and / or a channel from the block of resources (i.e., the first resource and / or the first channel), and send the first information on the selected resource and / or channel.

[0241] In some embodiments, the second resource and / or second channel in the first configuration information may be a block of resources, and the second resource and / or second channel is used to indicate the resource and / or channel for sending the second information by the second communication device 101. Exemplarily, the second resource and / or second channel configured by the network device 102 is a block of resources, and the second communication device 101 may select a resource and / or channel from the block of resources (i.e., the second resource and / or second channel), and the first information sent by the first communication device 101 carries the selected resource and / or channel. In this way, the second device that receives the first information may send the second information based on the selected resource and / or channel in the first information.

[0242] It should be noted that, in some embodiments, the first resource and / or the first channel in the first configuration information may be indicated in a list, and the second resource and / or the second channel in the first configuration information may be a block of resources, and the second resource and / or the second channel are used to indicate the resource and / or channel for the second communication device 101 to send the second information. Exemplarily, the first resource and / or the first channel in the first configuration information may be one or more, and each of the one or more first resources and / or first channels is used to indicate the resource and / or channel for the first communication device 101 to send the first information once each time. Exemplarily, the network device 102 is configured with a resource list of the first resource and / or the first channel, or the first configuration information includes a first resource list, and the first resource list includes one or more first resources and / or first channels, and each first resource and / or first channel corresponds to an inventory or paging. Exemplarily, the second resource and / or second channel configured by the network device 102 is a block of resources, and the second communication device 101 can select resources and / or channels from the block of resources (i.e., the second resource and / or second channel). The first information sent by the first communication device 101 carries the selected resources and / or channels. In this way, for the second device that receives the first information, it can send second information based on the selected resources and / or channels in the first information.

[0243] It should be noted that, in some embodiments, the first resource and / or first channel in the first configuration information may be a block of resources, and the first resource and / or first channel is used to indicate the resource and / or channel on which the first communication device 101 sends the first information. The second resource and / or second channel in the first configuration information may be indicated by a list. Exemplarily, the first resource and / or first channel configured by the network device 102 is a block of resources, and the first communication device 101 may select a resource and / or channel from the block of resources (i.e., the first resource and / or first channel) and send the first information on the selected resource and / or channel. The second resource and / or second channel in the first configuration information may be one or more, and each of the one or more second resources and / or second channels is used to indicate the resource and / or channel to be used by the second device each time it sends the second information. Exemplarily, the network device 102 configures a resource list of second resources and / or second channels, or the second configuration information includes a second resource list, and the second resource list includes one or more second resources and / or second channels, each second resource and / or second channel corresponding to an inventory or paging.

[0244] Step S3204: The second device 103 sends the second information.

[0245] In some embodiments, upon receiving the first indication information sent by the network device 102, the first communication device 101 triggers an inventory or paging operation, generates first information, and sends the first information on the first resource and / or first channel. The second device 103 that receives the first information may send the second information, and accordingly, the first communication device 101 receives the second information sent by the second device 103.

[0246] The optional implementation of step S3204 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3104 in Figure 3A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0247] Optionally, in some embodiments, the method may further include step S3205, namely: the first communication device 101 sends the second information to the network device 102. Exemplarily, the first communication device 101 may report the second information sent by the second device 103 to the network device 102 in the form of a report. Accordingly, the network device 103 receives the second information sent by the first communication device 101, so that the network device 103 can understand the situation of the second device in the environmental Internet of Things scenario.

[0248] The method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S3201 to S3205. For example, step S3201 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3202 + step S3203 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3201 + step S3202 + step S3203 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3202 + step S3203 + step S3204 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3201 + step S3202 + step S3203 + step S3204 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3202 + step S3203 + step S3204 + step S3205 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S3201 + step S3202 + step S3203 + step S3204 + step S3205 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0249] In some embodiments, step S3202, step S3203, step S3204, and step S3205 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0250] In some embodiments, step S3201, step S3204, and step S3205 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0251] In some embodiments, step S3204 and step S3205 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0252] In some embodiments, step S3201 and step S3205 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0253] In some embodiments, step S3201 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0254] In some embodiments, step S3205 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0255] In some embodiments, reference may be made to other optional implementations described before or after the description corresponding to FIG. 3B .

[0256] Figure 3C is an interactive diagram illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3C, the information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100, and the method includes but is not limited to the following steps.

[0257] Step S3301: The network device 102 sends second configuration information.

[0258] In some embodiments, the second configuration information may be sent by the network device 102 to the second communication device 101. For example, the network device 102 sends the second configuration information to the second communication device 101, and correspondingly, the second communication device 101 receives the second configuration information sent by the network device 102.

[0259] In some embodiments, the second configuration information includes indicating that the first communication device 101 is an intermediate node. Exemplarily, the network device 102 configures the intermediate node through the second configuration information, for example, indicating that the first communication device 101 is an intermediate node.

[0260] In some embodiments, the second configuration information may be any one of the following: RRC signaling; MAC CE; DCI. Exemplarily, the second configuration information may be RRC signaling, or MAC CE, or DCI, to indicate that the first communication device 101 is an intermediate node.

[0261] Step S3302: The network device 102 sends second indication information.

[0262] In some embodiments, the second indication information may be sent by the network device 102 to the first communication device 101. For example, the network device 102 may generate the second indication information (such as an inventory or paging instruction), and the network device 102 may send the second indication information to the first communication device 101. Accordingly, the first communication device 101 receives the second indication information sent by the network device 102. In some embodiments, the second indication information is used to perform an inventory or paging operation on one or more second devices.

[0263] In some embodiments, the second indication information may be any one of the following information: RRC signaling; MAC CE; DCI. Exemplarily, the second indication information may be RRC signaling, or MAC CE, or DCI, to send the first information to the first communication device 101.

[0264] In some embodiments, the second indication information may further include a first resource and / or a first channel, where the first resource and / or the first channel may be a resource and / or a channel used by the first communication device 101 to transmit the first information. Exemplarily, the resource may be a time domain and / or frequency domain and / or code domain resource. The first resource and / or the first channel may be a resource and / or a channel used by the first communication device 101 to transmit the first information.

[0265] In some embodiments, the second indication information may further include at least one of the following: a second resource and / or a second channel, an inventory type, a first parameter, and a task identifier. It should be noted that for inventorying or paging the second device, if different tasks are to be distinguished, the first information sent by the first communication device 101 may also carry the task identifier. The second device that receives the first information may determine, based on the task identifier, whether the second device belongs to the device associated with the task corresponding to the task identifier. For example, a task requires an inventory of the second device a, the second device b, and the second device c. The first information sent by the first communication device 101 carries the task identifier of the task. If the second device a receives the first information and determines, based on the task identifier in the first information, that the second device a belongs to the device associated with the task corresponding to the task identifier, the second device a sends the second information. Exemplarily, the task identifier may be obtained by the first communication device 101 through indication information (such as the second indication information).

[0266] In some embodiments, the second resource and / or second channel indicates the resource and / or channel used by one or more second devices to transmit the second information; the second information is a response from one or more second devices to the first information. Exemplarily, the resource may refer to a time domain, frequency domain, and / or code domain resource. The second resource and / or second channel may refer to the resource and / or channel used by the second device to transmit the second information.

[0267] In some embodiments, the above-mentioned inventory type is the type of one or more second devices to be inventoried. Exemplarily, the network device 102 configures the inventory type for the first communication device 101, which can be used to inventory or page a specific type of device. That is, the above-mentioned inventory type can indicate the type of second device that needs to be inventoried or paged. In some embodiments, the types of second devices can be divided into a first type and a second type. Among them, the second device of the first type has energy storage, no independent signal generation / amplification, and the uplink transmission relies on backscatter transmission. The second device of the second type has energy storage and independent signal amplification, and the uplink transmission is based on an internally generated signal or the uplink transmission relies on backscatter transmission. Exemplarily, the above-mentioned inventory type can be "first type" and "second type". By configuring the inventory type, only the second devices of the first type can be inventoried, by configuring the inventory type, only the second devices of the second type can be inventoried, and by configuring the inventory type, both the second devices of the first type and the second devices of the second type can be inventoried. Alternatively, the above-mentioned inventory types may be "backscatter" and "non-backscatter," wherein "backscatter" may, for example, refer to sending signals based on backscattering, and "non-backscatter" may, for example, refer to being able to actively send signals. For example, the network device may configure the inventory type to indicate whether the signal generation type of the second device being inventoried is "backscatter" or "non-backscatter." By configuring the inventory type, only "backscatter" second devices may be inventoried, by configuring the inventory type, only "non-backscatter" second devices may be inventoried, and by configuring the inventory type, both "backscatter" second devices and "non-backscatter" second devices may be inventoried. It should be noted that the device type mentioned above is only an example, and there may be other forms of naming device types, which are not specifically limited in the present disclosure.

[0268] In some embodiments, the first parameter is used for one or more second devices to generate a random number, and the random number is the initial value of a counter. The counter is decremented by one each time the one or more second devices receive the first information, wherein the second information is sent by the one or more second devices when the counter is the first value. Exemplarily, the network device 102 sends the first parameter to the first communication device 101 through the second indication information, and the first communication device 101 carries the first parameter when sending the first information. In this way, for the second device 103 that receives the first information, a random number can be generated based on the first parameter in the first information, and the random number is used as the initial value of the counter. Each time the second device 103 receives the first information, the counter is decremented by one until the counter is the first value (such as 0), or in other words, when the counter is the first value, the second device 103 sends the second information. Exemplarily, the first parameter can be represented by Q, or it can be named by other names, and this disclosure does not specifically limit this. The first parameter (such as Q value) is used to resolve conflicts. For example, for the second device 103 that receives the first information, a number is randomly selected from (0 to 2 to the power of Q) and the random number is used as the initial value of the counter. Each time the first information is received, the value of the counter is subtracted by 1. When the value of the counter is reduced to 0, the second information can be sent.

[0269] Step S3303: The first communication device 101 sends first information.

[0270] In some embodiments, the first communication device 101 sends the first information based on second indication information, where the second indication information is sent to the first communication device 101 by the network device 102. Exemplarily, the network device 102 instructs the first communication device 101, through the second indication information, on at least one of the following: a first resource and / or a first channel, a second resource and / or a second channel, an inventory type, a first parameter, and a task identifier. Accordingly, after receiving the second indication information, the first communication device 101 sends the first information on the first resource and / or the first channel, where the first information includes at least one of the following: a second resource and / or a second channel, an inventory type, a first parameter, and a task identifier.

[0271] In some embodiments, the second indication information sent by the network device 102 also includes a first resource and / or a first channel, and the first communication device 101 sends the first information on the first resource and / or the first channel. Exemplarily, the first communication device 101 obtains the second indication information sent by the network device 102, and the first communication device 101 sends the first information on the first resource and / or the first channel.

[0272] In some embodiments, the second indication information sent by the network device 102 further includes at least one of the following: a second resource and / or a second channel, an inventory type, a first parameter, and a task identifier. The first information sent by the first communication device 101 may further include at least one of the following: a second resource and / or a second channel, an inventory type, a first parameter, and a task identifier.

[0273] Exemplarily, the second indication information sent by the network device 102 also includes the second resource and / or the second channel. Correspondingly, the first information sent by the first communication device 101 may also include the second resource and / or the second channel.

[0274] Exemplarily, the second indication information sent by the network device 102 also includes the second resource and / or the second channel, and the inventory type. Correspondingly, the first information sent by the first communication device 101 may also include the second resource and / or the second channel, and the inventory type.

[0275] Exemplarily, the second indication information sent by the network device 102 also includes the second resource and / or the second channel, and the first parameter. Correspondingly, the first information sent by the first communication device 101 may also include the second resource and / or the second channel, and the first parameter.

[0276] Exemplarily, the second indication information sent by the network device 102 also includes the second resource and / or the second channel, the inventory type, and the first parameter. Correspondingly, the first information sent by the first communication device 101 may also include the second resource and / or the second channel, the inventory type, and the first parameter.

[0277] Step S3304: The second device 103 sends the second information.

[0278] In some embodiments, the network device 102 may generate second indication information (such as an inventory or paging instruction), and the network device 102 may send the second indication information to the first communication device 101. Accordingly, the first communication device 101 receives the second indication information sent by the network device 102. The first communication device 101 receives the second indication information sent by the network device 102, initiates (or triggers) an inventory or paging, and sends the first information based on the second indication information. The second device 103 that receives the first information may send the second information. Accordingly, the first communication device 101 receives the second information sent by the second device 103.

[0279] The optional implementation of step S3304 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3104 in Figure 3A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0280] Optionally, in some embodiments, the method further includes step S3305, namely: the first communication device 101 sends the second information to the network device 102. Exemplarily, the first communication device 101 may report the second information sent by the second device 103 to the network device 102 in the form of a report. Accordingly, the network device 103 receives the second information sent by the first communication device 101, so that the network device 103 can understand the situation of the second device in the environmental Internet of Things scenario.

[0281] The method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S3301 to S3305. For example, step S3301 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3302 + step S3303 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3301 + step S3302 + step S3303 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3302 + step S3303 + step S3304 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3301 + step S3302 + step S3303 + step S3304 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3302 + step S3303 + step S3304 + step S3305 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S3301 + step S3302 + step S3303 + step S3304 + step S3305 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0282] In some embodiments, step S3301 and step S3302 may be executed in an interchanged order or simultaneously.

[0283] In some embodiments, step S3302, step S3303, step S3304, and step S3305 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0284] In some embodiments, step S3301, step S3304, and step S3305 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0285] In some embodiments, step S3304 and step S3305 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0286] In some embodiments, step S3301 and step S3305 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0287] In some embodiments, step S3301 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0288] In some embodiments, step S3305 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0289] In some embodiments, reference may be made to other optional implementations described before or after the description corresponding to FIG. 3C .

[0290] FIG4A is a flow chart of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG4A , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method, which can be executed by the first communication device 101 and may include but is not limited to the following steps.

[0291] Step S4101: Receive first configuration information.

[0292] In some embodiments, the first configuration information may be sent by the network device 102 to the first communication device 101. For example, the network device 102 sends the first configuration information to the first communication device 101, and correspondingly, the first communication device 101 receives the first configuration information sent by the network device 102.

[0293] In some embodiments, the first configuration information can be used by the first communication device 101 to trigger an inventory or paging upon receiving the first configuration information. The inventory or paging is used to perform an inventory or paging on one or more second devices. First communication device 101 is an intermediate node in an ambient IoT scenario, and the one or more second devices are one or more ambient IoT devices. In other words, upon receiving the first configuration information configured by network device 102, first communication device 101 triggers an inventory or paging.

[0294] The optional implementation of step S4101 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3101 in Figure 3A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0295] Step S4102: receiving first configuration information, triggering inventory or paging.

[0296] The optional implementation of step S4102 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3102 in Figure 3A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0297] Step S4103: Send first information on a first resource and / or a first channel.

[0298] The optional implementation of step S4103 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3103 in Figure 3A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0299] Optionally, in some embodiments, step S4102 may be an optional step, that is, the above-mentioned step of "triggering inventory or paging" may be optional. In other words, the first communication device 101 receives the first configuration information and sends the first information on the first resource and / or the first channel. Exemplarily, the first communication device 101 receives the first configuration information, obtains the first resource and / or the first channel based on the first configuration information, and then sends the first information on the first resource and / or the first channel.

[0300] Step S4104: Receive the second information sent by the second device 103.

[0301] In some embodiments, upon receiving the first configuration information sent by the network device 102, the first communication device 101 triggers an inventory or paging operation. After obtaining the first resource and / or first channel, the first information is sent on the first resource and / or first channel. The second device 103 that receives the first information can send the second information, and accordingly, the first communication device 101 receives the second information sent by the second device 103. In some embodiments, the second device 103 that receives the first information can be one or more, that is, the second device 103 that sends the second information can be one or more, which can be specifically determined by the first configuration information.

[0302] The optional implementation of step S4104 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3104 in Figure 3A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0303] Step S4105: Send the second information to the network device 102.

[0304] The optional implementation of step S4105 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3105 in Figure 3A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0305] The method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S4101 to S4105. For example, step S4101 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S4101 + step S4102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S4101 + step S4102 + step S4103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S4101 + step S4102 + step S4103 + step S4104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S4101 + step S4102 + step S4103 + step S4104 + step S4105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0306] In some embodiments, step S4102, step S4103, step S4104, and step S4105 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0307] In some embodiments, step S4103, step S4104, and step S4105 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0308] In some embodiments, step S4104 and step S4105 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0309] In some embodiments, step S4105 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0310] FIG4B is a flow chart showing an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG4B , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method, which can be executed by the first communication device 101 and may include but is not limited to the following steps.

[0311] Step S4201: Receive first configuration information.

[0312] In some embodiments, the first configuration information may be sent by network device 102 to first communication device 101. For example, network device 102 sends the first configuration information to first communication device 101, and correspondingly, first communication device 101 receives the first configuration information sent by network device 102. Upon receiving the first configuration information, first communication device 101 may retain the first configuration information. For a description of the first configuration information, see the optional implementation of step S3201 in FIG. 3B and other related portions of the embodiment involved in FIG. 3B , which will not be further described here.

[0313] Step S4202: Receive first indication information.

[0314] In some embodiments, the first indication information may be sent by the network device 102 to the first communication device 101. For example, the network device 102 sends the first indication information to the first communication device 101, and correspondingly, the first communication device 101 receives the first indication information sent by the network device 102.

[0315] In some embodiments, the first indication information is used to instruct the first communication device 101 to trigger an inventory or paging.

[0316] The optional implementation of step S4202 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3202 in Figure 3B and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3B, which will not be repeated here.

[0317] Step S4203: receiving the first indication information, and sending the first information.

[0318] The optional implementation of step S4203 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3203 in Figure 3B and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3B, which will not be repeated here.

[0319] Step S4204: Receive the second information sent by the second device 103.

[0320] In some embodiments, upon receiving the first indication information sent by the network device 102, the first communication device 101 triggers an inventory or paging operation. After obtaining the first resource and / or the first channel, the first information is sent on the first resource and / or the first channel. The second device 103 that receives the first information may send the second information, and accordingly, the first communication device 101 receives the second information sent by the second device 103.

[0321] The optional implementation of step S4204 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3204 in Figure 3B and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3B, which will not be repeated here.

[0322] Step S4205: Send the second information to the network device 102.

[0323] The optional implementation of step S4205 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3205 in Figure 3B and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3B, which will not be repeated here.

[0324] The method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S4201 to S4205. For example, step S4201 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S4202 + step S4203 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S4201 + step S4202 + step S4203 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S4202 + step S4203 + step S4204 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S4201 + step S4202 + step S4203 + step S4204 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S4202 + step S4203 + step S4204 + step S4205 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S4201 + step S4202 + step S4203 + step S4204 + step S4205 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0325] In some embodiments, step S4202, step S4203, step S4204, and step S4205 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0326] In some embodiments, step S4201, step S4204, and step S4205 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0327] In some embodiments, step S4204 and step S4205 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0328] In some embodiments, step S4201 and step S4205 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0329] In some embodiments, step S4201 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0330] In some embodiments, step S4205 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0331] Figure 4C is an interactive diagram illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4C, the information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100, and the method includes but is not limited to the following steps.

[0332] Step S4301: Receive second configuration information.

[0333] In some embodiments, the second configuration information may be sent by the network device 102 to the second communication device 101. For example, the network device 102 sends the second configuration information to the second communication device 101, and correspondingly, the second communication device 101 receives the second configuration information sent by the network device 102.

[0334] In some embodiments, the second configuration information includes an indication that the first communication device 101 is an intermediate node.

[0335] The optional implementation of step S4301 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3301 in Figure 3C and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3C, which will not be repeated here.

[0336] Step S4302: Receive second indication information.

[0337] In some embodiments, the second indication information may be sent by the network device 102 to the first communication device 101. For example, the network device 102 may generate the second indication information (such as an inventory or paging instruction), and the network device 102 may send the second indication information to the first communication device 101. Accordingly, the first communication device 101 receives the second indication information sent by the network device 102. In some embodiments, the second indication information is used to perform an inventory or paging operation on one or more second devices.

[0338] The optional implementation of step S4302 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3302 in Figure 3C and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3C, which will not be repeated here.

[0339] Step S4303: Send the first information.

[0340] In some embodiments, the first communication device 101 sends the first information based on second indication information, where the second indication information is sent to the first communication device 101 by the network device 102. Exemplarily, the network device 102 instructs the first communication device 101, through the second indication information, on at least one of the following: a first resource and / or a first channel, a second resource and / or a second channel, an inventory type, a first parameter, and a task identifier. Accordingly, after receiving the second indication information, the first communication device 101 sends the first information on the first resource and / or the first channel, where the first information includes at least one of the following: a second resource and / or a second channel, an inventory type, a first parameter, and a task identifier.

[0341] The optional implementation of step S4303 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3303 in Figure 3C and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3C, which will not be repeated here.

[0342] Step S4304: Receive the second information sent by the second device.

[0343] In some embodiments, the network device 102 sends the first information to the first communication device 101 via the second indication information. The first communication device 101 receives the first information sent by the network device 102, initiates (or triggers) an inventory or paging, and sends the first information on the first resource and / or first channel indicated by the second indication information. The second device 103 that receives the first information may send the second information, and accordingly, the first communication device 101 receives the second information sent by the second device 103.

[0344] The optional implementation of step S4304 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3304 in Figure 3C and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3C, which will not be repeated here.

[0345] Step S4305: Send the second information to the network device 102.

[0346] The optional implementation of step S4305 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3305 in Figure 3C and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3C, which will not be repeated here.

[0347] The method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S4301 to S4305. For example, step S4301 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S4302 + step S4303 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S4301 + step S4302 + step S4303 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S4302 + step S4303 + step S4304 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S4301 + step S4302 + step S4303 + step S4304 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S4302 + step S4303 + step S4304 + step S4305 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S4301 + step S4302 + step S4303 + step S4304 + step S4305 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0348] In some embodiments, step S4301 and step S4302 may be executed in an interchanged order or simultaneously.

[0349] In some embodiments, step S4302, step S4303, step S4304, and step S4305 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0350] In some embodiments, step S4301, step S4304, and step S4305 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0351] In some embodiments, step S4304 and step S4305 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0352] In some embodiments, step S4301 and step S4305 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0353] In some embodiments, step S4301 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0354] In some embodiments, step S4305 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0355] FIG4D is a flow chart showing an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG4D , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method, which can be executed by the first communication device 101 and may include but is not limited to the following steps.

[0356] Step S4401: Send first information, where the first information is used to inventory or page one or more second devices; wherein the first communication device is an intermediate node in an environmental Internet of Things scenario, and the one or more second devices are one or more environmental Internet of Things devices.

[0357] In some embodiments, the first communication device 101 receives first configuration information sent by a network device; wherein the first configuration information includes at least one of the following: an inventory or paging cycle, which is a time period during which the first communication device sends the first information; an inventory or paging area, which is an area in which the first communication device needs to inventory or page; an inventory or paging location, which is a location in which the first communication device needs to inventory or page; a first resource and / or a first channel, which are resources and / or channels used by the first communication device to send the first information; a second resource and / or a second channel, which are resources and / or channels used by one or more second devices to send the second information; the second information is response information of the one or more second devices to the first information; an inventory type, which is a type of the one or more second devices in inventory; a first parameter, which is used by the one or more second devices to generate a random number, the random number being an initial value of a counter, which is decremented by one each time the one or more second devices receive the first information, wherein the second information is sent by the one or more second devices when the counter is at the first value.

[0358] In some embodiments, the implementation of sending the first information includes: receiving first configuration information, and sending the first information on a first resource and / or a first channel.

[0359] In some embodiments, the first information further includes at least one of the following: a second resource and / or a second channel, an inventory type, and a first parameter.

[0360] In some embodiments, the method further includes: starting or restarting a first timer, the length of the first timer being the length of an inventory or paging cycle; and resending the first information when the first timer times out.

[0361] In some embodiments, the first configuration information is configuration information associated with one or more tasks.

[0362] In some embodiments, the implementation method of starting or restarting the first timer includes: starting or restarting the first timer associated with the first task, the length of the first timer associated with the first task is the length of the inventory or paging cycle associated with the first task; the first task is any one or more tasks among one or more tasks; the above-mentioned first timer times out, and possible implementation methods of resending the first information include: when the timer associated with the first task times out, the first information corresponding to the first task is resent, and the first information corresponding to the first task is used to inventory or paging the second device associated with the first task.

[0363] In some embodiments, the first communication device 101 may also receive first indication information sent by the network device, where the first indication information is used to instruct the first communication device to trigger an inventory or paging.

[0364] In some embodiments, possible implementations of sending the first information include: receiving the first indication information, and sending the first information.

[0365] In some embodiments, the first indication information is used to instruct the first communication device to trigger an inventory or paging of one or more tasks.

[0366] In some embodiments, the optional implementation method of sending the first information includes: receiving second indication information sent by the network device; wherein the second indication information includes the first resource and / or the first channel; and sending the first information on the first resource and / or the first channel.

[0367] In some embodiments, the first communication device 101 may further receive second configuration information sent by the network device, where the second configuration information includes an indication that the first communication device is an intermediate node.

[0368] In some embodiments, the second indication information also includes at least one of the following: a second resource and / or a second channel, an inventory type, and a first parameter; wherein the second resource and / or the second channel are used to indicate the resources and / or channels used by one or more second devices to send the second information; the second information is the response information of one or more second devices to the first information; the inventory type is the type of one or more second devices in inventory; the first parameter is used for one or more second devices to generate a random number, and the random number is the initial value of the counter, and the counter is decremented by one each time one or more second devices receive the first information, wherein the second information is sent by the one or more second devices when the counter is the first value.

[0369] In some embodiments, the first information further includes at least one of the following: a second resource and / or a second channel, an inventory type, and a first parameter.

[0370] In some embodiments, the first communication device 101 may also receive second information sent by one or more second devices.

[0371] For the implementation of the method on the first communication device side involved in the embodiment of the present disclosure, please refer to the description of the relevant steps of the first communication device 101 in Figures 3A to 3C above, and will not be repeated here.

[0372] FIG5A is a flow chart of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG5A , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method, which can be executed by the network device 102 and may include but is not limited to the following steps.

[0373] Step S5101: Send first configuration information.

[0374] In some embodiments, the first configuration information may be sent by the network device 102 to the first communication device 101. For example, the network device 102 sends the first configuration information to the first communication device 101, and correspondingly, the first communication device 101 receives the first configuration information sent by the network device 102.

[0375] In some embodiments, the first configuration information can be used by the first communication device 101 to trigger an inventory or paging upon receiving the first configuration information. The inventory or paging is used to perform an inventory or paging on one or more second devices. First communication device 101 is an intermediate node in an ambient IoT scenario, and the one or more second devices are one or more ambient IoT devices. In other words, upon receiving the first configuration information configured by network device 102, first communication device 101 triggers an inventory or paging.

[0376] The optional implementation of step S5101 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3101 in Figure 3A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0377] Step S5102, receiving the second information.

[0378] In some embodiments, the second information may be sent by the first communication device 101 to the network device 102. For example, the first communication device 101 may report the second information sent by the second device 103 to the network device 102 in the form of a report. Accordingly, the network device 103 receives the second information sent by the first communication device 101, so that the network device 103 can understand the situation of the second device in the ambient IoT scenario.

[0379] The method involved in the embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S5101 and S5102. For example, step S5101 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S5101 + step S5102 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0380] In some embodiments, step S5102 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0381] FIG5B is a flow chart of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG5B , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method, which can be executed by the network device 102 and may include but is not limited to the following steps.

[0382] Step S5201: Send first configuration information.

[0383] In some embodiments, the first configuration information may be sent by network device 102 to first communication device 101. For example, network device 102 sends the first configuration information to first communication device 101, and correspondingly, first communication device 101 receives the first configuration information sent by network device 102. Upon receiving the first configuration information, first communication device 101 may retain the first configuration information. For a description of the first configuration information, see the optional implementation of step S3201 in FIG. 3B and other related portions of the embodiment involved in FIG. 3B , which will not be further described here.

[0384] Step S5202: Send first indication information.

[0385] In some embodiments, the first indication information may be sent by the network device 102 to the first communication device 101. For example, the network device 102 sends the first indication information to the first communication device 101, and correspondingly, the first communication device 101 receives the first indication information sent by the network device 102.

[0386] In some embodiments, the first indication information is used to instruct the first communication device 101 to trigger an inventory or paging. That is, the network device 102 can dynamically instruct the first communication device 101 to trigger an inventory or paging through the first indication information. Exemplarily, upon receiving the first indication information, the first communication device 101 initiates the inventory or paging.

[0387] The optional implementation of step S5202 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3202 in Figure 3B and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3B, which will not be repeated here.

[0388] Step S5203, receiving the second information.

[0389] In some embodiments, the second information may be sent by the first communication device 101 to the network device 102. For example, the first communication device 101 may report the second information sent by the second device 103 to the network device 102 in the form of a report. Accordingly, the network device 103 receives the second information sent by the first communication device 101, so that the network device 103 can understand the situation of the second device in the ambient IoT scenario.

[0390] The method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S5201 to S5203. For example, step S5201 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S5202 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S5201 + step S5202 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S5202 + step S5203 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S5201 + step S5202 + step S5203 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0391] In some embodiments, step S5202 and step S5203 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0392] In some embodiments, step S5201 and step S5203 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0393] In some embodiments, step S5203 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0394] In some embodiments, step S5201 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0395] FIG5C is a flow chart showing an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG5C , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method, which can be executed by the network device 102 and may include but is not limited to the following steps.

[0396] Step S5301: Send second configuration information.

[0397] In some embodiments, the second configuration information may be sent by the network device 102 to the second communication device 101. For example, the network device 102 sends the second configuration information to the second communication device 101, and correspondingly, the second communication device 101 receives the second configuration information sent by the network device 102.

[0398] In some embodiments, the second configuration information includes an indication that the first communication device 101 is an intermediate node.

[0399] The optional implementation of step S5301 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3301 in Figure 3C and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3C, which will not be repeated here.

[0400] Step S5302: Send the second indication information.

[0401] In some embodiments, the second indication information may be sent by the network device 102 to the first communication device 101. For example, the network device 102 may generate the second indication information (such as an inventory or paging instruction), and the network device 102 may send the second indication information to the first communication device 101. Accordingly, the first communication device 101 receives the second indication information sent by the network device 102. In some embodiments, the second indication information is used to perform an inventory or paging operation on one or more second devices.

[0402] The optional implementation of step S5302 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3302 in Figure 3C and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3C, which will not be repeated here.

[0403] Step S5303, receiving the second information.

[0404] In some embodiments, the second information may be sent by the first communication device 101 to the network device 102. For example, the first communication device 101 may report the second information sent by the second device 103 to the network device 102 in the form of a report. Accordingly, the network device 103 receives the second information sent by the first communication device 101, so that the network device 103 can understand the situation of the second device in the ambient IoT scenario.

[0405] The method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S5301 to S5303. For example, step S5301 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S5302 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S5301 + step S5302 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S5302 + step S5303 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S5301 + step S5302 + step S5303 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0406] In some embodiments, step S5302 and step S5303 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0407] In some embodiments, step S5301 and step S5303 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0408] In some embodiments, step S5303 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0409] In some embodiments, step S5301 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0410] Figure 5D is a flow chart of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5D, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method, which can be executed by the network device 102 and may include but is not limited to the following steps.

[0411] Step S5401, sending first configuration information to a first communication device; the first configuration information is used by the first communication device to trigger an inventory or paging when receiving the first configuration information, and the inventory or paging is used to inventory or paging one or more second devices; wherein the first communication device is an intermediate node in an environmental Internet of Things scenario, and the one or more second devices are one or more of the environmental Internet of Things devices.

[0412] In some embodiments, the above-mentioned first configuration information includes at least one of the following: an inventory or paging cycle, which is a time period during which the first communication device sends the first information; an inventory or paging area, which is an area that the first communication device needs to inventory or page; an inventory or paging location, which is a location that the first communication device needs to inventory or page; a first resource and / or a first channel, which are resources and / or channels for the first communication device to send the first information; a second resource and / or a second channel, which are resources and / or channels used by one or more second devices to send the second information; the second information is response information of one or more second devices to the first information; an inventory type, which is a type of one or more second devices in inventory; a first parameter, which is used by one or more second devices to generate a random number, which is the initial value of a counter, and the counter is decremented by one each time the one or more second devices receive the first information, wherein the second information is sent by the one or more second devices when the counter is the first value.

[0413] In some embodiments, the first configuration information is configuration information associated with one or more tasks.

[0414] The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to implementation methods of the method on the network device side. Please refer to the relevant description of the steps on the network device side in the embodiment of Figure 3A above, which will not be repeated here.

[0415] Figure 5E is a flow chart of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5E, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method, which can be executed by the network device 102 and may include but is not limited to the following steps.

[0416] Step S5501: Send first indication information to a first communication device, where the first indication information is used to instruct the first communication device to trigger an inventory or paging to send first information, and the first information is used to perform an inventory or paging on one or more second devices; wherein the first communication device is an intermediate node in an environmental Internet of Things scenario, and the one or more second devices are one or more of the environmental Internet of Things devices.

[0417] In some embodiments, the first indication information is used to instruct the first communication device to trigger an inventory or paging of one or more tasks.

[0418] In some embodiments, the network device 102 may further send first configuration information to the first communication device; wherein the first configuration information includes at least one of the following: an inventory or paging period, which is a time period during which the first communication device sends the first information; an inventory or paging area, which is an area in which the first communication device needs to inventory or page; an inventory or paging location, which is a location in which the first communication device needs to inventory or page; a first resource and / or a first channel, which are resources and / or channels used by the first communication device to send the first information; a second resource and / or a second channel, which are resources and / or channels used by one or more second devices to send the second information; the second information is response information of the one or more second devices to the first information; an inventory type, which is a type of the one or more second devices in inventory; a first parameter, which is used by the one or more second devices to generate a random number, the random number being an initial value of a counter, which is decremented by one each time the one or more second devices receive the first information, wherein the second information is sent by the one or more second devices when the counter is at the first value.

[0419] The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to implementations of the method on the network device side. Please refer to the relevant descriptions of the steps on the network device side in the embodiment of FIG3B above, which will not be repeated here.

[0420] FIG5F is a flow chart of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG5F , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method, which can be executed by the network device 102 and may include but is not limited to the following steps.

[0421] Step S5601: Send second indication information to the first communication device, where the second indication information is used to instruct the first communication device to trigger an inventory or paging to send first information, and the first information is used to inventory or paging one or more second devices; wherein the first communication device is an intermediate node in the environmental Internet of Things scenario, and the one or more second devices are one or more of the environmental Internet of Things devices.

[0422] In some embodiments, the network device 102 may further send second configuration information to the first communication device, where the second configuration information includes an indication that the first communication device is an intermediate node.

[0423] In some embodiments, the second indication information also includes at least one of the following: a first resource and / or a first channel, a second resource and / or a second channel, an inventory type, and a first parameter; wherein the first resource and / or the first channel are the resources and / or channels for the first communication device to send the first information; the second resource and / or the second channel are used to indicate the resources and / or channels used by one or more second devices to send the second information; the second information is the response information of one or more second devices to the first information; the inventory type is the type of one or more second devices in inventory; the first parameter is used for one or more second devices to generate a random number, the random number is the initial value of the counter, and the counter is decremented by one each time the one or more second devices receive the first information, wherein the second information is sent by the one or more second devices when the counter is the first value.

[0424] FIG6A is a flow chart showing an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG6A , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method, which can be executed by the second device 103 and may include but is not limited to the following steps.

[0425] Step S6101, receiving first information.

[0426] In some embodiments, the first information is used to inventory or page one or more second devices.

[0427] In some embodiments, the first information may be sent by the first communication device 101. For example, upon receiving the first configuration information sent by the network device 102, the first communication device 101 triggers an inventory or paging operation, and the first communication device 101 sends the first information. Accordingly, the second device 103, which is capable of receiving the first information, also receives the first information. For alternative implementations, see steps S3101 to S3103 of FIG. 3A , as well as other related portions of the embodiment described in FIG. 3A , which will not be further described here.

[0428] For example, upon receiving the first indication information sent by the network device 102, the first communication device 101 triggers an inventory or paging, and the first communication device 101 sends the first information. Accordingly, the second device 103, which is capable of receiving the first information, also receives the first information. For optional implementations, see steps S3201 to S3203 of FIG. 3B , as well as other related portions of the embodiment involved in FIG. 3B , which will not be described in detail here.

[0429] Exemplarily, upon receiving the first information sent by network device 102, first communication device 101 forwards the first information. That is, the first information may be sent by network device 102 to first communication device 101, and first communication device 101 forwards the first information sent by network device 102. Accordingly, second device 103, which is capable of receiving the first information, receives the first information. For optional implementations, see steps S3301 to S3303 of FIG. 3C , as well as other related portions of the embodiment involved in FIG. 3C , which will not be described in detail here.

[0430] Step S6102, sending the second information.

[0431] In some embodiments, the second information may be sent by the second device 103 that receives the first information to the first communication device 101. For example, the second device 103 that receives the first information sends the second information, and correspondingly, the first communication device 101 receives the second information sent by the second device 103.

[0432] The optional implementation of step S6102 can be found in the optional implementation of step S3104 in Figure 3A, step S3204 in Figure 3B, step S3304 in Figure 3C, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 3A, 3B and 3C, which will not be repeated here.

[0433] FIG6B is a flow chart of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG6B , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method, which can be executed by the second device 103 and may include but is not limited to the following steps.

[0434] Step S6201: Receive first information sent by a first communication device, where the first information is used to inventory or page a second device; wherein the first communication device is an intermediate node in an environmental Internet of Things scenario, and the second device is one or more environmental Internet of Things devices.

[0435] In some embodiments, the first information also includes at least one of the following: a second resource and / or a second channel, the second resource and / or the second channel are the resources and / or channels used by the second device to send the second information; the second information is the response information of the second device to the first information; the inventory type, the inventory type is the type of the inventory second device; the first parameter, the first parameter is used by the second device to generate a random number, the random number is the initial value of the counter, and the counter is reduced by one each time the second device receives the first information.

[0436] In some embodiments, the second device 103 may also send second information on a second resource and / or a second channel.

[0437] In some embodiments, possible implementation methods of sending the second information include: generating a random number based on the first parameter; using the random number as the initial value of the counter, and reducing the counter by one each time the first information is received; and sending the second information when the counter is the first value.

[0438] The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to implementations of the method on the second device side. Please refer to the relevant descriptions of the steps on the second device 103 side in the embodiments of Figures 3A to 3C above, which will not be repeated here.

[0439] FIG7A is an interactive diagram illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG7A , the method involved in the embodiment of the present disclosure can be applied to a communication system 100 , and the method includes but is not limited to the following steps.

[0440] In step S7101, the network device 102 sends first configuration information to the first communication device 101; the first configuration information is used by the first communication device to trigger an inventory or paging when receiving the first configuration information, and the inventory or paging is used to inventory or paging one or more second devices; wherein the first communication device is an intermediate node in the environmental Internet of Things scenario, and the one or more second devices are one or more of the environmental Internet of Things devices.

[0441] The optional implementation of step S7101 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3101 in Figure 3A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0442] Step S7102: The first communication device 101 receives the first configuration information and triggers an inventory or paging.

[0443] The optional implementation of step S7102 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3102 in Figure 3A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0444] Step S7103: The first communication device 101 sends first information.

[0445] The optional implementation of step S7103 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3103 in Figure 3A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0446] Step S7104: The second device 103 receives the first information sent by the first communication device.

[0447] The optional implementation of step S7104 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3103 in Figure 3A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0448] FIG7B is an interactive diagram illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG7B , the method according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 , and the method includes but is not limited to the following steps.

[0449] In step S7201, the network device 102 sends a first indication message to the first communication device 101, where the first indication message is used to instruct the first communication device to trigger an inventory or paging to send a first message, and the first message is used to perform an inventory or paging on one or more second devices; wherein the first communication device is an intermediate node in an environmental Internet of Things scenario, and the one or more second devices are one or more of the environmental Internet of Things devices.

[0450] The optional implementation of step S7201 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3202 in Figure 3B and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3B, which will not be repeated here.

[0451] Step S7202: The first communication device 101 receives the first indication information and sends the first information.

[0452] The optional implementation of step S7202 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3203 in Figure 3B and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3B, which will not be repeated here.

[0453] Step S7203: The second device 103 receives the first information sent by the first communication device.

[0454] The optional implementation of step S7203 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3203 in Figure 3B and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3B, which will not be repeated here.

[0455] FIG7C is an interactive diagram illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG7C , the method involved in the embodiment of the present disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100, and the method includes but is not limited to the following steps.

[0456] In step S7301, the network device 102 sends a second indication message to the first communication device 101, where the second indication message is used to instruct the first communication device to trigger an inventory or paging to send a first message, and the first message is used to perform an inventory or paging on one or more second devices; wherein the first communication device is an intermediate node in an environmental Internet of Things scenario, and the one or more second devices are one or more of the environmental Internet of Things devices.

[0457] The optional implementation of step S7301 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3302 in Figure 3C and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3C, which will not be repeated here.

[0458] Step S7302: The first communication device 101 sends first information.

[0459] The optional implementation of step S7302 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3303 in Figure 3C and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3C, which will not be repeated here.

[0460] Step S7303: The second device 103 receives the first information sent by the first communication device.

[0461] The optional implementation of step S7203 can refer to the optional implementation of step S3303 in Figure 3C and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3C, which will not be repeated here.

[0462] In some embodiments, the above method may include the method described in the above embodiments of the first communication device side, the network device side, the second device side, etc., which will not be repeated here.

[0463] This disclosure proposes a method for inventorying intermediate nodes in an Ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT) scenario. This method addresses the issues of how network devices instruct intermediate nodes to trigger an inventory and how the intermediate nodes issue the inventory instructions. Three implementation methods are described below.

[0464] Method 1: Intermediate nodes periodically inventory A-IOT devices.

[0465] In some embodiments, the base station configures one or more task-associated configuration information for the intermediate node via first configuration information. Specific configuration information includes, but is not limited to, an inventory cycle, and / or an inventory area / location, and / or resources / channels, and / or inventory response resources / channels, and / or a first parameter (e.g., represented by Q). Exemplarily, each task is associated with an inventory cycle, and / or an inventory area / location, and / or resources / channels, and / or inventory response resources / channels. The inventory cycles, and / or inventory areas / locations, and / or resources / channels, and / or inventory response resources / channels associated with different tasks can be the same or different. The inventory cycle is the time period during which the intermediate node sends inventory instructions. Exemplarily, the time period can be in units of seconds, minutes, hours, etc. The inventory location / area is the location / area that the intermediate node needs to inventory / paging. Exemplarily, it can be a zone ID or other identifier for the location / area. The resources / channel indicates the resources / channels used by the intermediate node to send inventory instructions. The inventory response resources / channel indicates the resources / channels used by the A-IOT device to send inventory responses. The intermediate node obtains the first configuration information through dedicated RRC signaling.

[0466] In some embodiments, an inventory cycle illustratively includes a first cycle and a second cycle. The first cycle can be understood as a major cycle, meaning that an inventory must be re-initiated after the first cycle. The second cycle can be a minor cycle, meaning that an inventory command can be repeatedly sent within a major cycle. A minor cycle is a minor cycle within a major cycle during which an inventory command is re-sent.

[0467] In some embodiments, the Q value can be named differently to resolve conflicts. The A-IOT device randomly selects a number in the range (0-2 to the power of Q). When this number decreases to 0, it can send data. This value is decremented by 1 each time an inventory command is received.

[0468] In some embodiments, upon receiving the first configuration information, the intermediate node initiates an inventory. For example, for one or more tasks configured in the first configuration information, the intermediate node generates an inventory instruction for each task. The intermediate node sends the inventory instruction on the resource / channel associated with the task indicated in the first configuration information. The intermediate node also starts or restarts a first timer associated with the task. The length of the first timer associated with the task is the length of the inventory cycle associated with the task. If the intermediate node determines that the first timer associated with the task has timed out, the intermediate node resends the inventory instruction corresponding to the task.

[0469] In some embodiments, the first configuration information indicates a first inventory period. Exemplarily, the first inventory period instructs the intermediate node to periodically inventory different tasks. For example, upon receiving the first configuration information, the intermediate node initiates an inventory of the first task and starts or restarts a second timer whose duration is equal to the first inventory period. Upon expiration of the second timer, the intermediate node performs an inventory of the second task.

[0470] Exemplary: Method 1 may not need to distinguish between different tasks, that is, the first configuration information only includes one configuration.

[0471] In some embodiments, the intermediate node may be a UE / terminal device.

[0472] Method 2: The base station instructs the intermediate node to take inventory of A-IOT devices.

[0473] In some embodiments, the intermediate node obtains the first configuration information through dedicated RRC signaling. The intermediate node saves the obtained first configuration information. The base station dynamically instructs the intermediate node to start the inventory through the first indication information. Exemplarily, the first indication information can be RRC signaling, MAC CE, DCI, etc. Upon receiving the first indication information, the intermediate node starts to start the inventory, generates an inventory instruction, and sends the inventory instruction on the resource / channel indicated by the first configuration information. Each time the intermediate node receives the first indication information, an inventory is triggered. Exemplarily, if multiple different tasks are supported, the first indication information can be used to trigger an inventory of different tasks. For example, MAC CE can define a bitmap, and different bits indicate the inventory of different tasks. For example, DCI can indicate the inventory of different tasks through different indication bits.

[0474] In some embodiments, method 1 and method 2 can work together. For example, the intermediate node sends an inventory instruction according to the first indication information, starts or restarts a first timer, and sends the inventory instruction again when the intermediate node determines that the first timer has timed out.

[0475] Method 3: The intermediate node forwards the inventory instruction from the base station.

[0476] In some embodiments, the base station configures the intermediate node through a second configuration, for example, instructing the terminal to become an intermediate node. The base station generates an inventory instruction and sends it to the intermediate node through second indication information, such as dedicated RRC signaling / MAC CE / DCI. Exemplarily, the second indication information may indicate a resource / channel, which is used to indicate the resource / channel on which the intermediate node sends the inventory instruction. Upon receiving the inventory instruction from the base station, the intermediate node initiates an inventory and sends the inventory instruction on the resource / channel indicated by the second indication information.

[0477] In some embodiments, the above-mentioned methods 1, 2, and 3 may all be applied to other commands besides inventory, such as indoor commands.

[0478] The embodiments of the present disclosure further provide an apparatus for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing each step performed by the first communication device in any of the above methods. For another example, another apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing each step performed by the network device in any of the above methods.

[0479] It should be understood that the division of the various units or modules in the above device is merely a division of logical functions. In actual implementation, they may be fully or partially integrated into a physical entity, or they may be physically separated. In addition, the units or modules in the device may be implemented in the form of a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor, the processor is connected to a memory, and the memory stores instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or implement the functions of the various units or modules of the above device, wherein 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 within the device or a memory 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), which realizes the functions of some or all of the above units or modules 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 configuring the 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 the form of software called by the processor, and the rest by hardware circuits.

[0480] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor is a circuit with information processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction reading and execution capabilities, 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. The logical relationship of the above-mentioned hardware circuit is fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented by an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and implementing the hardware circuit configuration 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.

[0481] Figure 8A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first communication device proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 8A , the first communication device 8100 may include at least one of a transceiver module 8101 and a processing module 8102. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 8101 is configured to transmit first information, which is used to inventory or page one or more second devices. The first communication device is an intermediate node in an ambient IoT scenario, and the one or more second devices are one or more ambient IoT devices.

[0482] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 8101 is further used to: receive first configuration information sent by the network device; wherein the first configuration information includes at least one of the following: an inventory or paging period, which is a time period during which the first communication device sends the first information; an inventory or paging area, which is an area in which the first communication device needs to inventory or page; an inventory or paging location, which is a location in which the first communication device needs to inventory or page; a first resource and / or a first channel, which is a resource and / or a channel for the first communication device to send the first information; a second resource and / or a second channel, which is a resource and / or a channel used by one or more second devices to send the second information; the second information is a response message of the one or more second devices to the first information; an inventory type, which is a type of the one or more second devices in inventory; a first parameter, which is used by the one or more second devices to generate a random number, the random number being the initial value of a counter, which is decremented by one each time the one or more second devices receive the first information, wherein the second information is sent by the one or more second devices when the counter is the first value.

[0483] In some embodiments, the processing module 8102 is used to receive the first configuration information and trigger an inventory or paging; the transceiver module 8101 is specifically used to: send the first information on the first resource and / or the first channel.

[0484] In some embodiments, the first information further includes at least one of the following: a second resource and / or a second channel, an inventory type, and a first parameter.

[0485] In some embodiments, the processing module 8102 is further configured to start or restart a first timer, the length of the first timer being the length of an inventory or paging cycle; the transceiver module 8101 is further configured to resend the first information when the first timer times out.

[0486] In some embodiments, the first configuration information is configuration information associated with one or more tasks.

[0487] In some embodiments, the processing module 8102 is specifically used to: start or restart the first timer associated with the first task, the length of the first timer associated with the first task is the length of the inventory or paging cycle associated with the first task; the first task is any one or more tasks among one or more tasks; the transceiver module 8101 is specifically used to: when the timer associated with the first task times out, resend the first information corresponding to the first task, and the first information corresponding to the first task is used to inventory or paging the second device associated with the first task.

[0488] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 8101 is further configured to receive first indication information sent by a network device, where the first indication information is configured to instruct the first communication device to trigger an inventory or paging.

[0489] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 8101 is specifically used to: receive the first indication information and send the first information.

[0490] In some embodiments, the first indication information is used to instruct the first communication device to trigger an inventory or paging of one or more tasks.

[0491] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 8101 is further used to: receive second indication information sent by the network device; wherein the second indication information includes the first resource and / or the first channel; and send the first information on the first resource and / or the first channel.

[0492] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 8101 is further used to: receive second configuration information sent by the network device, where the second configuration information includes an indication that the first communication device is an intermediate node.

[0493] In some embodiments, the second indication information also includes at least one of the following: a second resource and / or a second channel, an inventory type, and a first parameter; wherein the second resource and / or the second channel are used to indicate the resources and / or channels used by one or more second devices to send the second information; the second information is the response information of one or more second devices to the first information; the inventory type is the type of one or more second devices in inventory; the first parameter is used for one or more second devices to generate a random number, and the random number is the initial value of the counter, and the counter is decremented by one each time one or more second devices receive the first information, wherein the second information is sent by the one or more second devices when the counter is the first value.

[0494] In some embodiments, the first information further includes at least one of the following: a second resource and / or a second channel, an inventory type, and a first parameter.

[0495] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 8101 is further used to: receive second information sent by one or more second devices.

[0496] Optionally, the transceiver module is configured to execute at least one of the communication steps (e.g., step S3103, step S3105, step S3203, step S3205, step S3303, step S3305, but not limited thereto) such as sending and / or receiving performed by the first communication device 101 in any of the above methods, which are not described in detail here. Optionally, the processing module is configured to execute at least one of the other steps (e.g., step S3102, but not limited thereto) performed by the first communication device 101 in any of the above methods, which are not described in detail here.

[0497] Figure 8B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network device proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 8B, network device 8200 may include at least one of a transceiver module 8201 and a processing module 8202. In some embodiments, transceiver module 8201 is configured to send first configuration information to a first communication device; the first configuration information is used by the first communication device to trigger an inventory or paging upon receipt of the first configuration information, and the inventory or paging is used to perform an inventory or paging on one or more second devices; wherein the first communication device is an intermediate node in an ambient IoT scenario, and the one or more second devices are one or more ambient IoT devices.

[0498] In some embodiments, the first configuration information includes at least one of the following: an inventory or paging cycle, which is a time period during which the first communication device sends the first information; an inventory or paging area, which is an area that the first communication device needs to inventory or page; an inventory or paging location, which is a location that the first communication device needs to inventory or page; a first resource and / or a first channel, which are resources and / or channels for the first communication device to send the first information; a second resource and / or a second channel, which are resources and / or channels used by one or more second devices to send the second information; the second information is response information of one or more second devices to the first information; an inventory type, which is a type of one or more second devices in inventory; a first parameter, which is used by one or more second devices to generate a random number, which is the initial value of a counter, and the counter is decremented by one each time the one or more second devices receive the first information, wherein the second information is sent by the one or more second devices when the counter is the first value.

[0499] In some embodiments, the first configuration information is configuration information associated with one or more tasks.

[0500] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 8201 is used to send a first indication message to a first communication device, where the first indication message is used to instruct the first communication device to trigger an inventory or paging to send a first message, and the first message is used to perform an inventory or paging on one or more second devices; wherein the first communication device is an intermediate node in an environmental Internet of Things scenario, and the one or more second devices are one or more of the environmental Internet of Things devices.

[0501] In some embodiments, the first indication information is used to instruct the first communication device to trigger an inventory or paging of one or more tasks.

[0502] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 8201 is further used to: send first configuration information to the first communication device; wherein the first configuration information includes at least one of the following: an inventory or paging cycle, the inventory or paging cycle is the time period for the first communication device to send the first information; an inventory or paging area, the inventory or paging area is the area that the first communication device needs to inventory or page; an inventory or paging location, the inventory or paging location is the location that the first communication device needs to inventory or page; a first resource and / or a first channel, the first resource and / or the first channel are the resources and / or channels used by the first communication device to send the first information; a second resource and / or a second channel, the second resource and / or the second channel are the resources and / or channels used by one or more second devices to send the second information; the second information is the response information of the one or more second devices to the first information; an inventory type, the inventory type is the type of the one or more second devices in the inventory; a first parameter, the first parameter is used by the one or more second devices to generate a random number, the random number is the initial value of the counter, and the counter is decremented by one each time the one or more second devices receive the first information, wherein the second information is sent by the one or more second devices when the counter is the first value.

[0503] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 8201 is used to send a second indication message to the first communication device, and the second indication message is used to instruct the first communication device to trigger an inventory or paging to send the first message, and the first message is used to perform an inventory or paging on one or more second devices; wherein the first communication device is an intermediate node in the environmental Internet of Things scenario, and the one or more second devices are one or more of the environmental Internet of Things devices.

[0504] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 8201 is further used to: send second configuration information to the first communication device, where the second configuration information includes an indication that the first communication device is an intermediate node.

[0505] In some embodiments, the second indication information also includes at least one of the following: a first resource and / or a first channel, a second resource and / or a second channel, an inventory type, and a first parameter; wherein the first resource and / or the first channel are the resources and / or channels for the first communication device to send the first information; the second resource and / or the second channel are used to indicate the resources and / or channels used by one or more second devices to send the second information; the second information is the response information of one or more second devices to the first information; the inventory type is the type of one or more second devices in inventory; the first parameter is used for one or more second devices to generate a random number, the random number is the initial value of the counter, and the counter is decremented by one each time the one or more second devices receive the first information, wherein the second information is sent by the one or more second devices when the counter is the first value.

[0506] Optionally, the transceiver module is configured to execute at least one of the communication steps (e.g., step S3101, step S3201, step S3202, step S3301, step S3302, but not limited thereto) such as sending and / or receiving performed by the network device 8200 in any of the above methods, which are not described in detail here. Optionally, the processing module is configured to execute at least one of the other steps performed by the network device 102 in any of the above methods, which are not described in detail here.

[0507] Figure 8C is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first communication device proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 8C, the second device 8300 may include at least one of a transceiver module 8301 and a processing module 8302. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 8301 is configured to receive first information sent by a first communication device, the first information being used to perform an inventory or paging operation on the second device; the first communication device is an intermediate node in an ambient IoT scenario, and the second device is one or more ambient IoT devices.

[0508] In some embodiments, the first information also includes at least one of the following: a second resource and / or a second channel, the second resource and / or the second channel are the resources and / or channels used by the second device to send the second information; the second information is the response information of the second device to the first information; the inventory type, the inventory type is the type of the inventory second device; the first parameter, the first parameter is used by the second device to generate a random number, the random number is the initial value of the counter, and the counter is reduced by one each time the second device receives the first information.

[0509] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 8301 is further used to: send second information on a second resource and / or a second channel.

[0510] In some embodiments, the processing module 8302 is configured to: generate a random number based on the first parameter; use the random number as the initial value of the counter, and decrement the counter by 1 each time the first information is received. The transceiver module 8301 is configured to: send the second information when the counter is at the first value.

[0511] Optionally, the transceiver module is configured to execute at least one of the communication steps (e.g., step S3104, step S3204, and step S3304, but not limited thereto) such as sending and / or receiving performed by the second device 8300 in any of the above methods, which are not described in detail here. Optionally, the processing module is configured to execute at least one of the other steps performed by the network device 102 in any of the above methods, which are not described in detail here.

[0512] In some embodiments, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module, and the transmitting module and the receiving module may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the transceiver module may be interchangeable with the transceiver.

[0513] In some embodiments, the processing module can be a single module or include multiple submodules. Optionally, the multiple submodules each execute all or part of the steps required to be executed by the processing module. Optionally, the processing module and the processor can be interchangeable.

[0514] Figure 9A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 9100 proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. Communication device 9100 can be a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network device, etc.), a first communication device (e.g., a terminal, etc.), a second device (e.g., an environmental Internet of Things device, etc.), a chip, a chip system, or a processor that supports a network device to implement any of the above methods, or a chip, a chip system, or a processor that supports a terminal to implement any of the above methods. Communication device 9100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments. For details, please refer to the description of the above method embodiments.

[0515] As shown in Figure 9A, the communication device 9100 includes one or more processors 9101. The processor 9101 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 the communication protocol and communication data, and the central processing unit can be used to control the communication device (such as a base station, a baseband chip, a terminal device, a terminal device chip, a DU or a CU, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. Optionally, the communication device 9100 is used to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, one or more processors 9101 are used to call instructions to enable the communication device 9100 to perform any of the above methods.

[0516] In some embodiments, the communication device 9100 further includes one or more transceivers 9103. When the communication device 9100 includes one or more transceivers 9103, the transceiver 9103 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (e.g., step S3101, step S3103 to step S3105, step S3201 to step S3205, step S3301 to step S3305, but not limited thereto), and the processor 9101 performs at least one of the other steps (e.g., step S3102, but not limited thereto). In an optional embodiment, the transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, and the receiver and transmitter may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, interface circuit, and interface may be interchangeable, the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, and transmitting circuit may be interchangeable, and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, and receiving circuit may be interchangeable.

[0517] In some embodiments, the communication device 9100 further includes one or more memories 9102 for storing data. Alternatively, all or part of the memories 9102 may be located outside the communication device 9100. In an alternative embodiment, the communication device 9100 may include one or more interface circuits 9104. Optionally, the interface circuits 9104 are connected to the memories 9102 and may be configured to receive data from the memories 9102 or other devices, or to send data to the memories 9102 or other devices. For example, the interface circuits 9104 may read data stored in the memories 9102 and send the data to the processor 9101.

[0518] The communication device 9100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 9100 described in the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 9100 may not be limited by FIG. 9A. The communication device may be an independent device or may be 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 above IC collection may also include a storage component for storing data or 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, an in-vehicle device, a network device, a cloud device, an artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0519] 9B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip 9200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. If the communication device 9100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of the structure of the chip 9200 shown in FIG9B , but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0520] The chip 9200 includes one or more processors 9201. The chip 9200 is configured to execute any of the above methods.

[0521] In some embodiments, chip 9200 further includes one or more interface circuits 9202. Terms such as interface circuit, interface, and transceiver pins may be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, chip 9200 further includes one or more memories 9203 for storing data. Alternatively, all or part of memory 9203 may be located external to chip 9200. Optionally, interface circuit 9202 is connected to memory 9203 and may be used to receive data from memory 9203 or other devices, or may be used to send data to memory 9203 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 9202 may read data stored in memory 9203 and send the data to processor 9201.

[0522] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 9202 performs at least one of the communication steps, such as sending and / or receiving, in the above method (e.g., steps S3101, S3103 to S3105, S3201 to S3205, and S3301 to S3305, but not limited thereto). The interface circuit 9202 performing the communication steps, such as sending and / or receiving, in the above method, for example, means that the interface circuit 9202 performs data exchange between the processor 9201, chip 9200, memory 9203, or a transceiver device. In some embodiments, the processor 9201 performs at least one of the other steps (e.g., step S3102, but not limited thereto).

[0523] The present disclosure also proposes a storage medium having instructions stored thereon, which, when executed on the communication device 9100, causes the communication device 9100 to execute 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.

[0524] The present disclosure also provides a program product, which, when executed by the communication device 9100, enables the communication device 9100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0525] The present disclosure also proposes a computer program, which, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform any one of the above methods.

[0526] In the above embodiments, all or part of the embodiments can be implemented by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, all or part of the embodiments can be implemented in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs. When the computer program is loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of the present disclosure are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium. For example, the computer program can be transmitted from one website, computer, server or data center to another website, computer, server or data center via a wired (e.g., coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) method. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more available media integrated therein. The available medium may be a magnetic medium (eg, a floppy disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape), an optical medium (eg, a high-density digital video disc (DVD)), or a semiconductor medium (eg, a solid state disk (SSD)).

[0527] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professionals and technicians can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this disclosure.

[0528] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices and units described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0529] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present disclosure, but the scope of protection of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this disclosure should be included in the scope of protection of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present disclosure should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. An information processing method, characterized in that, The method is performed by a first communication device, and the method includes: Sending first information, where the first information is used to inventory or page one or more second devices; wherein, the first communication device is an intermediate node in an Internet of Things for environment scenario, and the one or more second devices are one or more of the Internet of Things for environment devices.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receiving first configuration information sent by a network device; wherein, the first configuration information includes at least one of the following: An inventory or paging period, where the inventory or paging period is a time period for the first communication device to send the first information; An inventory or paging area, where the inventory or paging area is an area for the first communication device to inventory or page; An inventory or paging position, where the inventory or paging position is a position for the first communication device to inventory or page; A first resource and / or a first channel, where the first resource and / or the first channel are the resource and / or channel for the first communication device to send the first information; A second resource and / or a second channel, where the second resource and / or the second channel are the resource and / or channel used by the one or more second devices to send second information; the second information is a response information of the one or more second devices to the first information; An inventory type, where the inventory type is a type of the one or more second devices to be inventoried; A first parameter, where the first parameter is used for the one or more second devices to generate a random number, the random number is an initial value of a counter, and the counter decrements by one each time the one or more second devices receive the first information, wherein the second information is sent by the one or more second devices when the counter is a first value.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein The sending of the first information includes: Receiving the first configuration information; Sending the first information on the first resource and / or the first channel.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein The method further includes: Starting or restarting a first timer, where a length of the first timer is a length of the inventory or paging period; When the first timer times out, re-sending the first information.

5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The first information further includes at least one of the following: the second resource and / or the second channel, the inventory type, the first parameter.

6. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The first configuration information is configuration information associated with one or more tasks.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein The starting or restarting of the first timer includes: Starting or restarting a first timer associated with a first task, where a length of the first timer associated with the first task is a length of the inventory or paging period associated with the first task; the first task is any one or more of the one or more tasks; When the first timer times out, re-sending the first information includes: When a timer associated with the first task times out, re-sending the first information corresponding to the first task, where the first information corresponding to the first task is used to inventory or page a second device associated with the first task.

8. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receiving first indication information sent by a network device, where the first indication information is used to instruct the first communication device to trigger inventory or paging.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein The sending of the first information includes: Upon receiving the first indication information, send the first information.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The first indication information is used to instruct the first communication device to trigger an inventory or paging of one or more tasks.

11. The method according to claim 1, wherein The sending of the first information includes: Receiving second indication information sent by a network device; wherein, the second indication information includes a first resource and / or a first channel; Sending the first information on the first resource and / or the first channel.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein The method further includes: Receiving second configuration information sent by the network device, the second configuration information including an indication that the first communication device is the intermediate node.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The second indication information further includes at least one of the following: a second resource and / or a second channel, an inventory type, a first parameter; wherein, The second resource and / or the second channel is used to indicate the resource and / or the channel used by the one or more second devices to send second information; the second information is a response message of the one or more second devices to the first information; The inventory type is the type of the one or more second devices being inventoried; The first parameter is used by the one or more second devices to generate a random number, the random number being the initial value of a counter, and the counter decrements by one each time the one or more second devices receive the first information, wherein the second information is sent by the one or more second devices when the counter is a first value.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein The first information further includes at least one of the following: the second resource and / or the second channel, the inventory type, the first parameter.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1-14, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receiving second information sent by the one or more second devices.

16. An information processing method, characterized in that, The method is executed by a second device, and the method includes: Receiving first information sent by a first communication device, the first information being used to inventory or page the second device; wherein, The first communication device is an intermediate node in an environmental Internet of Things scenario, and the second device is one or more of the environmental Internet of Things devices.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein The first information further includes at least one of the following: A second resource and / or a second channel, the second resource and / or the second channel being the resource and / or the channel used by the second device to send second information; the second information is a response message of the second device to the first information; An inventory type, the inventory type being the type of the second device being inventoried; A first parameter, the first parameter being used by the second device to generate a random number, the random number being the initial value of a counter, and the counter decrements by one each time the second device receives the first information.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein The method further includes: Sending the second information on the second resource and / or the second channel.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein The sending of the second information includes: Generating a random number based on the first parameter; Using the random number as the initial value of a counter, and the counter decrements by one each time the first information is received; Sending the second information when the counter is a first value.

20. An information processing method, characterized in that, The method is executed by a network device, and the method includes: Send first configuration information to a first communication device; the first configuration information is used for the first communication device to trigger an inventory or paging when receiving the first configuration information, and the inventory or paging is used for inventorying or paging one or more second devices; wherein, the first communication device is an intermediate node in an environmental Internet of Things scenario, and the one or more second devices are one or more of the environmental Internet of Things devices.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein The first configuration information includes at least one of the following: An inventory or paging period, which is the time period for the first communication device to send the first information; An inventory or paging area, which is the area for the first communication device to conduct inventory or paging; An inventory or paging position, which is the position for the first communication device to conduct inventory or paging; A first resource and / or a first channel, which are the resource and / or channel for the first communication device to send the first information; A second resource and / or a second channel, which are the resource and / or channel for the one or more second devices to send second information; the second information is the response information of the one or more second devices to the first information; An inventory type, which is the type of the one or more second devices to be inventoried; A first parameter, which is used for the one or more second devices to generate a random number, and the random number is the initial value of a counter, and the counter decrements by one each time the one or more second devices receive the first information, wherein the second information is sent by the one or more second devices when the counter is at a first value.

22. The method according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that The first configuration information is configuration information associated with one or more tasks.

23. An information processing method, characterized in that, The method is executed by a network device, and the method includes: Send first indication information to a first communication device, the first indication information is used to instruct the first communication device to trigger an inventory or paging to send first information, and the first information is used for inventorying or paging one or more second devices; wherein, the first communication device is an intermediate node in an environmental Internet of Things scenario, and the one or more second devices are one or more of the environmental Internet of Things devices.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein The first indication information is used to instruct the first communication device to trigger an inventory or paging of one or more tasks.

25. The method according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send first configuration information to the first communication device; wherein, the first configuration information includes at least one of the following: An inventory or paging period, which is the time period for the first communication device to send the first information; An inventory or paging area, which is the area for the first communication device to conduct inventory or paging; An inventory or paging position, which is the position for the first communication device to conduct inventory or paging; A first resource and / or a first channel, which are the resource and / or channel for the first communication device to send the first information; A second resource and / or a second channel, where the second resource and / or the second channel are the resources and / or channels used by the one or more second devices to send second information; the second information is the response information of the one or more second devices to the first information; An inventory type, where the inventory type is the type of the one or more second devices being inventoried; A first parameter, where the first parameter is used by the one or more second devices to generate a random number, the random number is the initial value of a counter, and the counter decrements by one each time the one or more second devices receive the first information. Wherein, the second information is sent by the one or more second devices when the counter is at a first value.

26. An information processing method, characterized in that, The method is executed by a network device, and the method includes: Sending second indication information to a first communication device, where the second indication information is used to instruct the first communication device to trigger an inventory or paging to send first information, and the first information is used to inventory or page one or more second devices; wherein, the first communication device is an intermediate node in an environmental Internet of Things scenario, and the one or more second devices are one or more of the environmental Internet of Things devices.

27. The method according to claim 26, wherein The method further includes: Sending second configuration information to the first communication device, where the second configuration information includes an indication that the first communication device is the intermediate node.

28. The method according to claim 26 or 27, characterized in that The second indication information further includes at least one of the following: a first resource and / or a first channel, a second resource and / or a second channel, an inventory type, a first parameter; wherein, The first resource and / or the first channel are the resources and / or channels used by the first communication device to send the first information; The second resource and / or the second channel are used to indicate the resources and / or channels used by the one or more second devices to send second information; the second information is the response information of the one or more second devices to the first information; The inventory type is the type of the one or more second devices being inventoried; The first parameter is used by the one or more second devices to generate a random number, the random number is the initial value of a counter, and the counter decrements by one each time the one or more second devices receive the first information. Wherein, the second information is sent by the one or more second devices when the counter is at a first value. including:

29. A first communication device, characterized in that, A transceiver module, configured to send first information, where the first information is used to inventory or page one or more second devices; wherein, the first communication device is an intermediate node in an environmental Internet of Things scenario, and the one or more second devices are one or more of the environmental Internet of Things devices. including:

30. A second device, characterized in that, A transceiver module, configured to receive first information sent by a first communication device, where the first information is used to inventory or page the second device; wherein, the first communication device is an intermediate node in an environmental Internet of Things scenario, and the second device is one or more of the environmental Internet of Things devices. including:

31. A network device, characterized in that, A transceiver module, configured to send first configuration information to a first communication device; ​ The first configuration information is used for the first communication device to trigger inventory or paging when receiving the first configuration information, and the inventory or paging is used for inventorying or paging one or more second devices; wherein, the first communication device is an intermediate node in the environmental Internet of Things scenario, and the one or more second devices are one or more of the environmental Internet of Things devices.

32. A network device, characterized in that, Comprising: A transceiver module, configured to send first indication information to the first communication device, where the first indication information is used to instruct the first communication device to trigger inventory or paging to send first information, and the first information is used for inventorying or paging one or more second devices; wherein, the first communication device is an intermediate node in the environmental Internet of Things scenario, and the one or more second devices are one or more of the environmental Internet of Things devices.

33. A network device, characterized in that, Comprising: A transceiver module, configured to send second indication information to the first communication device, where the second indication information is used to instruct the first communication device to trigger inventory or paging to send first information, and the first information is used for inventorying or paging one or more second devices; wherein, the first communication device is an intermediate node in the environmental Internet of Things scenario, and the one or more second devices are one or more of the environmental Internet of Things devices.

34. A communication system, characterized in that, Comprising: A first communication device, configured to execute the information processing method according to any one of claims 1-15. A second device, configured to execute the information processing method according to any one of claims 16-19. A network device, configured to execute the information processing method according to any one of claims 20-28.

35. A communication device, characterized in that, Comprising: One or more processors; Wherein, the communication device is used to execute the information processing method according to any one of claims 1-15, 16-19, 20-28.

36. A storage medium, the storage medium stores instructions, characterized in that, When the instruction runs on the communication device, the communication device is caused to execute the information processing method according to any one of claims 1-15, 16-19, 20-28.

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